Broken Bone Injuries in Children
Children are naturally active and prone to accidents, but when a child suffers a broken bone due to someone else’s negligence, the legal process for pursuing compensation is different from that of an adult. In Las Vegas, personal injury claims involving minors come with unique considerations, particularly when it comes to long-term development and recovery. If your child has sustained a broken bone in an accident, reach out to our Las Vegas Bone Injury Lawyers at Mainor Ellis today.
Unique Considerations for Broken Bone Injuries in Children
Broken bone injuries in children can be more complex than in adults due to several factors, including their growing bodies, long-term health outcomes, and the emotional impact of the injury.
- Growth Plates
Children’s bones are still developing, and their growth plates (areas of developing tissue near the ends of long bones) are particularly vulnerable to injury. A fracture that affects the growth plate can lead to long-term complications, such as stunted bone growth or deformities. These potential complications make it crucial to factor in future medical needs when pursuing compensation in a personal injury claim. - Long-Term Medical Care
A child with a broken bone may require long-term medical attention, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to ensure proper healing and growth. Unlike adults, whose injuries are more likely to heal completely, children may need continuous monitoring and follow-up care to avoid complications later in life. In personal injury claims, this means calculating compensation that accounts for both immediate and future medical expenses. - Emotional Impact
Injuries can have a significant emotional toll on children, especially when they cause pain, limit mobility, or prevent participation in activities they enjoy. The emotional trauma associated with an injury may also be more severe in children. Personal injury claims involving minors often include compensation for emotional distress, which considers how the injury has affected the child’s psychological well-being. - School and Developmental Delays
A broken bone can also cause a child to miss school, fall behind in academic development, or be unable to participate in extracurricular activities. When pursuing compensation, it’s important to include these disruptions as part of the damages, as they can affect the child’s social and educational development.
Differences in Legal Process for Minors
In Nevada, children under the age of 18 cannot file lawsuits on their own behalf. Instead, a parent or legal guardian must file a personal injury claim for the child. The compensation awarded in the case is typically placed in a trust that the child can access upon turning 18. The legal process for minors also involves court approval of any settlement to ensure that it is in the best interest of the child.
Types of Compensation Available
When a child sustains a broken bone in an accident, the compensation sought should account for both immediate and long-term needs. Typical types of compensation in these cases include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current medical bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any anticipated future medical care related to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the child’s physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life is often sought in cases involving serious injuries.
- Future Expenses: If the injury is likely to cause complications or require future medical care as the child grows, compensation should account for these future costs.
Seek Legal Assistance Today
Broken bone injuries in children require special consideration when it comes to personal injury claims. From their growing bodies to the long-term emotional and medical impact, compensation must account for both present and future needs. If your child has been injured in an accident in Las Vegas, the attorneys at Mainor Ellis are experienced in handling personal injury claims for minors and can help ensure that your child’s rights are fully protected. Contact us today for a consultation.
