This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
When a child's injury happens, it can be one of the most painful experiences a parent can face. Children are more vulnerable to harm because they depend on adults for safety and supervision. Whether the injury occurs at school, on the road, or at a daycare center, families often face large medical bills, emotional stress, and difficult recovery times.
The Olsinski Law Firm helps families in Charlotte, NC, and across North Carolina seek justice when a child has been hurt because of someone’s negligence. Our experienced Charlotte child injury lawyer handles all types of personal injury claims, from car accidents to medical malpractice and defective products.
We fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs so families can focus on their child’s healing.
Children can be injured in many ways -- at school, on playgrounds, in homes, or on the road. Many of these accidents are preventable if adults follow safety rules and laws. When someone fails to use proper care, a child injury claim can help hold them responsible for the harm caused.
Under N.C.G.S. §20-137.1, North Carolina’s child safety seat law requires all children under 8 years old and weighing less than 80 pounds to use the proper safety restraint. Car accidents, truck accidents, and school bus crashes are major causes of injuries to children. A proper car seat can prevent serious injuries like brain and spinal cord injuries.
Unsafe playground equipment, negligent supervision, or broken surfaces can cause children to fall and suffer fractures or head injuries. Schools and daycare centers have a duty of care to protect children from harm during play or physical activities.
Under N.C.G.S. § 67-4.4, owners of “dangerous dogs” are liable if their pet bites someone. Children are often victims because they may not recognize the danger. A dog attack can cause deep wounds, emotional distress, and sometimes infections requiring serious medical treatment.
Children can be hurt in slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, unsafe stairs, or poor lighting in public places and private homes. Property owners must maintain safe conditions and follow premises liability laws to prevent these incidents.
Faulty toys or defective products can lead to choking hazards, burns, or electric shocks. Manufacturers and sellers can be held responsible under product liability laws if the product design or warning labels are unsafe for children.
Medical negligence by doctors, hospitals, or nurses can cause severe harm to a child. This includes birth injuries, cerebral palsy, or misdiagnosis during pediatric care. Families may file a medical malpractice claim to recover damages for long-term health care needs.
Children often experience different types of injuries depending on the cause and location of the accident. Some heal quickly, while others lead to lasting physical or emotional effects that require long-term medical care and psychological counseling services.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen from falls, sports, or motor vehicle crashes. These injuries may affect memory, coordination, and learning abilities. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent long-term effects. Some children may need therapy to help them think and move normally again. In very serious cases, these injuries can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Children’s bones are still growing, making them more prone to fractures during playground accidents or bicycle crashes. Recovery may require casts, surgeries, and rehabilitation therapy. Sometimes, broken bones can take weeks or even months to heal fully. Parents should follow up with doctors to make sure the bone heals in the right position.
A severe fall or car accident can cause spinal cord damage, leading to partial or full paralysis. These cases often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care planning. Children with these injuries may need wheelchairs, physical therapy, or special home care. These injuries can change how a child moves, plays, and learns every day.
Burn injuries can result from defective toys, electrical devices, or fires at home. Cuts and lacerations are also common, especially when sharp or broken objects are left in unsafe areas. Some burns can cause permanent scars and may need skin treatments or surgery. Parents should keep unsafe objects out of reach to help prevent these injuries.
After a serious accident, children may experience anxiety, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Counseling and emotional support are often needed for a full recovery. They might become scared of certain places or activities that remind them of the accident. With help from parents, teachers, and counselors, children can slowly regain confidence and feel safe again.
Several North Carolina laws protect children and their families after an injury. These laws define how long parents have to file a claim, how fault is determined, and what level of care children should receive from adults and institutions.
Under N.C.G.S. §1-17, the statute of limitations for children is paused (“tolled”) until they turn 18. This means a child can still file a claim for injuries suffered as a minor once they reach adulthood.
The standard of care is based on what a reasonable person should do to protect a child. Schools, caregivers, and medical providers must follow safety practices that prevent harm.
Under North Carolina’s doctrine of contributory negligence, minors under a certain age are often not held responsible for their injuries. This protects young children from losing their right to compensation due to inexperience.
Parents can file claims to recover medical expenses or other financial losses on behalf of their injured child. They may also seek damages for loss of companionship or emotional suffering.
In a child injury claim, the key is proving who was responsible and whether the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care. Each case is unique, but many involve clear signs of negligence that caused the injury.
If a daycare center or school fails to watch children properly, it may be considered negligence. Lack of staff attention can lead to accidents that could have been prevented. Teachers and caregivers must always make sure children are safe while playing, eating, or moving around.
When staff members ignore warning signs or leave children unattended, serious injuries can happen that change a family’s life.
Property owners must keep areas safe and free of hazards. If a child is hurt because of unsafe property conditions, the owner can be held liable under premises liability laws. This includes problems like broken stairs, wet floors, or loose handrails that should have been fixed.
When a property owner fails to fix these dangers, they put everyone, especially children, at serious risk of harm.
When a defective product or unsafe toy harms a child, the manufacturer or seller may be responsible. Parents may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.
These cases often involve toys, cribs, or child seats that were poorly designed or made with dangerous materials. A company has a duty to make sure its products are safe before selling them to families.
Hospitals and doctors can be held accountable for medical malpractice if they fail to follow accepted standards during diagnosis or treatment. When a doctor makes a mistake, a child may suffer serious health problems that last a lifetime. This can include errors during surgery, wrong medications, or delayed treatment of an illness.
Parents trust doctors to care for their children safely, and when that trust is broken, the law provides a way to seek justice.
Under the North Carolina Tort Claims Act (N.C.G.S. § 143-291), parents can file claims against public schools or government entities that fail to ensure child safety. Schools must have proper rules, supervision, and safe facilities for children.
If a teacher, bus driver, or school employee acts carelessly, the school district may be legally responsible. These claims can be complex, but they are important for holding public agencies accountable for keeping children safe.
If your child is injured, taking the right steps early can help protect their health and legal rights. Proper documentation and legal support can make a major difference in your claim.
Always get prompt medical treatment for your child, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or head trauma, may not show symptoms right away. A doctor can check for hidden problems that you may not notice at first.
Quick medical care also creates important records that can help if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.
Inform the school, daycare center, or property owner immediately. Request a written incident report and keep a copy for your records. Reporting the accident ensures the event is documented while details are still fresh. This report can also help prevent other children from getting hurt in the same way.
Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and unsafe conditions. Keep all medical records and bills to support your claim. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their names and phone numbers. The more information you collect, the stronger your case will be when your lawyer begins an investigation.
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. A personal injury attorney can handle communication and protect your rights. Adjusters may ask tricky questions or pressure you to sign papers too soon. Having an experienced child injury lawyer speak for you helps ensure you don’t say anything that could hurt your child’s case.
A skilled Charlotte child injury lawyer from The Olsinski Law Firm can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We help families recover fair compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.
Our legal team can guide you through the process and take care of all the legal work. With our help, you can focus on your child’s recovery while we focus on getting justice.
A child’s parent or legal guardian can file a claim on their behalf.
You may be able to hold the school district or daycare provider responsible if negligence is proven.
Yes. Compensation can include current and future medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation.
You can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller for defective or unsafe products.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
If your child has been injured in Charlotte, NC, or anywhere in North Carolina, you deserve experienced legal support. The Olsinski Law Firm offers caring and strong representation for families after serious accidents involving children. We help gather evidence, handle insurance claims, and fight for full compensation in every personal injury claim.
Our Charlotte child injury lawyers are ready to listen to your story and explain your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation. We are here to protect your child’s future and help your family find justice and peace of mind.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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