Seeing your child hurt is an awful feeling for a parent. If the worst happens and they suffer a serious injury, it can truly shake your whole world. At Injury Lawyers 4u, we understand how distressing it is to see your child in pain and to navigate what comes next.
If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your child’s injury, you could be entitled to compensation. Get in touch with us today to find out exactly how child injury claims work, and we can help you on the path to getting the compensation you deserve.
When accidents involve children
Children are naturally curious and active, but when others fail in their duty of care, accidents can happen. Common causes of child injury claims include:
- School accidents – This might be injuries during school trips or in classrooms due to inadequate supervision.
- Playground and public area injuries – This might be the result of poorly maintained equipment or council negligence.
- Cycling and road traffic accidents – This might include collisions, potholes or unsafe crossings.
These incidents could lead to serious injuries, and it’s crucial to understand your rights and options, especially if you are pursuing a child compensation claim.
Can I make a claim for my child’s injury?
In the UK, a parent or guardian can act as a litigation friend to make a child accident claim on behalf of a minor. This role involves making decisions in the child’s best interest throughout the legal process.
The time limit for making injury claims for children is longer than usual. You can start a claim at any point before your child turns 18, and they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim themselves.
Injuries you can claim for include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Psychological trauma
If your child has suffered due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Who is legally responsible for a child’s injury?
Determining liability in injury claims for children involves establishing who owed a duty of care and whether that duty was breached. Parties that may be held responsible include:
- Schools – They might be negligent for failing to provide a safe environment.
- Local authorities – They might be negligent for not maintaining public spaces like parks and pavements.
- Business owners – They might be negligent for failing to ensure their premises are safe for visitors.
- Road users – They might be negligent for failing to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic laws.
Proving negligence is key to a successful claim, and our experienced child injury solicitors can guide you through this process.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for injured children in the UK varies based on a number of different things:
- Severity of the injury — More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Impact on the child’s life — Long-term effects on education and daily activities will affect compensation.
- Future care needs — Ongoing medical treatment or therapy will be factored in.
Depending on the circumstances and the extent of your child’s injuries, compensation could range from a few thousand pounds for minor injuries to several hundred thousand pounds or more for severe cases. The Judicial College Guidelines give the following example of general damages — which cover the pain and suffering caused by the injury itself:
| Severity | Typical compensation |
| Minor injuries (eg cuts, bruises or minor fractures) | £1,000 – £10,000 |
| Moderate injuries (eg significant fractures, psychological trauma) | £10,000 – £50,000 |
| Severe injuries (eg permanent disability, serious brain injuries) | £50,000 – £500,000+ |
It’s important to note that these figures are general estimates. Each case is unique, and the actual compensation you could receive will depend on the specific details of the incident and its impact on your child. For a good idea of your child’s specific general damages, use our compensation calculator.
It’s also important to remember that compensation isn’t solely about the financial aspect. The most important thing is to ensure your child receives the necessary support for their recovery and future well-being.
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u?
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we specialise in child injury claims and understand the unique challenges they present. Our approach includes:
- Free consultation – We will discuss your case and provide clear advice.
- Evidence gathering – We will work with medical professionals to build a strong case.
- No-win, no-fee – This ensures you don’t face financial risk.
- Bespoke support – We will always keep your child’s best interests at heart throughout the process.
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Our friendly team is ready to assist you. Get in touch today to start the process towards justice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if my child was injured at school or on a school trip?
Schools have a duty of care to ensure the safety of students. If your child was injured due to inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions during school activities or trips, you could be entitled to compensation.
What if no one saw the accident happen?
Even without eyewitnesses, you can still pursue a claim. Evidence like medical reports, photographs of the scene and expert opinions can support your case. If you are unsure of what to gather, our solicitors can help get the necessary documentation.
Does my child have to attend court?
In most cases, child injury claims are settled out of court. If a court appearance is necessary, measures are taken to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible for your child.
How long will the claim take?
How long child personal injury claims take will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injury. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while others may take longer. We aim to expedite the process while ensuring a fair outcome.
What happens to the compensation if the claim is successful?
Compensation awarded to a child is typically held in a court-approved trust until they turn 18. This ensures the funds are safeguarded for their future needs.
Is there a cost to make a claim?
With our no-win, no-fee promise, you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe us anything.