Skip to main content

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Why Parents May Contact an Attorney If Their Child Is Injured While Trick-or-Treating in Indiana

Posted Nov 02, 2021 by Matt Boulton

Halloween may be one of the most exciting times of the year for kids in Indiana, but unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous. During a holiday that should be harmless and fun, many children are instead at risk while trick-or-treating. October is, in fact, the second most dangerous month in terms of motor vehicle crashes, especially those involving pedestrians. Many of these deaths, sadly, occur on Halloween, as children make their way through neighborhoods for trick-or-treating.

Accidents happen, as any parent will tell you. But certain injuries to children can result in a personal injury claim when someone else’s carelessness plays a part. Although the procedure for getting compensation for a minor varies, in general, a child has a right to compensation for the same spectrum of damages you’d find in a personal injury claim filed by an adult. That includes payment for pain and suffering, permanent injury, emotional distress, and disability. Also, a parent has a separate right for compensation for medical bills paid on behalf of the child. It is therefore prudent for the parent to contact an attorney. Other reasons include:

Help to Prove Liability for Your Injuries

The most complex part of an accident claim is proving that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. In case you’re found partially at fault, the compensation amount you receive decreases. Moreover, it can be challenging to prove who is liable for your child’s injuries while trick-or-treating, since whoever is involved will likely attempt to shift blame. Thus, if you have a car accident lawyer, they will ensure that you have the most substantial claim. In addition, the attorney will adequately investigate and gather evidence to support your case, since they have the resources and skills to build a strong argument on your child’s behalf.

Lawyers Have Excellent Negotiation Skills

When it comes to negotiating how much compensation you should get, the other party will be putting their best foot forward. You will need to deal with their insurance representative or their lawyer. These professionals have training in driving a hard bargain and you’re no match for them. Even when the other party is at fault for your child’s injuries, their representatives may try to persuade you to accept a settlement that’s too small for the injuries. To even things out and increase the amount of compensation you receive, you should hire a lawyer.

Injuries to Children Often Involve More Complex Computations of Damages

As a parent, you need to be careful in negotiating your child’s settlement with an insurance company. The insurance company is not your friend and is looking to pay as little as possible. This is especially true if your child suffers permanent or disabling injuries. You cannot recover more money later after a claim settles no matter how bad the injury becomes or how it impacts your child’s life. Any settlement will need to be sufficient to cover their needs for a long time.

Aware of Applicable Laws and Regulations

As an individual, it is difficult to understand the various terms and policies of insurance companies. Experienced lawyers are skilled enough to understand the complicated legal documents and formalities of insurance companies. Hence, it becomes easy for the parent to get their compensation easily if they have an experienced lawyer by their side. Here the lawyer guides them at each step of the compensation release process and makes a parent understand the various laws behind it.

Talk to Attorney Matt Boulton Today

Schedule your free case consultation with one of Indiana’s most experienced personal injury attorneys

Free Case Review

Protection After Trick-or-Treating

Some insurance companies will delay proceedings in order to avoid paying for damages. They may attempt to deny your claim through technicalities or simply refuse to pay medical bills. Your attorney protects you from these tactics, helps make sure progress occurs, and has a professional understanding of the criteria for establishing the right level of financial award. An attorney will also advise a parent on how to keep calm during such situations and avoid acting on impulse.

Contact an Attorney If Your Child Receives an Injury While Trick-or-Treating in Indiana

Many Halloween traditions involve pumpkins, apple cider, and even a scary hayride. Often, some neighborhood trick-or-treating occurs too. For the more than 41.1 million trick-or-treaters, the majority of children ages 5 to 14, who hit U.S. doorsteps every year requesting a Halloween treat, many injuries follow. While many people think children can be resilient, it is important to remember that their bodies are still developing. Therefore, many injuries cause damage that impacts their lives for years to come or even permanently. A compound fracture can affect the way their bones grow, injuries can cause serious scarring, and more.

If your child has been injured, Boulton Law Group can help. We level the playing field against insurance companies and fight for fair compensation for you. Contact us for more tips on injury claims, and everything you’ll need to navigate your case. Our lawyers are ready and able to zealously represent your interests before a judge so that you get the money you need for your child to heal. 

Matt Boulton

Author Matt Boulton

Attorney Matt Boulton is an award-winning personal injury attorney with more than 25 years of experience helping seriously injured people throughout Indiana. He designed his firm for the client who expects exceptional service and passionate, successful legal representation.

Related Articles