Children's injuries |
When your child has been injured in an accident, or through an intentional act of another person, your child and your family may suffer from physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial losses. Our office works with you to help your child and your family recover from these injuries.
Ms. Waugh has dedicated her legal career to improving the lives of West Virginia’s children. She has served both Berkeley and Kanawha Counties as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse. Ms. Waugh also served as chairperson of the West Virginia State Bar Commission on Children and the Law and was appointed by the West Virginia Supreme Court to serve on two separate committees to work to improve the lives of West Virginia’s children.
Some of the dangers that children are exposed to include injuries and damage from:
- Burns and Orthopedic Injuries
- Injuries at home, school & play
- Organized Sports
- Playground Injuries
- Toy Injuries
- Water Injuries
- Traffic Accidents
- Criminal acts such as sexual abuse or assault
- Defective Products
- Prescription Drug Adverse Reactions
- Birth Injuries and Birth Defects
- Medical Malpractice
WHAT TO DO IF your child has been injured
REMEMBER THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL MOST LIKELY BE WORKING AGAINST YOU. Do not speak to any insurance adjusters or investigators until after you consult with an attorney. No matter how helpful, friendly, or compassionate an insurance adjuster may seem, you must always keep in mind that it is the job of that adjuster to limit the amount of money the insurance company will have to pay on your and your child’s claim.
OBTAIN PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR YOUR CHILD AND FOR YOURSELF.If you were also injured in the accident, don’t ignore your own recovery. Obtain suitable medical treatment for both your child and for yourself. Follow the advice of your medical professionals and continue to receive treatment until you and your child are fully recovered.
MONITOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. Closely monitor your treatment and the treatment of your child. Although most facilities are staffed by well trained, dedicated healthcare professionals, the incidence of mistakes and improper treatment will be lessened by your insistence on obtaining constant, regular updates and information on the status of your child.
BE PATIENT. DON’T RUSH INTO A SETTLEMENT. Do not attempt to settle your child’s claim yourself. Your child needs for you to protect his or her rights. Remember that your child’s legal claim arising from this accident will be the only opportunity he or she has in his or her lifetime to receive compensation for his or her injuries no matter how serious those injuries are; once the claim is settled, it is settled for all time.
KEEP GOOD RECORDS. Maintain good notes, photographs, and any tangible materials or objects related to your child’s injuries.
Our office will not charge anything for your initial consultation in your personal injury matter. We welcome the opportunity to evaluate your case and work with you so that you may recover as fully as possible. You have only one opportunity to recover for your child’s injuries. You owe it to your child not to compromise this opportunity. Contact our office to arrange for a free consultation with Ms. Waugh before you make this important decision.