During a car accident, your child’s head and face are exceptionally vulnerable to injury, often resulting in facial fractures. These fractures can lead to both physical and cosmetic challenges. In such unfortunate incidents in Spokane, it’s extremely important to not only get medical help, but a full understanding of your legal options.
If your child has suffered a facial fracture or any injury in a Spokane car accident, you can rely on CCD Law. Since 1948, our experienced lawyers have helped clients get the compensation and treatment they deserve. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Who is Liable When Your Child is Injured in a Spokane Car Accident?
Although your child is vulnerable to injuries in a car accident, they still have the same rights as any other passenger when it comes to the legal process. Under Washington law, the person that’s at-fault for the accident is responsible for covering any injuries, even to your child or anyone else in your car.
However, to figure out fault–which is known as liability in legal terms–you need to establish negligence. In a typical car accident, this includes establishing the following:
- The other driver or party responsible for the accident had a duty of care to keep you and others safe.
- Instead, they breached this duty and your child’s facial or other injuries were the direct result of the breach.
Clearly, various parties could potentially be held responsible for this situation:
- The vehicle’s driver
- The owner of the vehicle (if it’s not the driver)
- An employer
- The manufacturer of any faulty equipment or parts
- The government agency in charge of road maintenance
Determining the liable party is a crucial aspect when it comes to your legal options. Further, car accidents in Spokane often involve multiple parties, allowing for the possibility of filing multiple damage claims. However, this may also mean dealing with multiple insurance companies. Thus, it’s in your best interest to work with our team of skilled car accident lawyers who can help you and your child through the claims process.
Legal Options After Your Child Suffers Facial Injuries in a Spokane Car Accident
In terms of legal options when your child suffers a facial injury in a Spokane car accident, there’s generally two: filing an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Assuming your child is under the age of 18, you’ll have to represent them in the claims process. Aside from that, the process proceeds in much the same way as any other car accident.
Still, the actual damages that you can recover on behalf of your child depend on the specific circumstances of the accident. Most likely, there won’t be any lost wages to recover, but there are a host of other things that our team can help you pursue in a claim:
- Medical expenses – Coverage for all medical costs related to the child’s injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical and emotional distress endured by the child due to the accident and their injuries.
- Loss of future income – If the child’s injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability, they may be entitled to compensation for the potential income they would have earned in the future.
- Property damages – If personal property, such as the child’s car seat or belongings, is damaged in the accident, reimbursement for these losses may be available.
- Loss of quality of life – Compensation for the impact of the accident on the child’s overall quality of life, which may include a reduction in their ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed.
- Emotional distress – Damages for the psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the child as a result of the accident.
- Rehabilitation and therapy – Coverage for any ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, or counseling required for the child’s recovery.
- Special accommodations – If the child requires special equipment or accommodations due to their injuries, the cost of these items may be included in the damages.
- Legal fees – In many cases, legal fees and related expenses may also be covered as part of the compensation.
Obviously, the damages that you’re able to recover is going to depend on thes severity of your child’s facial injuries. As such, it’s important to take a look at what these types of injuries can mean and how they usually present themselves in these accidents.
What Types of Facial Injuries Happen to Children in Spokane Car Accidents?
There’s a variety of factors that go into any car accident, and the same can be said for potential facial injuries that your child may suffer. Unfortunately, this is an area of your child’s body that is extremely vulnerable to injuries in car accidents, even if they’re properly restrained. Every accident is different, but some of the most common types of facial injuries that could happen to your child include:
- Cuts and lacerations – These injuries can result from broken glass, loose objects, or impact with sharp surfaces inside the vehicle. Cuts and lacerations may require stitches or surgical repair.
- Bruises – Blunt force trauma can lead to bruises and contusions on the face, causing pain and swelling.
- Fractures – Facial bones, including the nose, cheekbones, and jaw, can be fractured in a car accident. Fractures may require surgical intervention to set and stabilize the bones.
- Dental injuries – Car accidents can result in broken or knocked-out teeth, which may necessitate immediate dental care and long-term treatment.
- Soft tissue damage – Damage to facial soft tissues, such as the lips, gums, and tongue, can occur due to impact or foreign objects. These injuries may cause bleeding and require medical attention.
- Eye injuries – Trauma from the accident can lead to eye injuries, including corneal abrasions, foreign object penetration, or damage to the eye socket.
- Burns – In some cases, exposure to heat or chemicals during an accident can cause facial burns, which can be severe and may require specialized care.
- Scarring – Some injuries can result in scarring and long-term disfigurement, which may require cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
What You Need to Do
Like any accident, the aftermath is extremely important to not only your child’s health, but potential legal options. Thus, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Prioritize their medical care immediately.
- Document the accident scene.
- Collect witness information.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Keep records of your child’s medical expenses.
- Make sure your child follows medical recommendations.
- Inform their school if necessary.
- Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters.
Filing an injury claim in Washington, especially when your child is involved, can be a complex and emotional process. However, our team is dedicated to making sure your child has the evidence and legal support needed for a successful claim.
Dedicated Spokane Car Accident Lawyers
If your child has experienced a facial fracture or similar injury in a Spokane car accident, rely on CCD Law. Since 1948, our skilled team of Spokane car accident lawyers has assisted clients and their families in obtaining the compensation and treatment they rightfully deserve. With our expertise and dedication, your child can concentrate on their recovery and ensure they have the support to move forward in life. To get the process started, contact us today for a free consultation.
