Watching your child struggle with injuries from a car accident while dealing with insurance adjusters who seem eager to close your case creates an impossible situation.
It’s natural to wonder what your child’s case might be worth. Parents often search for the average settlement for a child in a car accident, but in Ohio, the numbers vary too widely for one figure to help. The amount depends on your child’s specific injuries, recovery time, and any future care needs.
That leaves parents asking hard questions: What is fair compensation when a child suffers injuries in a car accident? And how do you know if the insurance company’s offer will cover both current costs and future needs?
An average won’t give you the answer. Let’s look at what does.
To get more information and arrange a free consultation, give us a call at (419) 455-1410 or contact us online.
What Affects Your Child’s Car Accident Settlement?
Several details go into deciding a settlement for a child injured in a car accident, and many of them don’t show up in the first days after the crash. A concussion that seems minor may later affect school performance. A healed fracture can still cause growth-related issues. Emotional effects like anxiety or PTSD may not appear right away but can require long-term treatment.
Settlements must account for medical care, mental health support, and disruptions to school or daily routines. Some children fall behind in class or need extra services. These setbacks affect development and must be considered.
Even when injuries look similar, two children may receive different settlements based on how those injuries impact their lives. Searching for the average settlement for a child in a car accident can give families the wrong idea of what to expect.
How to File a Claim for an Injured Child in an Accident
Once you understand what goes into valuing a child injury car accident settlement, the next step is starting the claim. The claim process starts with notifying the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You’ll submit documentation showing how the accident happened and how your child was affected.
Medical bills and treatment records are key, but schools, counselors, and caregivers may also provide reports showing changes in behavior, attendance, or routine. This documentation builds the case for compensation.
Once the insurer makes an offer, negotiations begin. The payout for a child hurt in a car accident should account for both immediate expenses and the care your child may need in the years ahead. Legal guidance is essential at this stage to challenge low offers.
Challenges in Recovering a Child Injury Car Accident Settlement
Even with the steps for how to file a claim for an injured child in an accident clearly outlined, obstacles often come up. Insurance policy limits are one of the most common. When injuries require long-term care, coverage may not stretch far enough. In those cases, families may need to explore other sources of compensation.
Insurance companies may also delay or dispute parts of the claim. They may downplay the seriousness of the injury or question long-term care needs. Doctors may need more time to understand how an injury will affect development, which can stall the process.
Parents may feel pressure to accept an early offer, but doing so risks leaving out years of future expenses. These challenges make it even more important to have an advocate who knows how to protect a child’s future.
FAQs About Child Car Accident Settlements in Ohio
What Is the Average Settlement for a Child in a Car Accident?
There isn’t one. Every case depends on the child’s injuries, recovery time, and future care needs. A minor concussion and a long-term spinal injury will result in very different outcomes. Focus on your child’s needs rather than comparisons.
How are Child Settlements Approved in Ohio?
The probate court must approve any settlement involving a minor. The judge reviews the terms and places the funds in a restricted account until the minor turns 18. In some cases, the court may approve a structured settlement that provides payments at later ages, such as 21 or 25.
How Long Does the Settlement Process Take?
The timeline varies. Some cases resolve in a few months, but others take longer if doctors need time to evaluate long-term effects. Waiting for a complete picture of your child’s recovery can help ensure the settlement covers future needs.
Protecting Your Child’s Future
At Bensinger Legal Services, Attorney Aaron Bensinger focuses on helping families whose children have suffered injuries in car accidents. He works to make sure settlements account for future medical care, school disruptions, and the lasting effects of an injury.
If your child was hurt in a crash and you’re worried about what a settlement should cover, reach out today to schedule a free consultation. You can call us at (419) 455-1410 or contact us online.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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