When a child is involved in a car accident, the physical and emotional impacts can be overwhelming. For parents, one of the immediate concerns often revolves around the financial aspect of their child’s recovery and the potential settlement they may receive. Understanding the typical settlement for a child in a car accident is crucial for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions.Â
At Hollis Law Firm, we understand how important children and family are to everyone, and we want to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. While each case is unique and influenced by various factors, gaining insight into the typical settlement amounts can provide a helpful starting point for families.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Child in a Car Accident?
Every car accident will result in different amounts of damage, severities of injuries, and monetary value of losses. The average also varies regarding the state or country you’re discussing. For example, in Kansas, the average settlement for a car accident is somewhere around $20,000.
For a child involved in a car accident, the settlements may be larger or smaller than the supposed averages. If a kid faces impacts from the accident for the rest of their life, the settlement may be much more significant.
What Compensation Can Your Family Receive After a Car Accident Involving Your Child?
If a child has been involved in a car accident due to no fault of theirs or their parents, they are likely eligible to receive full compensation for all their losses. This may also apply to you, though your compensation will vary based on your damages and circumstances.
The following damages may qualify for complete compensation:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Drop in wage-earning capacity
- Current and future medical expenses
- Court fees and attorney costs
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Change in quality or enjoyment of life
Other losses also qualify for compensation, but it can be difficult to determine whether you are eligible. We encourage you to contact Hollis Law Firm for support during this challenging time, as we can help identify other qualifying losses, estimate the value of your claim, and maximize the compensation you can collect from liable parties and insurance. We want to help your child and your family focus on healing and recovery.
Are There Compensation Caps in a Car Accident Claim?
There are a few caps and regulations that may impact the compensation you can receive from your car accident claim, though this will depend on the state where the incident occurred.
Non-Economic Damage Cap in Kansas
In Kansas, there is a cap of $250,000 on non-economic damages, which are losses you face that don’t have a clear monetary value. These non-economic damages might include losses such as pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses. However, this cap does not appear on typical economic damages, including those for medical bills, property damage, or wage-earning capacity.
Government Claim Damage Cap in Kansas
Kansas also has a damage cap on claims against governmental entities and their employees. The Kansas Tort Act clarifies that this cap is $500,000, meaning this is the maximum compensation someone can receive when pursuing a claim involving the Kansas government.
Punitive Damage Cap in Kansas
If a responsible party acted particularly negligently and egregiously, the court may fine them with punitive damages. In specific circumstances, punitive damages may be awarded to a victim. However, the maximum punitive damages someone can be fined is based on the defendant’s financial status.Â
The cap for punitive damages is one of the following:
- The highest gross income earned by the defendant in the last five years
- Up to 50% of the defendant’s net worth
- $5 million
If you have any questions about damage caps and how they might impact your claim, please get in touch with Hollis Law Firm.
Was Your Child Involved in a Car Accident? Hollis Law Firm Can Provide Valuable Support During Your Time of Need
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident involving your child is a daunting task, filled with emotional and logistical challenges. At Hollis Law Firm, we bring a blend of legal knowledge and compassionate support to help you through this difficult time. With our extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, we may be able to assist in maximizing your settlement.
We focus on providing personalized attention to each client, ensuring that all potential damages are identified and claimed. Contact Hollis Law Firm at (800) 701-3672 or through our contact form to discuss your case and explore how we can support you in achieving a fair and comprehensive settlement.
