Generally, anyone under the age of 18 cannot file a lawsuit without the help of a parent, adult or guardian. Children and adolescents are at high risk for many injuries including those caused by:

• Cars and other motor vehicle accidents
• Fireworks
• Playground equipment
• Ingestion of household products such as cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, pain relievers, foreign bodies, and plants
• Household fires
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Swimming-related accidents

In some instances these accidents can lead to death or severe disability. For example, a daycare in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was shut down after a child was found dead in the school's van. Personal injury lawsuits filed on behalf of children can therefore deal with the extraordinary costs that may be involved with the care of a severely injured child through their maturity and adult life. That is to say, just as an injury to an adult may require future rehabilitation, etc., it is important for those dealing with their child's injury to hire an attorney capable of determining all of the eventual counseling, assistance, aid that will come down the road to get the financial restitution required.

The important thing is for parents to understand there are certain requirements including parental filing that must be followed, as well as specific rules dealing with the handling of any financial settlement or ruling. An injury to a minor or child is especially sad and emotionally taxing but it is important to attain the medical and professional services of the best available personnel to protect the rights, and future health, of the victim.

For information regarding Louisiana's child abuse statutes and law, click here.

If you are a parent, guardian or concerned adult related to a minor who has been severely injured in the Louisiana area, we'd like to hear from you. Contact us online or call us at 504-527-6225 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.