Maryland Child Injury Lawyer
Kellie T. Barnes, Attorney at Law helps Maryland families when their child is hurt in an accident.
No parent ever plans for that call from the school, the ER visit, or the weeks that follow. But when it happens, you do what any mom or dad would—you focus on keeping your child safe and getting them the care they need.
Our team can help with the rest, by explaining your legal options and taking some of the weight off your shoulders. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer If My Child Is Hurt?
When your child gets hurt, it hits you in a way nothing else can.
You’d take their place in a second if you could. So it’s completely normal to ask—should I get a lawyer? The short answer: not always. But for many moms in your situation, having one makes a hard situation a little easier. Kids are strong, but recovery rarely happens overnight. What starts as an ER visit can turn into follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or time missed from school.
Meanwhile, insurance companies usually want to settle things fast—often for less than what your child might truly need in the long run. That’s where having a lawyer can help. Our team makes sure your child’s care, comfort, and future are fully considered by:
- Explaining your child’s legal rights in plain language
- Collecting the facts, records, and evidence that tell their story
- Looking into how the accident happened and who’s responsible
- Handling the back-and-forth with insurance companies
- Preparing your case for court if that’s what’s needed
You should be focused on helping your child get better—not going back-and-forth with insurance companies or sorting through legal paperwork. When you have our team by your side, you get the space to focus on your family while we handle the rest.
What Kind of Information Can Help My Child’s Injury Claim?
It can feel strange to even think about a claim when your child’s been hurt. But the truth is, that claim can be an important part of helping your child recover—especially when medical bills and long-term care start to add up. Gathering the right information early makes a big difference, even if you’re just starting to get your bearings. Here’s what can help build a strong case for your child:
- Accident reports. Whether it’s from the police, a school, or a daycare, these reports give an outside perspective on what happened.
- Medical records. ER records, visit summaries, medications, and all of your child’s other medical records are going to form the base of their claim, showing what happened and how hurt they are.
- Your own notes. Write down what you notice. Missed school, sleepless nights, new fears, or changes in mood—these details matter.
- Receipts and expenses. Save everything, from medical bills to gas money for doctor visits or time you had to take off work. It all shows the financial impact your family is carrying.
- Witness information. If anyone saw what happened, jot down their name and contact info while it’s still fresh.
You don’t have to do all of this perfectly or right away.
Think of it like gathering puzzle pieces that tell your child’s story—what happened, how it’s affected them, and what your family’s been through. This is what will form the foundation of your child’s claim, but it’s important for another reason–it can help you figure out who’s responsible.
Who’s Responsible for My Child’s Injuries After the Accident?
Once the initial panic fades, the next question every parent asks is: Who’s going to pay for all of this? The doctor visits, the therapy sessions, the missed work—it all adds up fast. In Maryland, anyone whose carelessness–legally called negligence–caused your child’s injury can be held financially responsible. That could include:
- A driver who was distracted, speeding, or under the influence
- A property owner or landlord who failed to fix or warn about a hazard
- Their school or daycare that didn’t provide proper supervision
- A business that ignored unsafe conditions
- A manufacturer that sold a defective toy or product
- Even the city or county government if a poorly maintained sidewalk or playground caused their injury
At the heart of it, the law says everyone has a duty to act reasonably and keep kids safe. When that doesn’t happen, your family shouldn’t be left to shoulder the burden alone. Holding the responsible party accountable not only helps your child—it can also help prevent the same thing from happening to another family. And while every situation is different, this leads into the next phase of things–actually filing an injury claim for your child.
How Does a Child Injury Claim Work in Maryland?
When an adult is injured, the process of filing an injury claim is fairly straightforward—they speak for themselves. But when it’s your child, you’re the one who steps in to act on their behalf. Here’s how that typically works:
- Insurance claim. Most cases start with an insurance claim outside of court. We handle the back-and-forth with adjusters, making sure they understand not just the medical side of things, but the emotional and developmental effects of the injury too.
- Lawsuit. If the insurance company won’t be fair, the next step is filing a lawsuit. While that process takes longer, it also puts pressure on the other side to take responsibility—and it gives you the chance to tell your child’s story in full if it goes before a jury.
A child injury claim is about more than just medical bills. It’s about protecting your child’s future. A strong claim can help recover things like:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost income from time you missed work to care for your child
- Replacement for damaged property (like clothing, glasses, or bikes)
- Pain and suffering your child has endured
- Emotional distress or behavioral changes
- Loss of enjoyment of life when your child can’t do the things they love
Maryland’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years, but when the person hurt is a minor, that deadline doesn’t start until they turn 18.
Still, it’s best not to wait—evidence can fade, and memories change. The sooner we can start, the stronger your child’s claim will be.
What Can Cause My Child to Be Injured in Maryland?
Kids are naturally curious and fearless—that’s part of what makes them so special. But it also means accidents can happen anywhere, even when you’re careful. Some of the most common situations we see include:
- Playground and park injuries. From school playgrounds to local parks, worn equipment or lack of supervision can lead to serious falls.
- School and daycare accidents. Accidents at school or daycare are more common than parents realize, often tied to unsafe play areas or inattentive staff.
- Car accidents. Whether your child was in the car or walking near a busy street, a careless driver can change everything in a split second.
- Bicycle accidents. While most kids are careful when riding their bike, they don’t always recognize potential hazards or know how to react in a traffic situation. This can quickly lead to collisions or other accidents.
- Dog bites. Even well-behaved dogs can bite when scared or startled, especially around children.
- Defective products. Toys, sports gear, or bikes that malfunction can turn everyday play into something dangerous.
No matter how it happens, an injury to your child can affect every part of your life. That’s why it helps to have someone who understands both the emotional and practical sides of what your family is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I’m not there when my child is hurt?
You don’t have to be there to protect your child’s rights — just gather any reports or witness names, get them checked by a doctor, and we can help piece together what happened.
What if it happened on a friend or family member’s property?
These claims are usually handled through insurance, not out of anyone’s pocket, so you can make sure your child’s care is covered without creating conflict.
How long do I have to file a claim for my child?
You still have three years to file a claim for your child, but it doesn’t kick in until they turn 18. But acting sooner keeps evidence fresh and makes the case stronger.
Get Help for Your Child’s Injuries in Maryland
When your child is hurt, everything else takes a back seat.
You’re doing your best to manage hospital visits, school updates, and emotions that are all over the place. You shouldn’t also have to navigate the legal and financial fallout on your own.
Kellie T. Barnes, Attorney at Law helps families across Maryland find clarity, accountability, and relief after a child’s injury. Our Annapolis-based team can explain your options and handle the details while you focus on what matters most—your child’s recovery.
If you’re ready to talk through what happened and learn what comes next, we’re here to listen. Let’s start with a free consultation.