When a child gets seriously hurt, everything changes in a moment. A fun ski weekend in the mountains, a trip to the playground, or an after-school sports practice can suddenly turn into a medical emergency, long hours at the hospital, and worry about what comes next. Parents often feel shock first, then fear, and then a heavy mix of questions about health, money, and accountability.
Child injury cases are different from adult cases. Kids are still growing, their brains and bodies are developing, and an injury can affect school, friendships, and future work. A broken bone, a head injury, or a spinal injury can mean long-term care, surgeries, and rehab over many years. It also affects the whole family emotionally and financially.
At CO Trial Lawyers, we focus on serious and catastrophic injury cases here in Colorado. We guide families step by step through both the legal and practical issues that show up when a child is hurt because someone was careless. In this article, we explain how fault works, what to expect from insurance companies, special legal rules for minors in Colorado, and how working with an experienced child injury attorney in Colorado can help protect your child’s long-term well-being.
When Your Child Is Hurt Because Someone Was Careless
Children get bumps and bruises all the time, but some injuries are not just “accidents.” They happen because a person or organization failed to take basic safety steps that would have protected your child.
Common situations where someone else may be legally responsible include:
• Car crashes, including school zone or crosswalk collisions
• Unsafe playgrounds or parks with broken equipment or poor maintenance
• Negligent daycare or school supervision, such as ignoring safety rules
• Defective toys, cribs, or other children’s products that fail during normal use
• Dog bites where owners did not control or train their animals
• Ski or snowboard incidents linked to unsafe behavior or poor oversight
In everyday terms, “negligence” means someone had a duty to act safely, did not meet that duty, and that failure caused harm. For example, a daycare that ignores required staff-to-child ratios and leaves kids unsupervised is not acting reasonably. A driver who is texting in a school zone is not acting reasonably either. When their behavior leads to your child’s injury, the law may hold them responsible.
Colorado also uses comparative negligence rules. That means:
• Fault can be split between different people and entities
• Insurance companies may try to blame the child, the parent, or others
• If a person is found partly at fault, it can reduce the amount they recover
We often see insurers suggest that a child “should have known better” or that a parent “was not watching closely.” This can be unfair and painful to hear. Careful investigation and strong advocacy help push back against these claims and keep the focus on the true cause of the injury.
Winter months bring extra risks in Colorado, especially around February. Icy sidewalks around schools and homes, winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, and after-school activities in the dark can all be dangerous when people cut corners on safety. Property owners, drivers, and organizations should plan for these conditions, especially when children are present.
Special Legal Protections for Injured Children in Colorado
Colorado law gives minors some added protections, but it also brings special rules that families need to understand.
One key area is time limits, called statutes of limitations. In many child injury cases, the clock for the child’s own claim can be extended because they are under 18. This can give more time for a case to be brought. But waiting can still hurt a claim, because:
• Witnesses’ memories fade
• Physical evidence can be lost or repaired
• Video footage may be deleted
• Medical records may be harder to track down
So even though the law may allow extra time, it is usually wise to get legal guidance as early as possible.
There is also an important difference between a parent’s claim and a child’s claim. Depending on the case:
• Parents may have claims related to medical bills they are legally responsible for
• Children may have claims for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical needs
• In serious injury cases, there may be claims for long-term care, lost future income, and support services
Colorado courts take extra care with children’s settlements. In some situations, a judge must approve the agreement to make sure it serves the child’s best interests. The money may be placed in:
• Structured settlements paid out over time
• Special accounts or trusts designed to protect the child’s funds
• Arrangements that limit early access so the money is there when the child needs it most
A child injury attorney in Colorado must understand these procedures and protections. Mishandling paperwork or choosing the wrong structure can delay when funds are available or even limit the total support a child receives in the future.
How a Child Injury Attorney in Colorado Can Help Your Family
Parents often tell us they feel pulled in every direction after a serious injury. They are trying to manage hospital visits, school issues, work schedules, and family stress, all while fielding calls and letters from insurance companies. A focused child injury attorney steps in to shoulder the legal side so parents can focus on their child.
That work usually includes:
• Investigating what happened, including visiting the scene
• Preserving evidence like photos, videos, and damaged items
• Interviewing witnesses while memories are still fresh
• Working with medical and child-development experts to understand long-term needs
• Collecting records that show how the injury affects school, home life, and future plans
Insurance companies have their own lawyers and adjusters. They may:
• Push for fast, low settlements before the full impact is known
• Question how serious the injury really is
• Argue that prior conditions or unrelated events are to blame
Having an attorney handle all communication protects your family from this pressure. It also makes it more likely that all of your child’s current and future needs are counted, not just the first round of emergency bills.
Serious and catastrophic injuries often require long-range planning. A fair result should take into account:
• Surgeries, hospitalizations, and follow-up care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or communication tools
• Counseling and mental health support
• Educational help, like tutoring or special education services
• Loss of future opportunities your child might face
At CO Trial Lawyers, we prepare every serious case as if it may go to trial. That trial-focused approach and readiness to present evidence in court can help during settlement talks. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know the attorneys are fully prepared to stand in front of a jury if needed.
Practical Steps After a Child Injury in Colorado
In the stressful hours and days after a child is hurt, small steps can make a big difference later.
First, focus on health and safety:
• Call 911 when there are signs of serious injury or danger
• Get prompt medical care, even if the injury seems minor at first
• Follow up with specialists when recommended
• Keep copies of discharge instructions, prescriptions, and care plans
Next, try to preserve evidence as best you can:
• Take photos or videos of the scene and any visible injuries
• Save damaged equipment, toys, or clothing in a safe place
• Get names and contact information for any witnesses
• Ask for copies of incident reports, school reports, or police reports
• Keep notes on missed school days and activities your child cannot do
Be very careful with communication. It is often tempting to vent or share updates online, but social media posts can be used against you later. When insurance adjusters call, remember:
• You do not have to give a recorded statement on the spot
• You should not guess about medical details or long-term impact
• You should not sign releases or settlement papers without legal guidance
Getting an attorney involved early helps preserve surveillance videos, secure records, and meet any special notice rules. Claims involving schools, cities, or other government entities can have shorter deadlines and extra steps, so timing matters.
Take Confident Legal Steps to Support Your Child’s Recovery
Feeling overwhelmed, angry, scared, or even guilty after a child is seriously hurt is completely normal. Parents often blame themselves, even when they did nothing wrong. You do not have to handle medical issues, insurance questions, and legal rules alone.
Working with a knowledgeable child injury attorney in Colorado can bring clarity during a very uncertain time. Careful legal work can help protect your child’s rights, secure resources for long-term care and recovery, and lessen some of the weight on your family’s shoulders while you focus on healing and day-to-day life.
Protect Your Child’s Future With Experienced Legal Help
If your child has been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, our team at CO Trial Lawyers is ready to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation your family needs. Talk with an experienced child injury attorney in Colorado who knows how to handle these complex cases with care and urgency. We will listen to your story, explain each step clearly, and guide you through the legal process. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us for a free consultation.