York, PA Child Injury Lawyers
Caring representation for injured children throughout York County
All parents fear for their children’s health and safety. Natural injuries are part and parcel of childhood. But when a child has an injury unnaturally thrust upon her as a result of someone’s wrongdoing. The more egregious the wrongdoing, the more severe the injuries, the harder it is to cope with – which is where we step in to help.
At KBG Injury Law, our York, PA personal injury lawyers understand the unique challenges in filing legal claims on behalf of your children. We work with your doctors to verify your child’s injuries, understand the treatments needed, and how the injuries may permanently affect his/her childhood and adulthood. As much as possible, we work aggressively to negotiate just settlements, so your child does not have to testify in court. If the insurance carriers are not making just offers, we guide you and your child through the litigation process.
What types of injuries do children suffer after a York, PA accident?
Depending on the cause of the accident, children are at greater risk of catastrophic injury than adults. Not only can an injury impact a child’s growth and development, but in some cases, what would only cause injury for an adult may be fatal for a child. Our York, PA personal injury lawyers represent children who have any of the following injuries:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
- Vision or hearing loss
- Amputation/loss of limb
- Any other type of injury
The injuries to newborns and children differ in medical malpractice cases. Children are likely to suffer cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, HIE, or other disorders if they do not receive proper care during their delivery. A child’s physical and emotional growth may suffer if the correct medical treatments are not provided.
What are the most common causes of injury for children in York, PA?
Children may be involved in the same types of accidents as adults. Our York, PA personal injury lawyers represent children who are injured by a car, truck, motorcycle, or any other vehicle. We represent children injured while walking with their parents or while visiting a store, restaurant, or any business on their own. Our lawyers represent older children who are injured while working at any type of job.
We also represent children in the following types of accidents that are especially likely to involve children:
- Accidents involving teenage drivers. Teens often take more risks when driving than adults because of their lack of maturity and their thinking that they’re invulnerable. Teenagers are generally just as likely, or more likely, to be involved in:
- Distracted driving accidents. Teenagers often text while driving, use their hands to hold a smartphone to talk, adjust entertainment systems, and turn their heads to talk to their friends.
- Speeding and other traffic violations. Teens often explore the joys and dangers of driving fast. Many teens don’t know how to drive in bad weather such as rain, snow, or fog.
- Dog bites. Young children fail to appreciate that a dog that is upset may bite them. Dog bites can cause scarring and disfigurements. Untreated infections can cause severe disorders or even death.
- Attractive nuisance accidents. Young children are often tempted to explore. This may lead them to use a swimming pool or a trampoline on a neighbor’s property. Property owners may be liable if a child is injured on their property – unless the property owner takes steps such as building a fence to ensure children don’t enter properties that are dangerous.
- Product defects. Some products are especially dangerous for young children. Dangerous products include some toys, cribs, and anything that might cause a child to choke or suffer burn injuries.
- Sports injuries. Schools and organizations that have sports activities for children should ensure that a coach or other adults properly monitor the activities.
There are special precautions adults need to take to ensure children aren’t injured. For example, there are laws that regulate the type of seats young children need, and when children must sit in the rear seats.
What are the unique challenges in child injury claims?
Our seasoned York, PA child injury lawyers understand the unique legal and practical issues involved with childhood injury claims. Some of these issues are:
- Who files the claim. Normally, the parents file the claim on behalf of their children. In some cases, such as where there isn’t a competent parent, guardian ad litem may need to be appointed for the children.
- Working with children. Our lawyers understand how to get children to explain what happened. Getting children to express themselves can be difficult especially if they’re very young. We work with doctors (if your doctors aren’t able) who understand how to get children to state where they’re hurting, and what their symptoms are.
- Comparative negligence. Generally, in Pennsylvania, children under the age of seven cannot be negligent. Children between seven and 14-years-old are generally presumed not to be negligent depending on their age, maturity, and how the accident happened. That presumption can be rebutted, though.
- Handling the recovery. Generally, any recovery for a minor is placed into a restricted account, trust or a structured settlement agreement to ensure the settlement funds are preserved for the benefit of the injured children. Children are generally entitled to receive all the proceeds of the settlement or verdict when they turn 18 years old.
All settlements involving minors must be approved by the court.
Do you have a child injury lawyer near me?
KBG Injury Law is located at 110 North George Street. We are right in the heart of York, near Interstate 83 and Routes 30, 74 and 462. We also have offices throughout South Central Pennsylvania. We meet with children, parents, and guardians ad litem.
Speak with a respected York PA child injury lawyer today
Children of all ages rely on adults to act responsibly. When drivers speed, drive while distracted, or act negligently in any way, the drivers should be held responsible. Parents may be liable if their teenager gets into an accident. Manufacturers have a duty to anticipate that children will use their products. Property owners and other defendants should be held liable if their negligence causes injuries to your child.
At KBG Injury Law, we demand full compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and other permissible damages. Call us at 717-848-3838 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent personal injury victims and families in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg.
Meet Our Experts
Brian P. Strong
Brian P. Strong is a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer at KBG since 2002, and has successfully achieved large verdicts for his clients. A member of multiple bar associations, he also actively supports community organizations. He started his career as a judicial clerk, then as a prosecutor, before focusing on civil litigation. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities and is an avid supporter of Susquehanna Service Dogs and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Craig Milsten
Craig Milsten, an AV-Preeminent rated trial attorney, is known for his numerous courtroom victories and specializes in personal injury and insurance bad faith cases. With degrees from The American University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, he has held leadership positions in the York County Bar Association. Prior to his law career, he was a sportswriter for the Washington Post. Craig is also an active community volunteer, raising significant funds for health initiatives.
Edward Kennett
Ted Kennett has spent over 30 years advocating for individuals harmed by negligence, specializing in various types of accident and negligence cases. A Temple Law School graduate, he has extensive experience, ranging from the District Attorney's office to litigation before the Supreme Court. With numerous accolades, including membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and an "AV-Preeminent" rating, Ted is currently Chair of the Lancaster Bar Association Professionalism/Ethics Section.
Evan Kline
Evan Kline, with nearly 30 years of experience, has represented hundreds of clients in complex injury claims, securing large verdicts. He is "AV-Preeminent" rated and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Nationally recognized for his use of technology in law, he speaks at numerous conferences. A believer in prioritizing clients over cases, Evan joined KBG Injury Law in 2001, having previously worked with a large Harrisburg firm and insurance companies.
Timothy Salvatore
Tim Salvatore, with nearly 30 years of legal experience, specializes in complex injury claims, often representing motorcyclists. Previously representing insurance companies, he found fulfillment in advocacy for injured individuals and joined KBG over two decades ago. A Widener University School of Law graduate, he serves in multiple local associations and has an "AV-Preeminent" rating, as well as membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Wesley A. Addington
Wesley A. Addington, a Lancaster County native and Widener Law School graduate, focuses on representing injured individuals at KBG's personal injury and wrongful death team. Prior to KBG, he gained experience in general practice law offices, the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office, and a personal injury office in Lehigh Valley. He believes in informing clients about their rights and providing plain language advice. Wes is a member of the York County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations.
Brad K. Muller
Brad K. Muller, a York County native and University of Baltimore School of Law graduate, began his legal career as a Judicial Clerk and then as a prosecutor in the York County District Attorney’s Office. Currently, at KBG Injury Law, he uses his expertise to assist clients achieve justice. Brad holds various roles within the York County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. His personal interests include cooking, board games, and traveling.