Helping Injured Children and Their Families

When a child is injured, it can be an incredibly distressing time for the whole family. As an experienced personal injury solicitor and father of 5 children between the age of 4 and 15, I am here to guide you through the claims process with care, sensitivity, and expert legal advice.

Child injury claims arise from many different types of accidents, including:

• Passengers injured in road traffic accidents

• Pedestrian accidents

• Cycling accidents

• Accidents at school or nursery

• Playground and public park injuries

• Dog bites

• Accidents in shops, supermarkets, and other public spaces

• Sporting injuries caused by negligence

• Medical negligence affecting children

Whatever the circumstances, if a child has been injured because someone else failed to take proper care, I can help you pursue a claim for compensation.

Children can suffer a wide range of injuries as a result of accidents. Below are some of the most common injuries I assist families with, along with the typical recovery periods and treatments involved.

Wrist Fracture (Distal Radius)

• Description: A common break from a fall onto an outstretched hand.

• Recovery Period: Typically 4–8 weeks.

• Treatment: Immobilisation with a cast, regular X-ray checks, and physiotherapy if needed to restore full movement.

Elbow Fracture (Supracondylar)

• Description: A frequent elbow fracture in children, often caused by playground or climbing falls.

• Recovery Period: Around 6–10 weeks, depending on severity.

• Treatment: Casting for minor fractures; surgery may be needed if the bone is displaced. Early rehabilitation exercises help prevent stiffness.

Head Injury (Concussion)

• Description: A mild traumatic brain injury from a bump or fall, sometimes leading to temporary confusion, headache, or dizziness.

• Recovery Period: 2–6 weeks for mild cases.

• Treatment: Rest and gradual return to normal activities, under medical guidance. Monitoring is essential to spot any signs of more serious injury.

Soft Tissue Injury (Sprains and Strains)

• Description: Damage to ligaments, tendons, or muscles, often from awkward landings, falls, or twists.

• Recovery Period: 2–6 weeks depending on the severity.

• Treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE), with physiotherapy to strengthen the injured area once initial pain and swelling subside.

Facial Injuries (Cuts, Scarring)

• Description: Cuts, bruises, and potential scarring from direct impact during falls or collisions.

• Recovery Period: Initial healing typically within 4–12 weeks, though scars may continue to mature for up to a year.

• Treatment: Careful wound management, possible cosmetic input if scarring is significant.

Leg Fractures (Tibia/Fibula)

• Description: Fractures to the lower leg bones, often caused by falls from bikes, playground equipment, or being struck as a pedestrian.

• Recovery Period: 6–12 weeks depending on the nature of the fracture.

• Treatment: Casting or surgical intervention (such as rods or plates) in more serious cases. Physiotherapy supports strength and gait recovery.

Dental Injuries

• Description: Tooth loss, fractures, or damage caused by falls onto hard surfaces or impacts in road accidents.

• Recovery Period: Varies depending on whether baby teeth or adult teeth are affected.

• Treatment: Emergency dental care, potential restorative work such as crowns or implants later in life.

How Child Injury Claims Work

Bringing a child injury claim involves a few special steps compared to adult claims.

1. Appointing a Litigation Friend
Children under the age of 18 cannot bring legal proceedings themselves. Instead, an adult — usually a parent, guardian, or close relative — must act as their Litigation Friend. The Litigation Friend makes decisions in the child’s best interests throughout the case. I will help you with the formal paperwork needed to have a Litigation Friend appointed.

2. Investigating the Accident Circumstances
I will thoroughly investigate how the accident happened, gathering witness statements, accident reports, photographs, and CCTV where available. Understanding the full circumstances is vital to building a strong case.

3. Investigating the Injuries
I will arrange independent medical examinations by specialist doctors to properly assess the extent of the child’s injuries, the likely recovery period, and any future needs such as ongoing care, treatment, or cosmetic surgery.

4. Negotiating Liability
Establishing who is legally responsible is a key part of every claim. Sometimes, defendants and insurers try to blame children for their own accidents — for example:

• A child running into the road

• A child crossing a street without looking properly

• A child riding a bicycle without the due care epected from an adult

• A child climbing on equipment not meant for climbing

However, the law recognises that children are naturally less careful than adults. Occupiers (like shops, schools, and councils) must take this into consideration with regards to the duty of care owed to children. They must anticipate that children might behave unpredictably, take risks, or fail to appreciate danger in the same way an adult would.

If contributory negligence is raised (alleging that the child was partly at fault), I will fight to ensure that the claim properly reflects the child’s age, understanding, and behaviour, and is not unfairly reduced.

5. Court Approval of Settlement
Even if an agreement on compensation is reached, the law requires that any settlement involving a child must be approved by a Judge at an Infant Approval Hearing. This is a short, informal Court appointment to ensure that the settlement is in the child’s best interests. Compensation is usually held in a Court-controlled investment account until the child turns 18.

Throughout the process, I will support you at every step to make sure everything is handled sensitively, efficiently, and in your child's best interests.

Why Choose Inson Legal for Your Child Injury Claim?

I offer a personal, hands-on service for families across Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and surrounding areas. You will deal directly with me — a qualified solicitor — and father of 5 children aged between 4 and 15, from start to finish. I always put your child’s wellbeing first and work hard to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

• No Win No Fee available for child injury claims

• Home or hospital visits if needed

• Specialist experience with vulnerable and young clients

• Clear, honest advice with no legal jargon

Child Injury Claims Solicitor in Bolton, Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and Surrounding Areas