Child Injuries

Fighting for children in Vancouver, Battle Ground, and across Washington for more than 20 years

At Philbrook Laws, our lawyers understand the unique challenges of representing children, and the trauma both children and parents experience when any child is hurt. Our Vancouver, WA child injury lawyers work with doctors who understand the particular care children require, because children are still small and have a lot of growing to do. We fight for all the compensation your child deserves. We fight for your child’s future.

What are some injuries children suffer due to negligence?

We represent children with any type of injury, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other types of head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
• Traumatic amputation/loss of a body part
• Broken bones/fractures
• Burn injuries
• Nerve, muscle, tendon, ligament, and tissue damage
• Back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Hearing and/or vision loss
• Dog bite wounds including cuts, abrasions, puncture wounds, the tearing of any skin or tissue, and infectious diseases
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Other injuries

Many children also need psychological counseling to cope with the trauma of their injuries.

At Philbrook Laws, we consult doctors who work with children. Diagnosing and treating children is much different than treating adults. Children are smaller than adults, which means their injuries are likely to be more severe. Pediatricians should understand how their treatments will affect a child’s future growth. They may also be more likely to identify symptoms of trauma that may not be immediately apparent. This is especially important when the child is too young or otherwise unable to describe his or her feelings or symptoms.

Fast facts about child injuries in the U.S.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• One child dies from an injury every hour.
• One child is treated in an emergency department for an injury every four seconds.
• One in five deaths of children are due to injury.
• “Injury” is the #1 cause of death for American children.
• For every one child fatality, there are 25 children who are hospitalized.

What are the causes of accidental injuries to children?

Philbrook Law has the experience and resources to handle all types of accidents that cause injuries to children. Our Vancouver, WA personal injury and wrongful death lawyers represent parents and children when the following types of accident harm or take the life of your child:

• Car accidents. The leading cause of injury and death for children is motor vehicle accidents. Children are more prone to serious injuries and deaths in car accidents than adults because of their smaller size. The impact of a collision on a child is greater than it is on adults. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 1,100 children 14 and younger died in traffic accidents in 2020 in the US. In 2020, more than 139,000 children were injured in car accidents in the US. Children are also more susceptible to injuries and fatalities if they are struck while riding their bicycles or scooters, or when crossing the street. We represent families in any lawsuit where a negligent party caused harm.
• Dog bites and attacks. According to the US National Institutes of Health, there are more than 337,000 emergency room visits for dog bites in the US every year. Children under 9 years of age account for 2/3 of ER admissions. Children, especially young children, don’t understand how dangerous dogs (even friendly dogs) are. Due to their smaller size, children are more likely to suffer facial dog bites. The bites are also more likely to be deeper, wider, and longer than bites to adults. Dog bites can cause facial scarring, diseases, bleeding, infections, broken bones, torn muscles, and other damage. Generally, dog owners in Washington State are strictly liable for any bites or attacks by their dogs.
• Swimming pool accidents and drownings. Drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury or death for kids, though swimming pools pose many risks. At Philbrook Law, we hold public and private swimming pool owners accountable when they fail to enclose their pools, provide warnings, hire lifeguards, inspect drains, follow chemical regulations and manufacturer recommendations, and take other precautions to protect your child. We also file child injury claims against manufacturers and the people or organizations responsible for supervising the use of a swimming pool.
• Defective products. Our Vancouver, WA child injury lawyers pursue claims against manufacturers when their defective products harm or take the life of your child. Some of the products known as dangerous for children include poorly designed, manufactured, or marketed mattresses, cribs, highchairs, strollers, car seats, car restraints, toys, flammable clothing, and other products. Unsafe baby products, like inclined sleepers or toys with small pieces, can lead to suffocation – the second leading cause of death and injury for children.
• Dangerous properties. Falls are the second most common cause of childhood injuries and deaths. We pursue claims against schools, daycare centers, summer camps, youth organizations, and other entities when the failure to inspect and supervise their premises causes your child to slip and fall, be attacked due to negligent security, or be harmed in any other preventable way.

Other types of accidents in Vancouver that may harm your child include school bus accidents, accidents because your child’ curiosity attracts them to dangerous situations (such as trampolines), and many others.

What are the unique issues related to filing a claim for a child in Vancouver, WA?

At Philbrook Laws, we understand the unique challenges involved in representing children:

• Contributory negligence. Young children are usually presumed incapable of negligence, and in some cases, the “attractive nuisance” exception may apply. Teenagers may bear some responsibility for their negligence.
• Approval of any settlement. Generally, a judge must approve a personal injury settlement on behalf of a child. the award (whether a settlement or a verdict) will be placed in trust for the minor, with specific rules governing who can access that money and when. We can explain how this works during your consultation.
• Determining the true extent of the injury. Certain types of physical injuries can compound over time. Growth plate fractures, for example, can affect your child’s physical development. Brain trauma, however, is an entirely different beast. Oxygen deprivation can lead to severe cognitive, psychological, and emotional delays.
• Giving testimony. Children often have difficulty expressing how their accident happened, and some may be unable to do so. As such, your case may rely on expert or witness testimony, rather than the words of your injured child.

Who can file a personal injury claim on behalf of a child in Vancouver, WA?

Normally, the parents of the child have the authority to file a personal injury claim on their child’s behalf. In some cases, a guardian ad litem may need to be appointed  by the court to represent the child – such as when a child lives in a foster home.

Do you have a Vancouver, WA child injury lawyer near me?

Philbrook Law maintains three office locations for your convenience:

• 300 W. 39th Street in Vancouver, WA
• 107 SE Washington St., Suite 520 in Portland, OR

We can make alternate arrangements if your child can’t physically come to our office. Our car accident lawyers also speak with clients by phone and through online consultations.

Speak with our respected Vancouver, WA child injury lawyers today

Your child’s health and happiness are your top priority. It’s natural to be upset and scared when any harm comes to your child. At Philbrook Law, we hold the people who hurt your child accountable. We demand compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of bodily function, and loss of quality of life. We demand wrongful death damages if your child tragically dies to the fault of others.

Call our child injury lawyers in Vancouver or Battle Ground, WA or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle child injury claims on a contingency fee basis. Proudly serving the greater Portland area and Oregon.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

by our clients

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