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Seattle Child Injury Lawyers
Seattle-area attorneys helping childhood survivors of life-changing injury
At Smith McBroom, we understand the profound impact that accidents and injuries can have on the lives of children and their families. Our unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of injured children has earned us a reputation for compassionate and effective legal representation. Child injuries can occur in various settings, including schools, playgrounds, daycare centers, homes, and on the road. Whether the injury is the result of a negligent individual, a defective product, or unsafe premises, our team of skilled Seattle child injury attorneys is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during these challenging times.
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What types of child injury cases does your Seattle law firm handle?
At Smith McBroom, we are experienced in a comprehensive range of child catastrophic injury cases, recognizing the unique challenges that families face when their children are harmed. Our dedicated legal team is equipped to handle various types of child injury cases, including:
- Playground accidents. Injuries resulting from defective playground equipment. Accidents caused by inadequate supervision on playgrounds. Claims related to unsafe play area conditions.
- School-related injuries. Physical and psychological harm from sexual assault. Slip and fall accidents on school premises. Injuries arising from bullying or physical altercations. Sports-related injuries and inadequate safety measures.
- Daycare negligence. Injuries caused by inadequate supervision in daycare settings. Claims related to unsafe conditions or lack of proper care. Cases involving abuse or neglect at daycare facilities.
- Defective products. Injuries caused by defective toys, cribs, car seats, or other children's products. Product liability claims against manufacturers and distributors.
- Motor vehicle accidents. Injuries sustained in car accidents, including those involving child car seats. Pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents involving children.
- Swimming pool accidents. Drowning or near-drowning incidents. Inadequate safety measures and supervision at swimming pools.
- Medical malpractice. Injuries resulting from medical errors or negligence during childbirth. Failure to diagnose or treat pediatric illnesses and conditions.
- Injuries on private property. Slip and fall accidents on private property. Injuries caused by unsafe conditions in residential areas.
- Sports injuries. Injuries sustained during organized sports activities, including school sports. Cases involving inadequate safety measures and supervision during sports events.
Our legal team is committed to providing personalized and compassionate representation for families dealing with the aftermath of child injuries. We understand the importance of seeking justice and fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of these incidents. If your child has been injured, contact us for a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and explore your legal options.
Child injury statistics
The CDC reports a wide variety of statistics regarding child injuries, including:
- Injury is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States
- Over 7,000 children aged 0 to 19 died from unintentional injuries in 2019, a rate of about 20 deaths per day.
- Motor vehicle crashes caused more child deaths than any other cause of injury.
- Drowning is the leading cause of injury for children aged 1 to 4 years old.
They also report:
In 2018–2019, child unintentional injury death rates were highest among:
- Male children
- Babies under 1 year old and teens age 15–19 years
- American Indian, Alaska Native children, and Black children
What is an attractive nuisance?
An attractive nuisance is a legal concept that refers to a condition or object on someone's property that is likely to attract children but may also pose a danger to them. The attractive nuisance doctrine holds that property owners may be held liable for injuries to children who trespass on their property if the injury is caused by a hazardous object or condition that the owner knew or should have known would attract children.
Common examples of attractive nuisances include swimming pools, abandoned cars, construction sites, or other potentially dangerous features. Property owners are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent access to these attractions or make them safe, especially if they know that children are likely to be drawn to them.
The doctrine is based on the idea that children, due to their curiosity and lack of judgment, may be unaware of the dangers associated with certain features on a property. Therefore, property owners are responsible for taking precautions to prevent harm to children who may be lured onto the property by these attractive nuisances.
What is the statute of limitations for child injuries in Washington?
In Washington state, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is usually three years from the date of the injury. However, for claims involving minor children, the statute of limitations is usually tolled until three years after the minor's eighteenth birthday.
After that, they usually have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, regardless of when the injury occurred. If the victim is a minor, they may file a claim up until their 21st birthday. A parent or guardian could also act on behalf of their minor child and file a claim.
What is the value of my child’s Seattle injury claim?
Generally, compensation for injuries may include:
- Medical expenses. This can cover the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Pain and suffering. This category may include compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the injury has on your child's quality of life.
- Lost wages. If the injury has resulted in your child missing school or if you, as a parent, have had to take time off work to care for them, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Future medical expenses. If the injury requires ongoing medical care, the responsible party may be required to compensate for future medical expenses.
- Disability or impairment. If the injury results in a permanent disability or impairment, your child may be entitled to compensation for the long-term effects on their life.
The child injury lawyers at Smith McBroom work to secure the maximum amount of compensation possible for you and your child.
Do you have a Seattle child injury attorney near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington, 98188. We’re right off I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office, and we offer free on-site parking.
Call our Seattle-area child injury attorneys today
If your child has been harmed due to the negligence or recklessness of others, it's time to take action. At Smith McBroom, our experienced team of Seattle child injury attorneys is here to fight for your child's rights and secure the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced and compassionate attorney, call our Tukwila-based offices or fill out our contact form today.