Getting Help From a Statesboro Child Injury Lawyer

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we recognize how devastating it can be when a child is hurt because of someone else’s careless behavior. Childhood injuries can affect every part of a family’s life, from physical recovery to emotional distress to financial uncertainty. These moments can be among the most difficult a parent ever experiences. That is why our Statesboro child injury lawyer team is here to guide families through the legal process and offer unwavering support. If your child has been harmed, do not wait. Call Merritt & Merritt Law Firm today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation.

We represent families in Statesboro and across Georgia and handle a wide range of personal injury claims. While every case is unique, one thing remains consistent: our commitment to protecting your child’s future.

Types of Accidents That Commonly Harm Children

Children can be injured in many different settings, often in places we expect to be safe. These injuries may occur because adults failed to act with proper care, or because systems that should protect children were neglected. Some of the most common incidents we see include the following:

• Accidents in cars where children are passengers or pedestrians
• Incidents on school grounds, including unsupervised play or intentional harm from bullying
• Injuries at daycare centers due to negligence or lack of safety protocols
• Dangerous or defective products such as toys, high chairs, cribs, or strollers
• Falls or injuries on private property or public areas with unsafe conditions
• Dog attacks, particularly those that occur in neighborhoods or parks
• Sports injuries related to unsafe equipment or untrained supervision
• Burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or scalding liquids
• Medical mistakes that affect infants or young children during treatment
• Brain trauma, including concussions, with lasting effects on development

Each of these categories presents unique legal challenges, especially when minors are involved. Our job is to investigate what happened and hold the appropriate party or parties accountable. A Statesboro child injury lawyer at our firm will take the time to examine every detail and help families pursue justice.

When Schools or Caregivers May Be Held Liable

Many child injuries happen in environments where parents are not present. Schools, daycare centers, after-school programs, and even babysitters all have a responsibility to provide a safe environment. When they fail to do so, and a child is harmed, they may be held legally responsible.

In Georgia, proving liability in child injury cases often involves demonstrating that a person or institution failed to provide adequate supervision or created an unsafe situation. Examples include a school that allowed rough play on dangerous equipment, or a daycare that failed to fix broken cribs or unsafe toys. It can also include cases where a caregiver ignored signs of illness or abuse, or failed to act during an emergency.

If your child was injured in the care of someone else, our firm can investigate whether that person or organization violated their duty to protect your child. We work with medical professionals, safety experts, and investigators to uncover the truth. A Statesboro child injury lawyer from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm will ensure your child’s rights are not overlooked in these critical moments.

Special Considerations in Child Injury Settlements

In Georgia, settlements involving minors must be reviewed and approved by the court in many cases. This step is not just a formality. It ensures that the compensation awarded is fair and that the funds will be used in a way that benefits the child in both the short term and the future.

If a child receives a financial settlement, those funds are typically placed in a protected account until the child reaches adulthood. In some cases, the court may allow certain medical or educational expenses to be paid from the settlement. This structure is meant to guard against misuse and preserve the money for the child’s needs.

Our firm handles all aspects of the approval process. We prepare the necessary documents, work with court-appointed guardians if required, and make sure every dollar is accounted for. The goal is to reach a resolution that the court will approve and that gives the child and family peace of mind.

Can a Parent File on Behalf of a Child in Georgia?

Yes, parents and legal guardians in Georgia have the right to file a personal injury claim on behalf of their child. Because minors do not have legal capacity to bring a lawsuit on their own, the adult acts as the legal representative during the proceedings.

This means that the parent makes decisions about hiring a lawyer, negotiating a settlement, or going to court. However, the court may become involved to ensure that decisions made on behalf of the child are truly in their best interest. This includes reviewing proposed settlements and determining how the funds will be managed.

A parent’s role in a child injury case is critical. If your child has been hurt, it is essential to act quickly. Evidence can fade and important witnesses may move or become unavailable.

Why Time Is So Important in Child Injury Cases

Even though Georgia law allows for some flexibility in the time limits for filing a claim when a minor is involved, waiting too long can still hurt your case. While the legal clock may not start ticking until the child reaches a certain age, the practical side of building a case begins immediately after the injury.

For example, physical evidence can be cleaned up, repaired, or lost. Surveillance footage may be deleted, and witnesses may forget what they saw or be difficult to locate. Medical records can become harder to retrieve. These are real risks that come with time.

It is also important to understand that insurance companies often begin building their defense immediately after an injury is reported. That means while you are focused on helping your child recover, the other side may already be taking steps to reduce their liability. Having a skilled attorney on your side ensures someone is working just as hard to protect your child’s rights.

The sooner you reach out to a Statesboro child injury lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, the more effectively we can gather and preserve the information needed to support your claim. Acting early gives your child the best chance at a strong and fair outcome.

What to Expect After Hiring an Attorney

After you speak with our team, we will begin with a detailed review of the facts. Every situation is different, and your child’s case will be treated with the individualized care it deserves. We aim to relieve some of the stress so you can focus on your child’s healing while we handle the legal side.

The steps in a typical child injury case include the following:

1. Initial Consultation. We listen carefully to your account of the injury, review any available documents or photos, and discuss possible next steps.
2. Investigation. Our legal team gathers medical records, interviews witnesses, and consults with professionals when needed to understand how the injury occurred.
3. Filing the Claim. Once we have the facts, we notify the responsible party and their insurer, and prepare a demand for compensation.
4. Negotiation. Many cases settle before going to trial. We will negotiate aggressively to reach a resolution that fully meets your child’s needs.
5. Court Involvement. If necessary, we file a lawsuit and present the case in court. For settlements involving children, a judge often reviews the agreement to confirm that it is in the child’s best interest.
6. Disbursement of Funds. Once a case is resolved, compensation is distributed in accordance with Georgia law. If money is held for the child, we make sure everything is properly arranged.

Understanding the Full Value of a Child Injury Claim

When pursuing compensation for a child’s injury, it is easy to focus only on immediate costs. But the true value of a case often goes beyond the first round of medical bills. The law allows families to seek damages that reflect both current losses and future needs.

Here are several types of compensation we may pursue, depending on your case:

• Medical bills. These include hospital visits, surgeries, specialist care, and physical therapy
• Future treatment. Long-term needs such as psychological counseling, rehabilitation, or assistive devices
• Pain and suffering. Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Educational support. If the injury affects the child’s learning or cognitive development
• Scarring or disfigurement. Compensation for visible, permanent injuries
• Loss of future earning ability/ If the injury affects the child’s potential to work in adulthood

Get the Support Your Family Deserves From a Statesboro Child Injury Lawyer

Your child’s health, safety, and future are worth fighting for. When an injury disrupts your family’s life, you deserve clear answers, strong representation, and a legal partner who truly cares. Let Merritt & Merritt Law Firm take the lead and handle the legal process with professionalism and compassion. An experienced and licensed attorney from our team will work hard to secure the compensation your child needs to recover and move forward. Call us today at 912-764-3434 for a free consultation and let us help your family take the first step toward justice.