Car accidents are traumatic events, especially when they involve children. In Georgia, the process of determining an appropriate settlement for a child injured in a car accident can be complex and involves many factors. From medical expenses to the potential long-term impact on the child’s life, securing fair compensation requires a detailed understanding of the law and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Our Alpharetta car accident lawyers at Horst Shewmaker will fight to ensure your child receives the settlement they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about the average settlement for a child in a car accident in Georgia.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Children
Children are particularly vulnerable in car accidents due to their smaller size and still-developing bodies. Even in cases where adults might escape with minor injuries, children can suffer severe harm that may lead to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological effects.
Children in car accidents often suffer injuries such as:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
Beyond physical harm, children may develop anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression after a car accident, sometimes requiring long-term therapy and support.
Age-appropriate booster seats and car seats are crucial for protecting children in the event of a car crash.
The Average Settlement for a Child in a Car Accident in Georgia
The average settlement for a child in a car accident varies widely. The settlement amount for minor injuries is generally modest, often under $10,000. Injuries such as broken bones may lead to settlements in the range of $10,000 to $50,000. This includes compensation for medical treatment, physical therapy, and pain and suffering.
If a child suffers long-term or permanent damage, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other life-altering conditions, settlements can range from $100,000 to several million dollars. These settlements cover extensive medical care, ongoing treatment, modifications to the child’s home, and loss of future earning potential.
Factors in Car Accident Settlements for Children
Calculating the settlement for a child injured in a car accident involves several important factors. Car accident attorneys will look at the immediate impact of the accident and the long-term consequences.
Severity of Injuries
The more serious the injuries, the higher the settlement amount is likely to be. Injuries such as brain trauma or spinal cord damage that result in permanent disability or significant life changes will lead to much higher compensation than minor injuries like bruises or cuts.
Medical Costs and Future Care
A settlement will cover all medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident, from emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation. If the child requires long-term treatment or therapy, those future costs must also be factored into the settlement. This includes any necessary surgeries, physical therapy, or specialized medical equipment.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering refers to both the physical pain and emotional distress the child experiences. In cases involving children, this factor can be particularly significant, as children may struggle more with the psychological impact of the accident. Determining fair compensation for this aspect of the injury often involves careful evaluation by experts.
Pain and suffering damages can also include compensation for loss of enjoyment of life if a child’s injuries interfere with their ability to enjoy activities such as sports or hobbies.
Lost Income of Parents
Parents often need to take time off work to care for their injured child, attend medical appointments, and manage treatment. Compensation for lost wages is a critical part of the settlement to ensure families aren’t financially burdened.
Impact on Future Earning Potential
In severe cases where a child’s injuries affect their ability to earn a living later in life, the settlement may include compensation for lost future income. This requires expert testimony to estimate how the injury will affect the child’s career prospects and earning potential over their lifetime.
Wrongful Deaths Claims
When a child dies in a car accident caused by negligence, Georgia law allows the parents to file a wrongful death case against the responsible party. Damages in a wrongful death lawsuit can include medical expenses, funeral costs, and the emotional pain and suffering experienced by the family.
The compensation awarded is intended to provide financial relief and to acknowledge the immeasurable emotional toll of losing a child.
Personal Injury Settlements for Minors in Georgia
In Georgia, settlements involving minors must be approved by a court if they exceed $25,000. This legal safeguard ensures that the settlement is in the child’s best interests. The court will review the settlement to ensure it provides adequate compensation for medical bills, future needs, and any other necessary expenses.
Once approved, the settlement funds are often placed into a trust, which the child can access when they reach 18 years old. In some cases, the court may allow early access to these funds if they are required for the child’s medical care or education.
How an Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Seeking legal representation after a child is injured in a car accident is essential to protect their rights and ensure their future well-being. Here are a few key reasons why working with a car accident attorney from Horst Shewmaker can make all the difference:
Comprehensive Evaluation of Damages
Our attorneys will thoroughly assess all the damages related to the accident, ensuring that no aspect of the injury is overlooked. This includes calculating future medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies are primarily concerned with minimizing payouts, so it’s common for them to offer low initial settlements. Our experienced attorneys know how to push back against lowball offers and fight for fair compensation that addresses your child’s current and future needs.
Navigating the Court Approval Process
For settlements involving children, Georgia law requires court approval for amounts over $25,000. Our attorneys will guide you through this process and ensure that the settlement is structured in a way that benefits your child both now and in the future.
Protecting Your Child’s Future
Settlements for children often involve complex legal arrangements, such as trusts or structured payments. Our team will help you understand your options and make decisions that protect your child’s financial future.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
A car accident can have life-altering consequences for a child, and obtaining fair compensation is crucial to ensure they receive the care and support they need. At Horst Shewmaker, we are committed to helping families in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia obtain the maximum compensation.
Our legal team has years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and a track record of securing millions for accident victims.
If your child has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact our team for a free consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, discuss your legal options, and fight to secure the best possible outcome for your family.
