Child Accident Claims

Introduction

Balancing freedom and safety for our kids is a time-honoured problem for parents, and we all expect our children to enjoy the rough and tumble that is part of growing up.   When accidents do happen we don’t generally look for someone to blame, despite overblown talk of a ‘compensation culture’, the statistics show that schools and nurseries for instance actually face a low level of child injury claims following accidents to pupils. However, there are some avoidable accidents that are caused by the negligence of others and which cause significant injury that should not be ignored.

At Osbornes Law, our specialist child injury solicitors advocate for families across England and Wales, helping them claim compensation, early rehabilitation, and ongoing support for your child’s future. If your child has been hurt and someone else may be to blame, you don’t have to face the process alone, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Why choose Osbornes Law for Child Accident Claims?

• Specialist expertise in serious injury cases – we regularly handle claims involving child head and brain injury, and spinal damage.
• Multidisciplinary team approach – we work with medical experts, case managers, therapists and charities to build robust case strategies.
• Transparent, client-centred communication – we keep you informed, treat you with empathy, and always explain your options clearly.
• No Win No Fee funding – in most child injury cases, you’ll pay nothing if we don’t win.
• Trusted reputation and recognition – Osbornes Law are recognised as one of London’s leading personal injury firms, ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers UK for our expertise. Our lawyers are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), reflecting their specialist knowledge.
• With a 4.7★ rating on Trustpilot from hundreds of reviews, our clients trust us to deliver outstanding results and the support they need.

What types of accidents lead to Child Injury Claims?

Children can suffer serious injury in many settings. Common scenarios we assist with include:

• The greatest dangers outside the home are on our accidents on roads, where almost 2500 children are killed or seriously injured every year. Most child casualties are pedestrians.
• Accidents at school, nursery or playing sport
• Slips, trips or falls (playgrounds, public premises, deflective surfaces)
• Accidents involving inadequate supervision or negligence

If the injury was caused or worsened by someone else’s negligence, your child may have a valid claim.

Note: If the injury was linked to medical or birth-related negligence, you may also need to consider a child medical negligence claim.

How a Child Accident Claim Works

1. Initial assessment & advice – We’ll speak with you to understand what happened, review whether there is legal merit, and advise on likely outcomes.
2. Appointing a litigation friend – Because children cannot bring claims themselves, a parent or guardian usually acts as a “litigation friend” to bring the case on their behalf.
3. Gathering evidence & investigation – This includes medical records, witness statements, site inspections and expert reports to establish liability and causation.
4. Establishing liability & quantum – We negotiate with the defendant (or insurer) on fault and compensation. If settlement isn’t possible, we can take the matter to court.
5. Interim payments & support – We often apply to the court for interim payments so your child can receive rehabilitation, therapy or equipment while the case proceeds.
6. Settlement and court oversight – The final settlement must be approved by the court to protect the child’s interests. Sometimes the funds are placed under court supervision until they reach maturity or are managed by a deputy.

What compensation can be awarded?

Compensation is designed to cover both past losses and future needs. Awards may include:

• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Past and future care costs, rehabilitation and therapy
• Specialist education, aids or equipment
• Home adaptations and travel expenses
• Loss of future earnings or opportunities
• Emotional and psychological support

We calculate future losses using tools like the Ogden Tables and actuarial assessments to ensure the compensation reflects anticipated needs and inflation.

The role of rehabilitation & early intervention

Securing early access to therapy and rehabilitation can make a significant difference in outcomes for children. At Osbornes, we:

• Engage case managers to coordinate care
• Work with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists
• Help secure interim funding for specialist equipment, treatment and home modifications
• Support your child’s rehabilitation journey alongside their medical team

No win no fee funding

We understand that pursuing legal action when your family is already under strain can feel daunting. That’s why:

• Most child injury claims are handled under No Win No Fee arrangements
• You won’t have to pay us if your claim is unsuccessful
• Any fee is deducted from the settlement you receive
• We’ll be transparent about costs and any potential disbursements from the outset

Start your claim

Your child deserves every chance to recover and live well. If they’ve suffered an injury through someone else’s fault, please don’t delay in seeking legal advice.

• Call us on 020 7485 8811
• Fill in our online enquiry form

Let us help you secure the care, support and compensation your child needs and deserves.