Mount Pleasant Child Injury Lawyer

Children are curious about the world and love to explore. Unfortunately, that also makes them more vulnerable to accidents. Adults must watch them closely, provide careful guidance, and help avoid severe injuries.

You have every right to take legal action when your child sustains injuries because of someone’s negligent actions. Talk to a Mount Pleasant child injury lawyer at Geel & Gentry, LLC, to learn your rights and options. Our experienced attorneys could help bring a case to recover damages from the at-fault party and seek justice for your family.

The Common Child Injury Lawsuit Causes

Minor injuries are an unavoidable part of childhood. However, when severe injuries happen because of an adult’s negligence, personal injury laws allow them or their parents or guardians to hold the careless party accountable. Some of the most common child injury lawsuits involve the following scenarios:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Defective product injuries
• Falls from heights, such as on child care centers or school playgrounds
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Severe burn injuries
• Swimming pool injuries, including accidental drowning
• Sports and recreation accidents
• Medical malpractice

Many accidents occur because of negligent adult supervision. Our Mount Pleasant attorneys could thoroughly investigate your child’s accident and review the available evidence to build a solid claim for damages.

Time Limits for Filing Child Injury Cases in Mount Pleasant

The statute of limitations regulates the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in civil court for injury-related damages, including bodily harm and property damage. According to the guidance of the South Carolina Code of Laws Annotated § 15-3-530, the plaintiff in personal injury civil lawsuits has three years to file the suit in most cases. However, there is an exception to the mandated deadline for plaintiffs under 18 at the time of the accident.

If the child wishes to seek legal action against the defendant, the time begins running the day they turn 18 and expires on their 21st birthday. When a parent or guardian of the child misses work wages or must pay expenses related to the accident, they have the legal right to seek compensation on the minor child’s behalf.

The Rule of Sevens

When other children are involved in child injury cases, South Carolina follows the rule of sevens. According to the rule:

• Children under seven cannot be financially liable in negligence cases
• There must be sufficient evidence proving negligence for children between the ages of seven and 14
• A child over 14 is capable of financial liability in negligence cases

The child injury lawyers at our firm could further explain these statutes and protect your family’s right to pursue compensation.

Call a Qualified Child Injury Attorney in Mount Pleasant Today

Accidents resulting in severe injuries can be traumatic for anyone, especially children. They may suffer painful bodily injuries or face lasting disabilities. On top of this, an injured child may require extensive emotional and psychological therapy to overcome the tragic event.

A Mount Pleasant child injury lawyer from our firm is here to guide you and your family through this difficult time. We could take the lead in the civil claims process and work to hold the negligent party accountable. At Geel & Gentry, LLC, we will not get paid unless you do. Call us today for your free consultation.