Claims on behalf of children
If a child in your care has suffered injury or harm as a result of negligent medical treatment, Gotelee’s team of specialist medical negligence lawyers can help to claim compensation on their behalf. These can often involve injuries sustained at birth causing serious disabilities to the new born child.
We have a wealth of experience in handling cases involving children and can guide you through every step of the process with sensitivity and care.
A parent or guardian making a claim for compensation on behalf of a child is known as a ‘litigation friend’ and it is their responsibility to make decisions about the claim.
A child who has suffered from negligent medical treatment has until they are 21 to make a claim. After that, the claim will be statute barred and they will no longer be able to seek compensation. In some cases, if the child is so seriously injured that they are unable to manage their own affairs once they reach adulthood, that time limit will not apply
Following an award by the court or settlement of a claim, the court will make sure that the compensation is invested wisely for the benefit of the child. The court may allow for some of the money to be paid immediately to repay expenses already incurred, or to provide for the child’s immediate needs such as buying a computer for school work. The remaining money will be invested at the decision of the Court Funds Office. The investment usually comes to an end when the child reaches the age of 18 and the money will be paid to them unless they are unable to manage their own affairs because of their disability. In that case, the court of protection could would normally step in to continue to manage the money.
If your child has suffered an injury due to medical treatment, our lawyers, based in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Melton, Hadleigh and Woodbridge, can assess your claim and provide advice on how to pursue compensation.
We may be able to offer a fully insurance-protected No Win No Fee conditional fee arrangement which means that you will not have to pay for our legal services in the event that you lose the claim.
We will also be able to advise you on the other ways of paying for our services on behalf of your child.
Call us on 01473 298125 or complete our online enquiry form and one of our medical negligence solicitors will be happy to discuss your case.
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