Child injury claims allow parents, guardians, or another suitable adult to seek compensation on behalf of a child who has been injured because someone failed to keep them reasonably safe. At Public Interest Lawyers, our solicitors understand how distressing it can be when a child is injured and the uncertainty that often follows. Because children cannot usually manage legal proceedings themselves, a suitable adult can act as a litigation friend and make decisions on the child’s behalf throughout the claims process.
We understand how upsetting a child accident can be for the whole family. Whether your child was injured in a car accident, at school, in a public place or because of substandard medical treatment, it is natural to feel worried about your child’s recovery, the evidence needed to support a claim and whether the process will feel stressful for your child. Many parents also worry about the cost of legal support and what compensation could actually help with.
At Public Interest Lawyers, our solicitors can support eligible claims for child injury compensation through a No Win No Fee agreement. This means the litigation friend can pursue compensation on the child’s behalf without paying solicitor fees upfront. Compensation can help address the impact of the injury on your child’s life, including their recovery, ongoing care needs, and future wellbeing.
Contact Public Interest Lawyers today for a free initial consultation and straightforward advice about child injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are Child Injury Claims?
- Can I Make A Compensation Claim On Behalf Of My Child?
- Who Is Responsible When A Child Gets Injured?
- Child Injury Medical Negligence Claims
- Criminal Assault Or Violence Towards Children
- Common Child Injuries Compensation Is Claimed For
- How Much Compensation Can I Claim For My Child’s Injuries?
- Can Child Injury Compensation Cover Other Losses?
- How Is A Child’s Compensation Paid Out?
- How Can I Start A Claim For My Child?
- Child Injury Compensation With Public Interest Lawyers
- Learn More
What Are Child Injury Claims?
Child injury claims are legal claims made when a child has been injured because of another person’s actions or lack of care. These claims allow compensation to be sought on the child’s behalf for the physical, emotional and financial impact of the injury. Compensation is intended to help with the impact the injury has had on the child and their future development.
Our solicitors understand how difficult it can be to think about legal action while focusing on your child’s wellbeing, but our advisors can provide clear advice about the claims process.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Can I Make A Compensation Claim On Behalf Of My Child?
Yes, you can make a compensation claim on behalf of your child if they were injured in circumstances that could reasonably have been prevented. We understand that many parents and guardians are left with questions about what happened, whether a claim is possible, and how they can protect their child’s interests.
Our solicitors can assess the circumstances of the accident and explain whether your child may be eligible to claim. They will ensure that your child meets the personal injury claims eligibility criteria, outlined below:
1. A Duty Of Care Was Owed To The Child
A school, nursery, road user or owner of a public place owed your child a duty of care. This means they had a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect your child’s health, safety and wellbeing.
2. That Duty Of Care Was Breached
It must then be shown that the responsible party whether this be a nursery, medical professional, road user, or another liable person or organisation, failed to meet this responsibility.
This may involve unsafe conditions, failures to follow safety procedures, poor medical treatment or other avoidable mistakes that placed the child at risk of harm.
3. The Child Suffered An Injury
Finally, the child must have suffered a physical injury, psychological injury or illness as a direct result of what happened.
Our solicitors can explain whether you can make a child injury claim and guide you through the next steps during a free initial consultation.
Can Someone Who Isn’t The Parent Of The Injured Child Act As A Litigation Friend?
Yes, someone who is not the child’s parent may still be able to act as a litigation friend during the legal process. In some cases, a guardian, close relative or another suitable adult can take on this role if they are able to support the child’s interests throughout the legal process.
Additionally, the court can approve a professional representative or another appropriate adult to carry out this role. The court’s priority is ensuring the child is properly represented and protected throughout the claim.
Can My Child Claim For Themself Once They Turn 18?
Yes, if a child injury claim has not already been made on their behalf, your child will be able to start a claim themselves once they turn 18.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, the standard time limit for personal injury claims is 3 years. This will mean that they will have until their 21st birthday to begin a claim.
However, it is helpful to begin the claims process as early as possible. Seeking early legal advice can also help clarify what evidence may be needed to support the claim.
Get in touch with us today to find out in minutes whether you would be eligible to claim on behalf of your child today.
Who Is Responsible When A Child Gets Injured?
Responsibility for a child’s injury will depend on where the accident happened, who was responsible for their safety at the time and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm. If you are struggling to know who was liable for your child’s accident, speak to Public Interest Lawyers about the situation. We can help you understand who your child’s claim would be made against.
Schools And Nursery Child Accident Claims
Schools, nurseries and childcare providers are expected to protect children while they are under their care, in line with the Children Act 1989.
Under this Act, the welfare of the child is paramount and more specifically, Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 imposes a duty on schools and nurseries to ensure that their functions are carried out whilst having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
For more information, please see our guide on school accidents.
Child Injuries In Public Places
Children may suffer injuries in public places such as parks, shopping centres, playgrounds, leisure facilities or on pavements. For example, a child could be injured after falling from poorly maintained playground equipment.
In these situations, the organisation or authority responsible for the premises owes children and any other visitors a duty of care to ensure their reasonable safety under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
They may be liable if the injury was caused by hazards, unsafe surfaces or poor maintenance.
Our guide on public liability claims can further help if your child was injured in a public place.
Road Accident Caused Child Injuries
Children can suffer serious injuries in road traffic accidents as passengers, pedestrians, cyclists or while using public transport. Responsibility for the accident will depend on how the collision happened and whether road users acted safely.
Legally, all road users owe other users a duty of care to operate in a way that avoids causing injury to themselves or others. They can uphold this duty of care by adhering to the guidance within both the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.
Contact Public Interest Lawyers today for a free initial consultation and clear advice about the next steps available to your family.
Child Injury Medical Negligence Claims
Child injury medical negligence claims may arise when a child suffers harm because a healthcare professional, hospital or medical provider failed to provide an appropriate standard of care. This can include mistakes made during diagnosis, treatment, surgery or aftercare.
As child medical negligence claims can be medically and legally complex, seeking early legal advice may help families better understand the claims process and the support available.
Our solicitors can assess the circumstances of your child’s accident, identify who may be legally responsible, and explain whether the available evidence could support a child injury claim on your child’s behalf.
Criminal Assault Or Violence Towards Children
Child injury claims may also arise where a child has suffered physical or psychological harm because of criminal assault, abuse or other violent behaviour. These situations can be particularly distressing for both the child and their family, especially where the injuries have caused long-term psychological effects.
In some cases, it may be possible to pursue compensation on the child’s behalf through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
In order to be eligible to claim through the CICA, the following requirements must be present:
- The child must have suffered an injury because of a crime of violence. Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, this can include physical attacks, violent acts or omissions that cause harm, threats of violence, sexual assault and arson.
- The incident must have taken place in England, Wales, Scotland or another qualifying location, such as a boat registered in one of these countries.
- The incident must have been reported to the police.
Time Limits In Child Criminal injury Claims
If a parent has not made the claim for their child, then the following time limits will apply:
- If you were under 18 when the incident happened, and the incident was reported to the police, you have two years from your 18th birthday to claim unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- If you were under 18 when the incident happened, and the incident was not reported to the police, you have two years from reporting it to the police to claim. You will need to prove that exceptional circumstances prevented you from making this report sooner.
As these cases can be emotionally sensitive and legally complex, seeking early legal advice may help families better understand the options available and the support that may be accessed throughout the claims process.
Speak to an advisor today to get started.
Common Child Injuries Compensation Is Claimed For
Child injury claims can involve a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. The severity of the injury, the recovery period and the long-term impact on the child’s daily life will often affect the amount of compensation that may be awarded.
Some of the most common injuries claimed for include:
- Head and brain injuries, including serious trauma and acquired brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Burns and scarring injuries
- Spinal and back injuries
- Psychological injuries, including anxiety, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Facial injuries and dental damage
- Birth injuries, including cases involving cerebral palsy
In some cases, children may also suffer long-term complications that require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation or additional support throughout their development. At Public Interest Lawyers, we will make sure that your child’s claim includes considerations for the long-term effects of the accident.
If you would like guidance about how much compensation or the support that may be available following your child’s injury, speak to one of our advisors today.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim For My Child’s Injuries?
How much compensation could be claimed for child injuries will depend on the physical, emotional and financial impact the injury has had on your child’s life. In child injury compensation claims, this may include general damages and special damages.
General damages compensate for the pain, suffering and impact the injury has had on the child’s daily life and development. Factors such as the severity of the injury and any long-term effects will often be considered when valuing the claim. Additionally, solicitors and courts often refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when assessing compensation for different injuries and levels of severity.
Special damages compensate for financial losses and expenses linked to the injury, which we discuss in further depth below.
The table below contains figures taken from the JCG for common child injuries. These figures are intended as guidance only and do not guarantee how much compensation may be awarded in any individual claim.
| Injury | Severity | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries + Financial Losses | Very Severe - a number of injuries as well as ongoing care costs, medical expenses or home adaptations | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia - reduced sensory ability and communication is limited | £428,850 to £533,720 |
| Paraplegia - the award will be impacted by age and life expectancy | £289,420 to £375,540 | |
| Brain Damage | Very Severe - little meaningful response to environment | £372,570 to £533,720 |
| Moderately Severe - serious level of disablement | £289,420 to £372,570 | |
| Back Injury | Severe (i) - damage to both the nerve root endings and spinal cord | £120,340 to £212,670 |
| Neck Injury | Severe (i) - incomplete paraplegia causing permanent spastic quadriparesis | In the region of £195,970 |
| Foot Injury | Very Severe - permanent and severe pain with mobility issues | £110,930 to £144,860 |
| Wrist | Severe (a) - complete loss of function in the wrist | £62,910 to £79,080 |
| Hand | Severe Fractures to Fingers - deformity or partial amputations | Up to £48,540 |
Can Child Injury Compensation Cover Other Losses?
Yes, child injury compensation may cover more than the pain and suffering caused by the injury itself. In some cases, compensation may also help with future financial losses, ongoing care needs, and the long-term impact the injury has had on the child’s life. Our solicitors can carefully assess the circumstances of the claim and help ensure that all relevant expenses and losses are identified and included when valuing the compensation sought on your child’s behalf.
Future Loss of Earnings
Compensation may take account of future loss of earnings where a serious injury affects the child’s future ability to work.
Specialised Education and Development
Some children may require additional educational support, specialist therapies or developmental assistance following a serious injury.
Life-Changing Adaptations
In cases involving serious or permanent injuries, compensation may help cover home adaptations, mobility aids or specialist equipment needed to support the child’s daily life and independence. At Public Interest Lawyers, we’ll ensure that your home and child receive a full assessment to ensure that appropriate adaptations are made and compensated for.
Medical and Therapeutic Expenses
Compensation may also include rehabilitation costs, physiotherapy, counselling, ongoing treatment or other medical expenses linked to the injury.
Can Compensation For Children’s Injuries Be Accessed Before The Claim Settles?
In some circumstances, interim payments may be available before a child injury claim is fully settled. Interim payments are advance payments made as part of the compensation award and may help cover urgent expenses such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, specialist care or adapted equipment while the claim is ongoing.
Can I Claim Compensation For Immediate Family Losses?
In certain situations, compensation may also take into account financial losses experienced by parents or close family members.
This could include lost earnings from taking time off work to care for your child, travel expenses linked to medical appointments or the cost of providing additional support at home. One of our solicitors will ensure that immediate family losses are considered.
Get in touch with our advisors today to learn more about what child injury compensation can cover.
How Is A Child’s Compensation Paid Out?
A child’s compensation is typically paid out into a Court Funds Office account. Any compensation awarded to a child must be approved by the court during an infant approval hearing. Once approved, the compensation is paid into the Court Funds Office (CFO), which manages money awarded to children and protected parties in England and Wales.
The CFO will normally hold the compensation in a special account until the child turns 18. Interest may also be added during this time.
In some cases, the court may approve early payments from the compensation before the child turns 18 where the funds are needed for the child’s care, treatment, education or other important needs linked to the injury.
Once the child reaches 18, they can apply to access the compensation held by the CFO.
Our solicitors can explain how this process works and whether any interim payments may be available in your child’s circumstances.
How Can I Start A Claim For My Child?
To start a child injury claim, you will need to gather evidence, identify who was responsible for the injury and seek legal advice about the claims process. If you work with one of our solicitors on your child’s behalf, they will handle every aspect of the claims process for you, allowing you to focus on your child’s needs.
Below, we explore how to prove liability for your child’s injuries:
How Can I Prove Liability For My Child’s Injuries?
The evidence needed to prove liability for your child’s injuries may include:
- Medical records confirming the child’s injuries and treatment
- Photographs of the accident scene, hazards or visible injuries
- CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the incident
- Witness statements from teachers, carers, road users or members of the public
- School, nursery accident book reports
- Incident reports completed by businesses, local authorities or healthcare providers
- Police reports where the accident involved a road traffic accident or criminal incident
- Expert medical evidence assessing the long-term impact of the injury
Get in touch with our advisors today to learn more about proving liability for your child’s injuries and how one of Public Interest Lawyer’s solicitors can help.
Child Injury Compensation With Public Interest Lawyers
At Public Interest Lawyers, our solicitors understand how difficult it can be to see your child injured and deal with the emotional, practical, and financial impact that can follow. We know that parents and guardians are often focused on their child’s recovery while also trying to navigate unfamiliar legal processes. Our solicitors can support you and your family throughout the claim, providing practical advice and guidance through every stage.
Why Choose Our Solicitors To Claim For An Injured Child?
With a personalised service from the very beginning, our solicitors at Public Interest Lawyers are committed to supporting you, your child and the rest of the family through the claims process.
We’re able to do this by:
- Gathering evidence to demonstrate how your child’s injury occurred and who may be responsible
Arranging independent medical assessments to understand the full impact of the injury on your child’s health and future needs
Explaining litigation friend responsibilities, court approval hearings, and compensation settlements in clear, straightforward terms
Providing practical legal advice tailored to your child’s circumstances and the evidence available
Supporting parents, guardians, and other litigation friends throughout every stage of the child injury claims process
Helping ensure that compensation reflects both your child’s injuries and any related financial losses or future care requirements
No Win No Fee Child Injury Claims
At Public Interest Lawyers, our solicitors handle child injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means:
- You wouldn’t have any upfront service fees for us to start work on your child’s claim
- You wouldn’t make ongoing service fee payments while the claim is progressing
- You’d have nothing to pay towards our services if the claim was unsuccessful
Instead, if your child’s claim was successful, then an agreed percentage of the compensation would be deducted as our solicitor’s success fee. This is discussed ahead of time, and capped in line with legislation.
Contact Our Solicitors
Get in touch with our specialist advisors today if you have any questions about the child injury claims process. You can reach us by:
- Calling us on 0800 073 8803
- Contacting us online
- Talking to an advisor through our live chat
Learn More
Read some of our other guides about:
- How to claim for loss of sight
- Catastrophic injury claims
- How long does a personal injury claim take to settle?
External Resources
- NHS information about what to do if your child has an accident
- Government guidance on illness and your child’s education
- How to request CCTV of yourself
Thank you for reading our guide on child injury claims.