Adults can file personal injury claims if they suffer injuries in car accidents. But what happens when children get hurt? Nevada personal injury laws protect children, but the legal process for pursuing compensation is different. Here’s what you need to know about accident and injury cases involving children in Las Vegas.
Are Lawsuits Involving Minors Different from Regular Accident Cases?
Yes. A minor cannot bring a personal injury claim on their own. Instead, a parent or legal guardian must file a claim on their behalf. Like an adult, a child has the right to hire a lawyer to handle their case from start to finish.
The settlement process is different, too. In Nevada, a judge must approve any out-of-court settlement. Obtaining approval requires the child’s representative to submit a form to the court. If the judge determines that a case’s resolution is not in the child’s best interest, they have the authority to reject a settlement.
After the settlement’s approval, the money is placed in a court-appointed blocked bank account until the child turns 18. Funds can only be withdrawn with the court’s approval. The child can access the trust funds independently once they turn 18, assuming they have the legal capacity to manage it. A child who is catastrophically injured in a wreck may never gain financial independence. In those cases, parents should consider whether a guardianship or power-of-attorney arrangement is in the child’s best interest.
What Should a Parent Do If Their Child Is Injured?
Any parent whose child has suffered an accidental injury should contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Car accident injuries can leave children with long-lasting disabilities and medical needs. A car accident lawyer can help calculate an estimate for future losses that parents may find challenging to determine alone.
Does THE702FIRM Take Car Accident Cases Involving Minors?
Any car accident case can be complicated, but cases involving minors tend to be especially tricky. At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our respected attorneys have extensive experience with complex car accident cases. We have the resources and experience needed to handle any type of injury case, so please contact us if you have questions about your legal options.
What Should a Teen Do If They Want to Hire a Lawyer?
If you are a teen in need of legal representation, ask a parent or guardian to contact a lawyer on your behalf. If your parents resist taking legal action, you’re not out of options. Nevada law extends the personal injury statute of limitations for children. However, you must wait to sue until your 18th birthday. You have two years from that date to file an injury claim.
Contact a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer for Help
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we understand how upsetting it can be when a child suffers an injury in a crash caused by a negligent driver. We want to support you and your family during this difficult time and fight for the best possible outcome. Call or contact us today for a free initial consultation.
