Accidents involving children

FAQs

• What is the children's accident claims process?

  When seeking child injury compensation, you’ll follow a clear process so we can support you in the best way possible:

  • It will start with an informal, no-obligation chat.
  • We may request more documents if we feel there is a reasonable chance of winning the case.
  • If you decide to pursue your claim with us, we’ll begin more detailed investigations and discuss funding. However, if we feel you don’t have a valid case, or if you don’t feel satisfied with our funding agreement, you can walk away without paying a penny.
  • We will get in touch with the defendant (the person we believe is to blame) and outline your claim.
  • If the defendant accepts responsibility, we will negotiate your child injury compensation.

• What is a litigation friend?

  A litigation friend is someone who is appointed to make decisions about a court case for a child, or an adult who lacks the mental capacity to manage their own court case either with or without a solicitor. But, it’s important to note, they are not acting as a lawyer.

  You can apply to be someone’s litigation friend or be appointed by the court.

• What compensation could you receive for accident claims involving children?

  You will receive compensation for relevant expenses and financial losses if you win your child injury compensation claim. This means you and your family can access critical support to help your situation.

  Examples include loss of earnings, rehabilitative treatment, medical costs and even travel expenses relating to your child’s injuries. The claim will also include financial losses that will be encountered in the future.

  As well as compensation for losses that are known of, your child will also be covered for physical and emotional suffering experienced due to their personal injury. This amount will be determined using the latest edition of the Judicial College guidelines.

• What are the time limits for bringing accident claims involving children?

  If the claimant was under 18 when the accident happened, the Claim Form needs to be issued in the court within three years of the claimant’s 18th birthday. This means that the claim must be issued by their 21st birthday. Otherwise, you could risk losing the chance to claim compensation.

  While we understand that it will be the last thing on your mind, you should ideally seek out legal advice from a child injury compensation claims solicitor as close to the accident as possible. This way, when you’re ready, it will be easier to recall details of the event, collect evidence and strengthen your claim.

• What evidence will I need to support my child injury compensation claim?

  Where possible, you should evidence as close to the event as possible. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case for child injury compensation will be. Examples include:

  • Photos or videos taken from the scene of the accident
  • Medical records that confirm the injuries and document the treatment your child received
  • Eyewitness accounts, or contact details of anyone who saw what happened

• Will BBK provide support beyond the claims process?

  We understand how devastating accidents involving children can be. That’s why, on top of seeking maximum compensation, we’ll arrange for your child and family to receive the treatment or rehabilitation needed. We can also advise on other welfare benefits that you may be entitled to.