Personal Injury Claims Solicitors | Injuries to children

Children can be injured in many different circumstances from road traffic accidents, slipping and tripping accidents or even be involved in an accident whilst at school or an after-school club. Whatever the circumstance, if your child has been injured in an accident that was the fault of another party, then our team of specialist lawyers at HilliersHRW Solicitors LLP can help you secure compensation for your child.

The claim is usually (although not always) made on behalf of the child by one of their parents acting as the child’s "litigation friend", this means that all correspondence in relation to the claim would be sent to that "litigation friend" who would also be responsible for signing any necessary forms. As a "litigation friend" the parent or other suitable adult is required to act in the best interests of that child during the course of the claim which means that they would need to actively co-operate with us in the running of the claim and ensure that the child is taken to any medical appointments arranged.

When a settlement has been negotiated the "litigation friend" and, almost always the child, will be required to attend at their local County Court for a Judge to approve the amount of compensation awarded. The hearing is very informal and usually only the "litigation friend", the child and their representative from HilliersHRW Solicitors LLP is present in the room with the Judge. The Judge is simply satisfying himself that the amount awarded is appropriate in all the circumstances and no further medical investigations are warranted. He or she will usually address the child direct by introducing themselves in a friendly manner and asking simple questions such as “how are you?”, “Does your arm (or other injured part) still hurt?”. If the child or litigation friend gives any indication that problems are ongoing the Judge will refuse to approve the award and order further medical evidence to deal with any ongoing issues.

It is very rare for a Judge to refuse to approve an award in any of our cases as our specialist lawyers will only make arrangements for the court hearing, often referred to as the approval hearing, if they are satisfied that the child has made a full recovery, or a best possible recovery. The compensation is then held by the Court in a special account until the child turns 18 years of age.

In general terms a person has a three year period to bring a claim for compensation from the date of the accident. In relation to a child under the age of 18 years this three year time limit does not start to run until the child’s 18th birthday. This means that limitation in respect of a child’s claim will expire on their 21st birthday.

If your child has been injured in an accident and you would like to discuss whether it is possible to claim compensation on their behalf please contact one of our specialist personal injury lawyers on 01234 858000 (Kempston) or 01438 346000 (Stevenage) and ask to speak with Julie McCallion or Selina Martin, or use our on-line claim enquiry form.

Contact: Julie McCallion or Selina Martin
Stevenage Office: 01438 346000. Bedford Office: 01234 858000. email

Back to top

Privacy Policy l Terms l Sitemap l Site Design
HilliersHRW Solicitors are proud to support Road Victims Trust, a charity providing care and assistance to those affected by life changing injuries or death as a result of road traffic collisions

	Personal Injury Overview Road Traffic Accidents Work Related Injuries Slips / Trips Holiday / Travel Accidents Fatal Injuries Animal Attacks Sports Injuries Spinal Injuries Brain Injuries Criminal Injuries Injuries to Children Other Useful Information Claim Enquiry Form	Children can be injured in many different circumstances from road traffic accidents, slipping and tripping accidents or even be involved in an accident whilst at school or an after-school club. Whatever the circumstance, if your child has been injured in an accident that was the fault of another party, then our team of specialist lawyers at HilliersHRW Solicitors LLP can help you secure compensation for your child. The claim is usually (although not always) made on behalf of the child by one of their parents acting as the child’s "litigation friend", this means that all correspondence in relation to the claim would be sent to that "litigation friend" who would also be responsible for signing any necessary forms. As a "litigation friend" the parent or other suitable adult is required to act in the best interests of that child during the course of the claim which means that they would need to actively co-operate with us in the running of the claim and ensure that the child is taken to any medical appointments arranged. When a settlement has been negotiated the "litigation friend" and, almost always the child, will be required to attend at their local County Court for a Judge to approve the amount of compensation awarded. The hearing is very informal and usually only the "litigation friend", the child and their representative from HilliersHRW Solicitors LLP is present in the room with the Judge. The Judge is simply satisfying himself that the amount awarded is appropriate in all the circumstances and no further medical investigations are warranted. He or she will usually address the child direct by introducing themselves in a friendly manner and asking simple questions such as “how are you?”, “Does your arm (or other injured part) still hurt?”. If the child or litigation friend gives any indication that problems are ongoing the Judge will refuse to approve the award and order further medical evidence to deal with any ongoing issues. It is very rare for a Judge to refuse to approve an award in any of our cases as our specialist lawyers will only make arrangements for the court hearing, often referred to as the approval hearing, if they are satisfied that the child has made a full recovery, or a best possible recovery. The compensation is then held by the Court in a special account until the child turns 18 years of age. In general terms a person has a three year period to bring a claim for compensation from the date of the accident. In relation to a child under the age of 18 years this three year time limit does not start to run until the child’s 18th birthday. This means that limitation in respect of a child’s claim will expire on their 21st birthday. If your child has been injured in an accident and you would like to discuss whether it is possible to claim compensation on their behalf please contact one of our specialist personal injury lawyers on 01234 858000 (Kempston) or 01438 346000 (Stevenage) and ask to speak with Julie McCallion or Selina Martin, or use our on-line claim enquiry form. Contact: Julie McCallion or Selina Martin Stevenage Office: 01438 346000. Bedford Office: 01234 858000. email Back to top