NYC Child Injury Lawyer

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we understand that nothing is more precious than your child’s well-being. When a child suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the emotional and financial toll on families can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team of child injury lawyers in New York City is committed to helping families navigate the complex legal landscape and seek justice for their injured children.

PAY NOTHING UNLESS YOU WIN. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. 

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Compensation You May Be Entitled To After an Injury To Your Child

When a child suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the impact on the family can be significant, both emotionally and financially. As child injury lawyers, we at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP work diligently to ensure that families receive fair compensation for all damages related to the injury. Here’s an overview of the types of compensation you may be entitled to:

Medical Expenses

One of the primary forms of compensation in child injury cases is reimbursement for medical expenses. This can include:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospitalization costs
• Surgeries and procedures
• Medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health counseling
• Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, braces)
• Future medical care related to the injury

Our child injury attorneys work with medical professionals to accurately assess current and future medical needs and ensure that all potential expenses are accounted for in the compensation claim.

Pain and Suffering

While it’s challenging to put a monetary value on a child’s pain and suffering, it’s an important component of many injury claims. This compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress your child has endured and may continue to experience due to the injury. Factors that may influence pain and suffering compensation include:

• Severity of the injury
• Duration of recovery
• Long-term or permanent effects
• Impact on the child’s daily life and activities

Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish

Separate from pain and suffering, compensation may be available for specific emotional and psychological impacts of the injury, such as:

• Anxiety or depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disturbances
• Phobias developed as a result of the accident

Our personal injury lawyers work with mental health professionals to document and validate these claims, ensuring they are properly addressed in the compensation package.

Loss of Quality of Life

If the injury results in permanent disabilities or significant lifestyle changes, compensation may be sought for loss of quality of life. This can include:

• Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Loss of independence
• Reduced capacity for social interaction
• Alterations in life expectations and opportunities

Educational Support and Accommodations

When a child’s injury affects their ability to learn or participate in school activities, compensation may cover:

• Tutoring services
• Special education programs
• Assistive technology for learning
• Modifications to school environments

Home and Vehicle Modifications

In cases of severe injuries that result in mobility issues, compensation may be sought for necessary modifications to the family’s home and vehicles, such as:

• Wheelchair ramps
• Widened doorways
• Adapted bathrooms
• Vehicle lifts or hand controls

Lost Wages for Parents or Guardians

When parents or guardians need to take time off work to care for an injured child, compensation may be available for:

• Lost wages during the initial recovery period
• Reduced earning capacity if long-term care is required
• Costs associated with hiring caregivers

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

In cases of severe injuries that may impact a child’s future ability to work, compensation can be sought for the potential loss of future earning capacity. This complex calculation typically involves input from economic experts who consider factors such as:

• The child’s potential career path
• Expected lifetime earnings
• The impact of the injury on employability

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. While less common, our child injury attorneys will pursue punitive damages when appropriate.

Wrongful Death Compensation

In the tragic event of a fatal child injury, families may be entitled to wrongful death compensation. While no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a child, this can help cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Loss of the child’s potential financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional support

As child injury lawyers, we at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP understand the complexities of calculating and pursuing fair compensation for child injuries. We consider all aspects of the injury’s impact on the child and the family, both in the short and long term. Our goal is to secure a compensation package that addresses current needs while also providing for future requirements that may arise due to the injury.

How a Children’s Injury Lawyer Can Help

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, our role as child injury lawyers extends beyond legal representation. We understand the profound impact that a child’s injury can have on the entire family, and we’re committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the legal process. Here’s how our team of dedicated child injury attorneys can assist you:

1. Thorough Case Evaluation

When you come to us with a potential child injury case, we comprehensively evaluate all aspects of the incident. This includes reviewing medical records and police reports, analyzing witness statements, examining the location where the injury occurred, assessing any product defects if applicable, and determining all potentially liable parties. Our thorough approach ensures no detail is overlooked, laying the groundwork for a strong case.

2. Expert Consultation

Child injury cases often require input from various experts to establish liability and the full extent of damages. As your child injury lawyers, we collaborate with medical professionals to understand the long-term implications of the injury, accident reconstruction specialists to determine how the incident occurred, life care planners to project future care needs, economic experts to calculate long-term financial impacts, and educational specialists to assess academic support requirements. These expert opinions strengthen your case and help ensure that all current and future needs are accounted for in any settlement or verdict.

3. Skilled Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in child injury cases where long-term impacts may not be immediately apparent. Our child injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who handle all communication with insurance adjusters, push back against lowball settlement offers, present compelling evidence to support your claim, and advocate for fair compensation that covers all aspects of the injury. We’re not afraid to take on large insurance companies to fight for what your family deserves.

4. Comprehensive Legal Strategy

Every child injury case is unique, and we tailor our legal strategy to the specific circumstances of your situation. This may involve filing necessary legal documents within required timeframes, conducting depositions of witnesses and involved parties, preparing and responding to motions, representing your interests in mediation or arbitration, and taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our child injury lawyers are prepared for every scenario, always keeping your child’s best interests at the forefront.

5. Clear Communication and Support

We understand that navigating a legal case while caring for an injured child can be overwhelming. That’s why we prioritize clear, consistent communication. When you work with our child injury attorneys, you can expect regular updates on your case progress, explanations of legal terms and processes in easy-to-understand language, prompt responses to your questions and concerns, and compassionate support throughout the entire process. We’re here to alleviate the legal burden so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

6. Maximum Compensation Pursuit

As experienced child injury lawyers, we know that the full impact of a child’s injury may not be immediately apparent. We work diligently to pursue maximum compensation that covers current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life, educational support needs, and potential loss of future earning capacity. Our goal is to secure a settlement or verdict that provides for your child’s needs both now and in the future.

7. Trial Representation

While many cases settle out of court, our child injury attorneys are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at presenting complex medical evidence clearly and compellingly, cross-examining witnesses and expert testimony, crafting persuasive arguments to juries, and navigating courtroom procedures and protocols. Our willingness to go to trial often motivates opposing parties to offer fair settlements, but if they don’t, we’re ready to fight for your rights in court.

8. No Upfront Costs

We understand that families dealing with a child’s injury may already be facing financial strain. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees; we only get paid if we secure compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without additional financial burden.

9. Long-Term Support

Our commitment to your family doesn’t end when your case is resolved. As your child injury lawyers, we’re here to answer questions about implementing the settlement, assist with setting up trusts or structured settlements if applicable, and provide referrals to other professionals who can support your child’s ongoing needs.

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we’re more than just your legal representatives – we’re your partners in securing the best possible future for your injured child. Our experienced child injury attorneys combine legal acumen with genuine compassion to provide the comprehensive support your family needs during this challenging time.

Common Types of Child Injuries

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, our child injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases involving injuries to children. Here are some of the most common types:

Playground Injuries

Fractures, sprains, cuts, and head injuries from falls or faulty equipment.

Sports-Related Injuries

Concussions, broken bones, sprains, and overuse injuries in various sports activities.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Injuries to child passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists range from whiplash to severe trauma.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Injuries resulting from collisions with vehicles or falls, often due to driver negligence or unsafe road conditions.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Physical injuries and emotional trauma from animal attacks often involve negligent pet owners.

Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

Brain damage, long-term disabilities, or fatalities from accidents in pools, public swimming areas, or bathtubs.

Burns and Scalds

Injuries from hot liquids, flames, or contact with hot surfaces often require long-term treatment.

Poisoning and Toxic Exposure

Health consequences from accidental ingestion of chemicals, medications, or exposure to environmental toxins.

Falls

Injuries from heights, stairs, or slippery surfaces, potentially resulting in head trauma or broken bones.

Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries

Injuries due to medical negligence during pregnancy, birth, or general healthcare.

Product-Related Injuries

The harm is caused by defective or unsafe products, including toys, car seats, cribs, and clothing.

If your child has suffered any of these types of injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact our child injury attorneys for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Common Causes of Child Injuries

Understanding the common causes of child injuries can help parents and caregivers take preventive measures. Some frequent scenarios we encounter as child injury lawyers include:

Playground Accidents

Playgrounds should be safe havens for children to explore and play. However, poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision, or defective designs can lead to serious injuries. Our child injury attorneys have handled cases involving:

• Falls from climbing structures
• Entrapment in equipment
• Injuries from broken or damaged playground apparatus
• Collisions with other children due to overcrowding

School and Daycare Injuries

Parents trust schools and daycare centers to provide a safe environment for their children. When this trust is broken, and a child is injured due to negligence, our child injury lawyers step in to hold the responsible parties accountable. Common issues include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Bullying and physical assaults
• Inadequate supervision
• Food allergies and medication errors

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Children are particularly vulnerable in car accidents, whether as passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists. Our child injury attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving:

• Car seat failures
• Pedestrian accidents in school zones
• Bicycle collisions with vehicles
• School bus accidents

Defective Products

Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for children. When they fail in this duty, serious injuries can occur. Our child injury lawyers handle cases related to:

• Unsafe toys
• Defective car seats
• Faulty cribs and playpens
• Dangerous clothing (e.g., drawstrings, flammable materials)

The Impact of Child Injuries

Child injuries can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the immediate physical harm. As child injury lawyers, we consider all aspects of the injury’s impact when building a case:

Physical Effects

The physical effects of an injury can be long-lasting and may require ongoing medical care. Our child injury attorneys work with medical professionals to fully understand the extent of the injury and its potential long-term implications.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Injuries can leave emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds have healed. Children may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a serious injury. Our child injury lawyers ensure that these non-physical damages are accounted for in any compensation claim.

Financial Burden

The cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential long-term care can be staggering. Families may also face lost wages if parents need to take time off work to care for an injured child. Our child injury attorneys fight to recover these financial losses and secure compensation for future expenses related to the injury.

Educational Consequences

Serious injuries can disrupt a child’s education, affecting their academic progress and future opportunities. Our child injury lawyers consider these factors when assessing the full impact of an injury on a child’s life.

Legal Considerations in Child Injury Cases

Child injury cases involve unique legal considerations that require the knowledge and experience of a dedicated child injury lawyer. Some key factors we address include:

Statute of Limitations

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, this time limit is typically extended for children. The clock starts running when the child turns 18, giving them until their 21st birthday to file a claim. Our child injury attorneys ensure all deadlines are met while advising on the best timing for filing a claim.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that compensation can be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. This can be complex in child injury cases, as children are not always held to the same standards of care as adults. Our child injury lawyers work to minimize any assignment of fault to the injured child.

Liability Issues

Determining liability in child injury cases can be challenging, especially when multiple parties may share responsibility. Our child injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

• Property owners
• School districts
• Childcare providers
• Product manufacturers
• Motorists
• Government entities
• Damages Recovery

In child injury cases, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Educational support
• Modifications to home or vehicles
• Lost future earning capacity

Our child injury lawyers work with economic experts and life care planners to accurately assess the full value of these damages.

Taking Action: What to Do If Your Child Is Injured

If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, taking prompt action can protect your child’s rights and build a strong legal case. Here are some steps to consider:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your child’s health and safety should be top priorities. Even if injuries seem minor, having your child evaluated by a medical professional is important.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and any communication with involved parties or insurance companies.
• Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and your child’s injuries if possible. Keep any relevant items (e.g., damaged toys, torn clothing) as potential evidence.
• Avoid Discussing the Case: Be cautious about discussing the incident on social media or with insurance representatives before speaking with a child injury lawyer.
• Contact a Child Injury Lawyer: Contact Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP as soon as possible to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
  Conclusion

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we advocate for the rights of injured children and their families. Our team of dedicated child injury lawyers brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to each case we handle. If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

PAY NOTHING UNLESS YOU WIN. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.