Injury Types

Chicago Child Injury Lawyer

When your child is hurt in an accident, the impact can be devastating. Beyond the physical injuries, parents often face overwhelming emotional distress, medical expenses, and uncertainty about their child’s future. While no amount of money can undo the trauma, pursuing a legal claim can help secure the resources your family needs for recovery and long-term care.

If your child was injured because of someone else’s negligence, the Chicago injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. are here to help. We fight for injured children and their families throughout Illinois.

Schedule a free consultation today by calling (312) 236-2900 or filling out our online contact form to learn your legal options and how we can help.

What Is a Child Injury Case?

A child injury case arises when a minor is hurt due to another person’s careless or reckless actions. These injuries can occur anywhere—at school, in daycare, on the playground, or even in the family car. Unlike adult injury cases, child injury claims must take into account the child’s unique developmental needs, potential for long-term complications, and emotional trauma.

Our Chicago child injury lawyers understand that these cases require special care. We work closely with medical experts, child psychologists, and financial professionals to calculate the full impact of your child’s injuries; today and in the future.

Common Causes of Child Injuries

Children are naturally curious and active, which makes them more vulnerable to accidents. When adults, companies, or institutions fail to uphold a duty of care, the results can be catastrophic.

Car Accidents

Children can suffer serious injuries in vehicle collisions, especially if car seats or seat belts are improperly installed. Even a low-speed crash can cause broken bones, head trauma, or internal injuries in a child. Our attorneys investigate the cause of the crash and identify all liable parties to pursue full compensation.

School or Daycare Negligence

Parents trust schools and daycare centers to provide a safe environment for their children. Unfortunately, inadequate supervision, unsafe playground equipment, or poor maintenance can lead to devastating injuries. When neglect or carelessness causes harm, the institution can be held legally responsible.

Defective Toys or Products

Toys, furniture, and baby products are supposed to be designed with child safety in mind. When a defective or poorly labeled product causes choking, burns, or other serious harm, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be at fault. Product liability cases often require expert analysis and prompt legal action to protect other children from similar risks.

Medical Malpractice

Mistakes during childbirth or pediatric care can have lifelong consequences for a child. Conditions like cerebral palsy or nerve damage can result from improper monitoring, delayed treatment, or surgical errors. Our legal team works with medical experts to prove medical malpractice and secure the resources needed for long-term care.

Dog Bites

Young children are especially vulnerable to animal attacks, which can cause facial injuries, infections, and lasting emotional trauma. Dog owners have a legal duty to control their pets and prevent dog attacks, especially around children. We help families pursue compensation for medical care, scarring, and psychological counseling.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Children can easily be hurt by slipping on wet floors, falling from unsafe stairs, or tripping over poorly maintained surfaces. While some falls result in minor scrapes, others can lead to concussions or broken bones. Property owners have a responsibility to fix hazards and keep areas safe for children.

If your child was hurt because of another party’s negligence, our attorneys can help determine who is responsible and hold them accountable.

The severity of a child’s injury can vary widely, but even seemingly minor injuries can lead to lifelong consequences if not treated properly.

Common Types of Child Injuries

Our attorneys handle all types of child injury cases, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)Brain injuries can affect a child’s memory, learning, and behavior, sometimes requiring long-term therapy and specialized care.
  • Broken bones and fractures – Even simple fractures can impact growth and mobility if not treated properly and may require physical therapy.
  • Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis and often requires ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
  • Severe burns or lacerationsBurn or laceration injuries may require surgeries, skin grafts, or long-term treatment, as well as support for emotional trauma.
  • Internal organ damage – Injuries to internal organs can be life-threatening and often necessitate surgery or extended hospitalization.
  • Birth injuries, including cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy – These conditions can cause lifelong physical or cognitive impairments and often require extensive therapy.
  • Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Accidents can have lasting emotional effects, requiring counseling and ongoing psychological support for emotional trauma or PTSD.

We understand how deeply these injuries can affect a child’s life, from physical recovery to social development and learning ability.

How Are Child Injury Cases Investigated?

Proving fault in a child injury case requires a careful and thorough investigation. Our Chicago child injury lawyers take a comprehensive approach to building a strong claim.

We may:

  • Collect witness statements and video footageEyewitness accounts and surveillance recordings can provide critical evidence of how the accident occurred and who may be responsible.
  • Review school or daycare safety policies – We examine whether the facility followed proper safety procedures and supervision guidelines to protect children.
  • Consult with medical and safety experts – Pediatricians, therapists, and safety specialists can assess the severity of the injury and explain how it resulted from negligence.
  • Examine product safety records or inspection reports – In cases involving defective products, reviewing manufacturer documents and safety recalls helps establish liability.
  • Reconstruct accident scenes when necessaryAccident reconstruction can clarify how the injury happened and identify unsafe conditions or equipment failures.

By gathering detailed evidence, we can clearly demonstrate how negligence occurred and how it directly contributed to your child’s injury, strengthening your case for compensation.

Treatment and Recovery for Child Injuries

Medical care is often the first and most urgent concern after a child is injured. Depending on the severity of the injury, your child may need emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term therapy.

Treatment options may include:

  • Emergency medical care for fractures, concussions, or internal injuries – Immediate attention can prevent complications and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
  • Physical or occupational therapy to regain mobility or coordination – Therapy helps children rebuild strength, improve balance, and relearn essential motor skills.
  • Speech and cognitive therapy after a brain or birth injury – These therapies support learning, communication, and overall cognitive development, which may be affected by the injury.
  • Counseling and emotional support to help process trauma – Psychological care addresses anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional challenges that often accompany serious injuries.
  • Adaptive equipment or home modifications for children with disabilities – Wheelchairs, braces, or home adjustments can help maintain independence and improve quality of life.

Children often recover faster than adults, but they are also at higher risk for developmental delays or complications. Early intervention, consistent medical care, and ongoing monitoring are key to ensuring the best possible recovery and long-term well-being.

Compensation in a Chicago Child Injury Claim

When your child is injured due to negligence, your family may be entitled to compensation under Illinois personal injury law. Because children may face years, or even a lifetime, of challenges, it’s critical to account for both current and future needs.

Economic Damages

These cover measurable financial losses, such as:

  • Medical bills, hospital stays, and surgeries
  • Future rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Home modifications or mobility aids
  • Parents’ lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of the injury, including:

Our Chicago child injury lawyers carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum compensation available.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Child Injury Claims

Under Illinois law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident. However, when the victim is a minor, the clock does not begin running until the child turns 18. That means parents may have additional time to file a lawsuit—but it’s still best to act quickly to meet the statute of limitations.

Early action helps preserve evidence, witness statements, and medical records that strengthen your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Protecting Injured Children

How much is a child injury case worth in Chicago?

The value of your case depends on the severity of your child’s injuries, medical costs, long-term care needs, and emotional impact. A skilled Chicago child injury lawyer can assess your case and calculate full compensation. They will consider both immediate expenses and the long-term effects on your child’s health and development.

Who can file a child injury lawsuit?

A parent or legal guardian must file the lawsuit on behalf of a minor. Once the child turns 18, they may also have the right to take independent legal action. This ensures that the child’s best interests are represented throughout the legal process.

What if my child was hurt at school or daycare?

Schools and childcare facilities have a legal duty to provide a safe environment. If negligence, unsafe conditions, or lack of supervision caused your child’s injury, the institution may be held liable. Our attorneys can investigate the facility’s policies, safety records, and supervision practices to build a strong case.

Can I still pursue a claim if my child’s injury was an accident?

Even if the injury was unintentional, you may still have a valid claim if someone’s negligence contributed to the accident. Our lawyers can review the circumstances and determine your options. Illinois law allows recovery as long as another party’s failure to exercise reasonable care played a role in the injury.

How long will a child injury case take?

Every case is different. Some claims settle quickly, while others, especially those involving serious injuries, require more time to ensure a fair outcome. Complex cases may involve expert testimony, medical evaluations, and negotiation with insurers, which can extend the timeline.

Can my child receive compensation for emotional or psychological injuries?

Yes. Compensation can cover emotional trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects resulting from the injury. Our attorneys work with mental health professionals to document these impacts and ensure your child’s emotional recovery is part of the claim.

Why Hire a Staver Chicago Child Injury Lawyer?

When your child is injured, you need more than a lawyer; you need a trusted advocate who cares about your family’s future. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, we understand the emotional and financial toll of a child injury and are committed to pursuing full justice for your family.

Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases across Illinois. We know how to build strong claims, negotiate with insurers, and fight for results in court when necessary.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

A Staver personal injury attorney can:

  • Investigate the cause of your child’s injury – We thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the accident, identify all parties who may be responsible, and uncover evidence that supports your claim.
  • Gather and organize medical and expert evidence – Our team works with pediatric specialists, therapists, and other experts to document your child’s injuries, treatment needs, and long-term care requirements.
  • Handle all communication with insurance companies – We manage negotiations and correspondence with insurers to prevent lowball offers and protect your child’s rights.
  • Represent your family in court if a fair settlement isn’t offered – If necessary, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial to ensure your child receives the full compensation they deserve.

We fight to ensure your child receives the medical care, rehabilitation, and financial support necessary for both immediate recovery and long-term well-being. From treatment costs to emotional support and adaptive equipment, we make sure every aspect of your child’s needs is accounted for in your claim.

Our Approach

We treat every case with the care and compassion we would want for our own families. From your first consultation to final resolution, we keep you informed and involved.

Staver Accident Injury Lawyers operates on a “no win, no fee” policy, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

Take Action With a Chicago Child Injury Lawyer

Your child’s health and future are too important to leave to chance. Let our experienced legal team guide you through the process and fight for the justice your family deserves.

Call (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward healing and financial recovery.

Free Consultation
(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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