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What You Need to Know About Filing a Personal Injury Claim on Your Child’s Behalf in California

As a parent, it can be distressing to see your child suffer from an injury caused by someone else's negligence. If your child has been injured in an accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim on their behalf to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

Here is a guide on how to file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child in California:

Gather evidence

In order to prove that someone else was at fault for your child's injury, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible. This may include photographs of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records.

Determine the value of the claim

You will need to determine the full extent of your child's injuries and the costs associated with their treatment. This may include medical bills, lost wages if your child is unable to work, and any other damages such as pain and suffering.

Choose a lawyer

It is strongly recommended that you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you and your child in the claim. A lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to handle the legal process and negotiate with the other party's insurance company to get the best settlement possible.

File a claim with the responsible party's insurance company

Once you have gathered all the necessary evidence and determined the value of the claim, you can file a claim with the responsible party's insurance company. Your lawyer can help you with this process.

Negotiate a settlement

The insurance company may offer you a settlement to resolve the claim. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to get the best settlement possible. If you and the insurance company are unable to reach a settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit in court.

It is important to note that personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim within this time frame, you may be barred from seeking compensation.

Filing a personal injury claim on behalf of your child can be a complex and emotional process, but seeking compensation can help cover the costs associated with your child's injury and provide some financial relief for your family. It is always a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer to understand your options and to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your child's rights.

A qualified personal injury lawyer can also assist you with such tasks as:

• Investigating the accident to determine who is liable
• Gathering evidence proving negligence
• Accounting for your child’s various compensable losses to determine the approximate value of their claim
• Handling all negotiations with the insurance company

At Randolph & Associates, our Southern California personal injury attorneys deeply appreciate how painful it can be to know your child was harmed due to the negligence of another party. We can ease some of your burdens during this time by providing the representation your child deserves. Learn more by contacting us online to schedule a consultation.