My child was injured

Dedicated Legal Representation for Injured Children from Phillips Personal Injury

 
 

When your child has been injured due to someone else's negligence, you need an experienced Nevada County child injury lawyer who understands the unique challenges these cases present. The dedicated legal team at Phillips Personal Injury combines compassionate client service with aggressive advocacy to protect your child's rights and secure the compensation your family deserves throughout Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, and all of Nevada County.

How Our Nevada County Child Injury Attorneys Can Help Your Family

As parents ourselves, we understand that nothing is more devastating than seeing your child suffer. At Phillips Personal Injury, our experienced child injury lawyers in Nevada County are committed to:

  • Providing personalized attention to your child's unique case

  • Conducting thorough investigations to determine liability

  • Working with medical experts to document injuries and future care needs

  • Handling all communication with insurance companies

  • Fighting tirelessly to maximize your compensation

  • Offering compassionate guidance throughout the legal process

Free Consultation: Call (530) 265-0186 today to speak with a dedicated Nevada County child injury attorney.

About Phillips Personal Injury - Nevada County's Trusted Child Injury Law Firm

For over 25 years, Phillips Personal Injury has been advocating for injured children and their families throughout Nevada County. Founded by attorney Michael Phillips, our firm combines small-town values with big-firm capabilities. We understand the unique challenges families face in our mountain communities from Grass Valley to Truckee, and we're committed to providing exceptional legal representation when children suffer injuries due to others' negligence. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable while providing compassionate support to families during difficult times.

Our Promise to Nevada County Families

At Phillips Personal Injury, we promise:

  • Personal attention from senior attorneys - Your case won't be passed to junior associates

  • Regular communication - We keep you informed at every stage of your case

  • Local representation - Our attorneys live and work in Nevada County and understand our unique community

  • Aggressive advocacy - We don't back down when insurance companies resist fair compensation

  • Compassionate service - We treat your family with the care and respect you deserve

Common Child Injury Cases We Handle in Nevada County

Our Nevada County child injury lawyers at Phillips Personal Injury have extensive experience representing families throughout Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, and surrounding communities in cases involving:

School and Daycare Accidents

Children spend much of their time in educational settings where supervision failures or unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries. Our Nevada County attorneys hold negligent schools and day-cares accountable, whether in public school districts serving Grass Valley and Nevada City or private facilities throughout the region.

Playground Injuries

Defective equipment, inadequate maintenance, or lack of supervision at public or private playgrounds can result in devastating injuries to children. We investigate these cases thoroughly to identify all liable parties, from local municipalities to private property owners and equipment manufacturers.

Winter Sports Injuries

With Truckee's proximity to world-class ski resorts and winter recreation areas, Phillips Personal Injury has developed specialized experience in winter sports injury cases involving children. From ski slope accidents to injuries at ice rinks and snow parks, we understand the unique liability issues these cases present.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Nevada County's hot summers mean increased pool usage—and unfortunately, increased risk. Our child injury lawyers handle drowning, near-drowning, and other pool-related injury cases with sensitivity and determination, whether they occur at public facilities, private homes, or resorts.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Children are frequently victims of dog bites and animal attacks. Our experienced attorneys understand California's strict liability laws for pet owners and work to secure full compensation for your child's injuries, which are all too common in our pet-friendly communities.

Sports Injuries

While some risk is inherent in youth sports, negligent coaching, defective equipment, or inadequate safety protocols can cause injuries that go beyond normal play. Our Nevada County lawyers know how to identify when these injuries warrant legal action and have successfully represented children injured in local youth leagues and school athletic programs.

Child Car Accident Injuries

Auto accidents can cause particularly serious injuries to children. Our Nevada County child injury attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability and fight for maximum compensation, whether the crash occurred on Interstate 80 near Truckee, Highway 49 through Grass Valley, or rural county roads.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Children on bikes or on foot are vulnerable to serious injuries. Our lawyers advocate for injured children and work to make Nevada County roads safer for everyone, recognizing the unique challenges presented by our mix of urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, and rural roadways.

Product Liability Cases

Defective toys, furniture, car seats, and other products cause thousands of childhood injuries annually. Our experienced attorneys hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products that harm children, fighting large corporations with the resources they often try to use to intimidate families.

Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Nevada County's abundant outdoor recreation opportunities mean children are often around ATVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles. When negligent operation or defective equipment leads to injuries, Phillips Personal Injury has the specialized knowledge to pursue these complex cases.

Camping and Hiking Accidents

With our proximity to national forests and abundant outdoor recreational areas, injuries during camping, hiking, and outdoor activities are unfortunately common. When these injuries result from negligence rather than inherent risks, our attorneys know how to establish liability.

Why Nevada County Families Choose Phillips Personal Injury for Child Injury Cases

Specialized Experience in Child Injury Cases

Child injury cases differ significantly from adult personal injury claims. Our Nevada County lawyers understand the unique medical, emotional, and legal aspects of representing injured children and have handled hundreds of successful cases throughout our region.

No Fee Unless We Win

We represent child injury victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your family. Initial consultations are always free, and we advance all costs of litigation.

Compassionate, Client-Centered Approach

We understand the emotional toll of a child's injury on the entire family. Our Nevada County attorneys provide supportive, responsive representation throughout your case, with 24/7 availability for urgent matters.

Local Knowledge, Proven Results

With deep roots in Nevada County, including Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee, we bring local insight and established relationships with medical providers, investigators, and court personnel to every case we handle. We know the unique challenges families face in our mountain communities.

Comprehensive Resource Network

We work with pediatric medical specialists, child psychologists, life care planners, and other experts to fully document your child's injuries and future needs. Our network includes the top specialists in Sacramento, Reno, and the Bay Area when specialized expertise is required.

Child Injury Statistics in Nevada County

Understanding the scope of child injuries in our region helps highlight the importance of experienced legal representation:

  • Children under 18 represent approximately 20% of Nevada County's population but account for nearly 30% of emergency room visits due to unintentional injuries

  • In rural areas like parts of Nevada County, medical response times average 14 minutes longer than in urban areas, potentially increasing injury severity

  • Winter sports injuries in the Truckee area account for hundreds of child injuries annually, with approximately 15% resulting in serious trauma

  • Dog bites are among the top five causes of child injuries in Nevada County, with a higher-than-average incidence rate compared to state averages

  • Nearly 65% of playground injuries in our region involve inadequate maintenance or supervision issues that could establish liability

These statistics underscore the importance of working with attorneys who understand both the medical and legal aspects of child injury cases in our unique region.

The Child Injury Claim Process with Phillips Personal Injury

1. Free Initial Consultation

Meet with our experienced child injury lawyers at our offices in Grass Valley, Nevada City, or Truckee, or we can come to your home or your child's hospital room. There is never any obligation.

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We thoroughly investigate the accident, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and identify all liable parties. Our team has developed specialized knowledge of Nevada County locations, businesses, and facilities that helps us build stronger cases.

3. Medical Documentation

We work with medical experts to fully document your child's injuries and establish their current and future care needs. We coordinate with local providers as well as specialists in Sacramento, Reno, or the Bay Area when necessary.

4. Case Building and Demand

Our team builds a compelling case and presents a demand to the responsible parties and their insurers. We prepare detailed demand packages that leave no question about the extent of your child's injuries and damages.

5. Negotiation or Litigation

We negotiate aggressively for fair settlement but prepare every case as if it will go to trial in Nevada County courts. Our attorneys are experienced litigators with an established reputation in local courtrooms.

6. Court Approval and Trust Establishment

Child injury settlements require court approval. We guide you through this process and help establish appropriate trusts to protect your child's compensation, working with trusted financial advisors who understand the unique needs of injured children.

Statute of Limitations for Child Injury Cases in California

While California generally allows two years to file personal injury claims, special rules apply to cases involving children. The statute of limitations may be "tolled" (paused) until the child turns 18. However, waiting can lead to lost evidence and faded memories.

In Nevada County's rural areas, documentation of accident scenes or dangerous conditions may be especially important to preserve quickly. We recommend consulting with our Nevada County child injury attorneys as soon as possible after your child's accident to ensure all crucial evidence is properly documented and preserved.

Types of Compensation Available in Nevada County Child Injury Cases

Medical Expenses

  • Current medical bills from local providers like Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital or Tahoe Forest Hospital

  • Future medical treatment, including specialized care that may require travel to Sacramento or the Bay Area

  • Rehabilitation and therapy with local providers or specialized facilities

  • Specialized equipment for mobility or accessibility

  • Home modifications to accommodate injuries, which may be particularly important in our rural and mountain communities

Pain and Suffering

Children may experience significant physical pain and emotional trauma from injuries. Our attorneys understand how to document and demonstrate these non-economic damages effectively.

Emotional Distress

Psychological damage, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression following traumatic injuries. We work with local child psychologists and counselors to document these impacts.

Disability and Disfigurement

Compensation for permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement, which can have profound effects on a child's development and self-image.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

Serious injuries may impact your child's future ability to work and earn income. Our economists and vocational experts help quantify these long-term losses.

Education Accommodations

Costs for special education needs resulting from injuries, including specialized programs, tutoring, or accommodations in Nevada County schools.

Family Impact Damages

In serious cases, we pursue compensation for the impact on the parent-child relationship and the additional support families must provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a Nevada County child injury lawyer?

Phillips Personal Injury works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your child. Initial consultations are free, and we advance all costs of litigation, from investigation expenses to expert witness fees.

How long will my child's injury case take in Nevada County?

Each case is unique, but most child injury claims take between 6-18 months to resolve. Complex cases may take longer, especially if they proceed to trial. Cases in more rural parts of Nevada County may involve additional logistics that can affect timing, but we work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

What if my child was partially at fault for their injury?

California's comparative negligence laws may reduce compensation based on the percentage of fault assigned. Our experienced Nevada County attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to your child. Children, especially younger ones, are generally held to a different standard of care than adults, which can work in your favor.

Will my child have to testify in court?

While possible, most child injury cases settle without trial. If court appearances are necessary, our compassionate attorneys prepare your child thoroughly and advocate for limited, sensitive participation. Nevada County judges typically understand the importance of protecting children during legal proceedings.

How much is my child's injury case worth?

Case value depends on factors including injury severity, long-term impact, liability clarity, and available insurance coverage. Our Nevada County child injury lawyers provide realistic assessments based on our extensive experience with similar cases in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, and surrounding communities.

Do you represent families throughout all of Nevada County?

Yes, Phillips Personal Injury serves families throughout Nevada County, including Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, Lake Wildwood, North San Juan, Washington, Rough and Ready, Cedar Ridge, Chicago Park, and all surrounding communities. We have offices in Grass Valley, Nevada City, and Truckee for your convenience.

What makes child injury cases different from adult injury cases?

Child injury cases involve unique considerations including different liability standards, specialized medical expertise, future development impacts, longer statutes of limitation, and court approval requirements. Phillips Personal Injury has specialized experience in these complex cases.

How do Nevada County's rural areas and mountain communities affect child injury cases?

Rural areas present unique challenges including longer emergency response times, fewer witnesses, limited surveillance cameras, and specialized recreational activities. Our local knowledge helps us address these factors effectively in building your case.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

Bring any accident reports, medical records, photographs, insurance information, and correspondence with insurance companies. If you don't have these items, don't worry—we can help obtain them. The most important thing is to come ready to share your child's story so we can begin helping your family.

Our Approach to Child Injury Cases

At Phillips Personal Injury, we understand that representing injured children requires more than just legal expertise—it requires compassion, patience, and a genuine commitment to each family's wellbeing. Our approach includes:

Child-Centered Communication

We communicate with children in age-appropriate ways, ensuring they understand the process without causing additional stress or anxiety.

Comprehensive Documentation

We meticulously document all aspects of your child's injury, including physical, emotional, educational, and developmental impacts, both current and future.

Family Support

We recognize that a child's injury affects the entire family and provide resources and guidance to help parents and siblings navigate this challenging time.

Expert Collaboration

We work closely with medical professionals, child psychologists, life care planners, and other specialists to build the strongest possible case for your child.

Long-Term Planning

We consider not just immediate needs but your child's entire future when negotiating settlements or presenting cases to juries.

Contact Our Nevada County Child Injury Lawyers Today

If your child has been injured due to someone else's negligence in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, or anywhere in Nevada County, don't face this challenging time alone. The experienced child injury attorneys at Phillips Personal Injury offer free consultations and provide the dedicated representation your family deserves.

Call (530) 265-0186 today or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.

Serving families throughout Nevada County, including Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, Penn Valley, Alta Sierra, Lake Wildwood, North San Juan, Rough and Ready, Cedar Ridge, Chicago Park, and surrounding communities.

This website is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a formal agreement is signed.