When a child is injured because of someone else’s negligence, the impact on the entire family can be overwhelming. Beyond the emotional trauma, parents are often faced with medical bills, long-term care needs, and difficult legal decisions. In Florida, children are considered a special class of plaintiffs with additional legal protections that differ from adult injury cases.
Common Causes of Child Injuries
Children can be injured in many of the same ways as adults, but they’re also vulnerable to hazards unique to their age group:
- Playground or school accidents
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents or drownings
- Defective toys or unsafe products
- Car seat or booster seat failures in accidents
- Negligent supervision at daycare centers or youth programs
Because children lack the same judgment as adults, property owners and caregivers owe them a higher duty of care.
Florida’s “Attractive Nuisance” Doctrine
Florida law recognizes that children are naturally drawn to dangerous features like swimming pools, trampolines, or abandoned construction sites. Under the attractive nuisance doctrine, property owners may be liable for injuries even if the child was trespassing—if the hazard was likely to attract children and reasonable steps weren’t taken to secure it.
Statute of Limitations for Children’s Injury Cases
While the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida is two years, minors get special consideration. The clock for certain claims may be “tolled” (paused) until the child reaches adulthood. However, some deadlines still apply—especially for claims against government entities—so parents should act promptly.
Types of Damages Available
A child injury claim may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, therapy, or special education costs
- Emotional trauma and pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity if the injury causes permanent disability
Parents may also recover damages for their own financial losses, such as missed work to care for the injured child.
Proving Negligence in a Child Injury Case
To establish liability, your attorney must show:
- The defendant owed a heightened duty of care to protect the child.
- The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction.
- The breach directly caused the child’s injury.
- Damages resulted, such as medical bills or long-term care needs.
Evidence may include photos of unsafe conditions, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony on future care needs.
How Darfoor Law Firm Can Help
Children’s injury cases require sensitivity and specialized legal strategies. At Darfoor Law, we fight to protect your child’s future while helping your family navigate a stressful time. We work with pediatric medical experts, accident reconstruction professionals, and financial planners to ensure every aspect of your child’s damages is documented.
If your child has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact Darfoor Law today for a free consultation. We’re here to stand up for your family’s rights.
The post Children’s Injury Cases: Special Legal Protections in Florida appeared first on The Injury Advocates.
