Man Killed, 6 Children Injured In Crash On I-440
Last month, a major crash on I-440 left one man dead and six children injured. Officials with the Metro police state that a 49-year-old man was driving in a van when it was hit head on by an SUV driven by a 22-year-old. The 22-year-old man said another SUV swerved into his lane, which caused him in turn to swerve to avoid being hit. Six children were in the van and were all taken to the hospital for injuries. One of the children, an 11-year-old, was critically injured and taken to Vanderbilt University. Authorities have asked for witnesses of the crash to come forward. Allegedly, the car that cut off the SUV kept going.
Brain Injuries in Children
Injuries to children are especially sensitive cases. For one, it has been shown that brain development does not stop until the mid-twenties. Small children are especially susceptible to traumatic brain injuries, and brain damage at an early age can lead to permanent disability. It is also sometimes hard to determine the types of disability that arise in the long term for children. An injured child may recover the cost of past and future medical expenses and (if working) lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish (emotional distress damages), loss of enjoyment of life, loss of earning capacity if the injuries will affect the child’s working capability as an adult, and disability and disfigurement.
Understanding Claims Related to Child Personal Injuries
Under the law in Tennessee, there are time limits on which any person can bring a lawsuit against another (known as the statute of limitations). With minor children, the statute of limitations requires that a minor bring a lawsuit for personal injury no more than one year after his or her 18th birthday. However, a lawsuit for medical expenses incurred on behalf of the parent must usually be filed within one year of the incident. As a result, it is recommended you consult with an lawyer as soon as practicable, if you believe your child’s injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
For wrongful death suits, lawsuits should typically be filed within one year from the date of the injury that later gives rise to the child’s death.
Nashville Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
The damages that result from a motor vehicle accident can be catastrophic. At Calhoun Law, PLC, we understand how confusing and complex traffic accident litigation can be, especially when your children are involved. Depending on the specifics of your case, your child may be entitled to present and future medical expenses, lost wages, disability compensation, reduced earning ability compensation, and funeral costs, as well as awards for pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and wrongful death. We will seek to recover the amount that it will take to take care of your child for the rest of his or her life. Contact us today so that we can ensure that you and your loved ones are properly compensated for you injuries.
