Child accident compensation claims

Accident and compensation claims on behalf of children require specific expertise and claims for compensation for injuries suffered by a child are dealt with differently to those involving an adult.

“Minors” is the legal term for children who are under eighteen years of age and are not permitted to engage a solicitor or commence legal action in their own right. Minors have the right to be represented by a parent or guardian who will be acting on their behalf as their “next friend”. The Statute of Limitations does not start to run for a Minor until they reach the age of 18 and therefore the option of waiting until then is always available to them.

If your child has been involved in an accident the first step is to seek immediate medical attention from your nearest hospital or GP. The next step is to engage the services of an experienced personal injuries solicitor. If a settlement is reached through the Personal Injuries Board or out of Court, a Judge will have to review the details and approve the settlement. This is to protect the interest’s of the child involved and therefore the services of solicitor will be required.