1. What Are Child Personal Injury Settlements?
Child personal injury settlements are financial compensations awarded to children (under 18) who suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Settlements aim to cover:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Medical treatment costs
- Future care or therapy needs
- Loss of educational opportunities
These claims are carefully managed to protect the child’s best interests.
2. When Can You Make a Child Personal Injury Claim?
You can claim if your child was injured due to:
- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at school or nursery
- Playground or park accidents
- Medical negligence (e.g., birth injuries)
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Accidents in public places (shops, restaurants)
- Sports or recreational injuries
A parent or legal guardian usually acts as the child’s “litigation friend” during the claim process.
3. Time Limits for Child Personal Injury Claims
In the UK:
- For minors, the three-year time limit for personal injury claims does not start until the child’s 18th birthday.
- This means you can claim at any time before they turn 21.
However, it’s best to start the claim early while evidence is still fresh.
4. How Is a Child’s Injury Settlement Calculated?
Compensation considers:
- Severity and type of injury
- Pain and suffering endured
- Impact on schooling and social development
- Psychological harm (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)
- Future medical needs
- Loss of future earning capacity (in severe cases)
Medical experts often assess the long-term effects of the injury to determine a fair settlement.
5. Common Settlement Amounts for Child Injury Claims
While every case is unique, typical awards include:
- Minor cuts, bruises, sprains: £1,000 – £5,000
- Fractures (simple): £3,000 – £15,000
- Head injuries (mild concussion): £5,000 – £25,000
- Severe or permanent disabilities: £50,000 – £1 million+
The settlement reflects both immediate and future impacts on the child’s life.
6. Special Damages for Children
In addition to compensation for injury, special damages may cover:
- Medical expenses
- Physiotherapy or psychological counselling
- Travel costs for hospital visits
- Private tuition if school is missed
- Adaptations to home or school (for serious injuries)
Parents may also claim for financial losses if they had to take time off work to care for the injured child.
7. Court Approval for Child Settlements
All child injury settlements must be approved by the court to ensure they are fair. The process involves:
- A short court hearing
- Review of medical evidence and settlement terms
- Judge’s approval of the amount
This safeguard ensures the child’s interests are protected.
8. How Are Settlement Funds Managed?
Once approved:
- Funds are usually placed into a court-controlled investment account.
- The child receives the money when they turn 18.
- In special circumstances, early releases can be requested for medical or educational needs.
This ensures the compensation is preserved for the child’s future.
9. How Long Does a Child Injury Claim Take?
Timeframes vary depending on injury severity:
- Minor injuries: 6–12 months
- Complex injuries needing long-term prognosis: 1–3 years
Solicitors often wait for the child’s recovery to stabilise before finalising a settlement to ensure future needs are fully considered.
10. Do You Need a Solicitor for a Child Injury Claim?
Yes. Child personal injury claims require:
- Expert medical evidence
- Specialist legal knowledge
- Court approval procedures
An experienced personal injury solicitor ensures the claim is managed properly and the child’s future is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a child claim for psychological injury?
A: Yes. Anxiety, PTSD, depression, or loss of confidence are compensable with supporting medical evidence.
Q2: What if the accident happened at school?
A: Schools have a duty of care. You can claim if negligence (e.g., poor supervision) caused the injury.
Q3: Will making a claim affect the child’s future?
A: No. The claim only aims to compensate for harm already caused and protect the child’s wellbeing.
Q4: Can a parent use the settlement money?
A: No. The money is protected in court funds until the child turns 18, unless needed for specific expenses approved by the court.
Q5: What happens if the child turns 18 during the claim?
A: They can take over as the claimant, continuing the process as an adult.
Q6: What documents do I need to make a claim?
A: Medical records, accident reports, witness details, receipts for expenses, and photographs if available.
Conclusion
If your child has been injured due to negligence, pursuing a child personal injury settlement can ensure they receive the financial support needed for recovery and future success. With expert legal help, you can safeguard your child’s interests and secure a brighter future. Don’t delay—speak to a specialist solicitor today and take the first step towards justice.
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