Posted on Monday, August 12th, 2019 at 5:02 pm    

When a child is injured, a parent’s first concern is the child’s wellbeing and health. However, if the child was injured because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, the child may have a personal injury claim. California child injury lawsuits are different from other types of personal injury lawsuits. In this blog, our California personal injury attorney discusses three important things parents need to know about child injury lawsuits in California.

1.  Children Cannot File a Lawsuit on Their Behalf

A child does not have the legal standing to file a personal injury lawsuit until the child reaches 18 years of age. A parent or legal guardian must file the personal injury lawsuit on behalf of the child.

2.  The Deadline for Filing Child Injury Lawsuits May Be Different from Other Personal Injury Lawsuit Deadlines

In most personal injury cases, the victim has two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most medical malpractice cases, the victim has one year from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If the case involves a government entity, a claim must be filed within six months to protect the victim’s right to file a lawsuit.

If the victim is a minor, the deadline to file a lawsuit for most personal injury claims is tolled or paused until the child reaches 18 years of age. The tolling of the statute of limitations is meant to give the child time to file a lawsuit once the child is an adult, if the child’s parents did not file a lawsuit on behalf of the child when he or she was a minor.

However, medical malpractice claims and some other personal injury claims have different rules for tolling the statute of limitations. Parents should consult a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss child injury lawsuits to avoid losing the right to file a lawsuit alleging medical malpractice or other injuries to a child.

3.  Settlements for Child Injury Cases Are Handled Differently from Settlements in Other Cases

If a child injury claim is settled, the court must approve the settlement. A Minors Compromise action is filed with the court to gain court approval to ensure that the settlement is in the best interest of the minor. If the settlement is approved, the court typically orders that the money is held in trust until the child reaches 18 years of age. The court usually allows parents or legal guardians to manage the funds if a settlement is approved for $5,000 or less, thereby avoiding a Minors Compromise action.

Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer for More Information

If your child has been injured, we strongly recommend that you contact our office to discuss child injury lawsuits with an attorney. Different rules apply to cases involving minors. A mistake could result in your child losing his or her right to recover compensation for injuries and damages caused by another party.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our California child injury attorneys.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.