Understanding your circumstances
When a child is injured, a parent or other suitable adult may need to help bring a claim on their behalf. The child’s welfare, medical needs and longer-term development are central to the assessment.
Claims involving children have additional protections and different time-limit considerations. Court approval is generally required for a settlement on behalf of a child. Seek advice on the particular circumstances.
When a claim may be relevant
- Accidents in public places or leisure facilities
- Road traffic injuries involving children
- Injuries linked to unsafe equipment
These examples may need investigation. They do not establish eligibility or guarantee a successful claim.
Evidence to keep
- Details of the incident and supervising organisations
- Treatment records and information about recovery
- Any photographs, reports and witness details
Keep what you already have, but do not delay seeking advice to collect every document.
What might compensation consider?
Depending on the case, an assessment may consider the injury, recovery, pain and suffering, lost earnings, treatment, care and other reasonable losses caused by the incident. The evidence and legal basis must support each part of a claim.
Costs and time limits
Time limits apply and depend on the circumstances. Seek advice promptly, particularly if the incident or treatment happened some time ago. Making an enquiry does not stop a deadline.
No Win, No Fee may be available. Eligibility, terms and possible deductions apply. How funding works
Read about time limits or explore funding.
Should I wait until my child is older?
It is usually sensible to ask for advice promptly so evidence can be preserved. Different time-limit rules can apply to children, but they should not be treated as a reason to delay investigating.