For many Baltimore-area residents, the most valuable thing in their lives is their children. While children grow up fast, the experiences and memories of raising a child last a lifetime for Baltimore parents.
Understandably, then, when children are injured because of the negligence of another person, it can be devastating not only for the child, but their families as well. This commonly is the case when a car accident occurs, which can leave children with serious injuries or death.
Recently, this was the case for two young children injured in a Maryland accident. The children, ages 11 and 4, were injured after a police officer collided with their car while the officer was making an illegal U-turn. The children were sent to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
In a personal injury lawsuit based on injury to a child, some unique questions may be presented when it comes to damages. In the case of an adult, damages are often assessed by looking at factors like the person's lost wages as a result of the accident.
This measure of damages varies for young children, as it may instead be necessary to look at the child's earning potential and work expectancy when calculating the pecuniary loss. In other words, the damages may involve some more speculation when it comes to wages and work damages for children, particularly when younger children are involved.
Ultimately, while the question of work-related damages may vary when children are involved, other damages may be relatively similar to those assessed when adults are injured or killed in an accident. Individuals should work with a qualified personal injury attorney to determine what damages may be available in their particular case.
