No parent ever wants to receive the news that their child has been injured in an accident.
Unfortunately, whether they occur on the roads, at school, in a daycare centre or simply playing with a toy at home, child injuries are common in Ottawa.
Any accident can be hard to accept but the steps you take afterwards are important. Your child is dependent upon you to fight for the justice that he or she deserves and that can help you rebuild your lives.
In many cases, a negligent driver, caregiver, teacher or another individual could have prevented the accident and it becomes necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
The personal injury lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth have been working with Ottawa families whose children have suffered serious injuries since 1999. We can help you as we have helped countless other local parents.
Free Consultation after a Child Accident in Ottawa
Hearing your child was injured can be scary and uncertain. The severity of your child’s injuries may affect their daily life, and by extension yours as well. You may find yourself confused by insurance forms, and providing medical care to your child as they recover and adjust. That’s why it’s important to speak to an experienced child injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation your family deserves. Our personal injury attorneys Richard Auger and Brenda Hollingsworth have represented clients from Ontario have helped hundreds of them file their claims, as well as earned millions in damages for their clients.
No matter how badly your child was hurt and how different your life is after the injury, it’s likely that the negligent party will try to dodge responsibility and insurance companies will try to avoid paying out. That’s why working with a lawyer is so important to ensure you get the compensation you deserve to help your child heal and your family adjust to life after the accident.
Contact Auger Hollingsworth as soon as possible after your child has an accident to book your free consultation. We’ll meet with you wherever you’re comfortable, whether that’s in our office, in your own home, or in the hospital where you’re recovering. We put your needs first, and you won’t pay anything unless and until you get a settlement or judgement.
What happens after a child injury settlement?
No settlement of a claim entered into on behalf of a child is legally binding until it has been approved by a court in Ottawa. The child’s lawyer will ask the court to approve the proposed settlement by bringing a motion for court approval before a judge.
No court appearance may be necessary but considerable paperwork is required, including an affidavit from the litigation guardian explaining the facts and the reasons for supporting the proposed settlement. A minor over the age of 16 must also consent in writing to the proposed settlement unless the judge orders otherwise.
Seeking court approval before the settlement becomes legally binding is a protective measure to ensure that the settlement is in the child’s best interests. Another measure taken by the Ottawa courts is for the child’s settlement funds to be “paid into court”. The funds are held by the accountant of the Superior Court of Justice until the child turns 18. They will only be released under special circumstances, such as if a disabled child requires funds for rehabilitation.
Any funds not paid into court must be invested conservatively by the child’s parent or guardian, such as a high-interest saving account or an annuity. The child’s legal guardian may request that the court releases some funds for special or unexpected expenses before the child turns 18, even if they are paid into the court.
What Our Clients Say:
“My case took place during this pandemic , It was very difficult but Calla Rose and staff were adamant in moving forward with the process and were very successful in reaching a settlement. I am very happy and pleased with the professionalism of Auger Hollingsworth, you have a great team. Thank You!”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
