Nothing prepares a parent for the phone call, the emergency room visit, or the moment they realize their child has been seriously hurt because of someone else’s carelessness. Children are naturally curious and trusting, which makes them uniquely vulnerable to hazards that adults create, ignore, or fail to address. When a child suffers a preventable injury, the physical pain is only the beginning. Families face overwhelming medical bills, emotional trauma, and the agonizing uncertainty of whether their child will fully recover.
Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP has protected Texas families since 1959, and few responsibilities carry more weight than fighting for an injured child. As Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, we bring over 65 years of experience and Board Certified Personal Injury Trial attorneys to every case involving a child who has been harmed by negligence. We understand the unique legal complexities that child injury claims present, and we have the resources and courtroom experience to pursue the full compensation your family needs to support your child’s recovery.
Common Causes of Child Injuries in Texas
Children face dangers in places where they should feel safest, and the consequences of negligence are amplified by their smaller bodies and developing systems. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of death for children ages one through 14 in the United States, with motor vehicle crashes, drowning, and falls among the most frequent causes. In Texas, the sheer volume of traffic, extreme summer heat, and abundance of residential swimming pools create conditions that demand constant vigilance from the adults responsible for keeping children safe.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Children
Car crashes remain one of the most devastating sources of child injuries. Whether a child is a passenger in a vehicle struck by a negligent driver, a pedestrian crossing a neighborhood street, or a young cyclist struck in a crosswalk, the injuries can be severe and life-altering. Traumatic brain injuries are particularly concerning in young children because their brains are still developing, and even a seemingly moderate head injury can produce lasting cognitive and behavioral changes.
Dangerous Property Conditions
Property owners have a heightened duty of care when children are likely to be present on their premises. Under Texas law, the attractive nuisance doctrine recognizes that features such as unfenced swimming pools, construction sites, and abandoned equipment can lure children into dangerous situations. When a property owner fails to secure these hazards, they can be held liable for the injuries that result. Dog attacks on residential properties are another common source of serious child injuries, often causing deep lacerations, facial scarring, and lasting emotional trauma.
Defective Products and Unsafe Environments
Children are disproportionately affected by dangerous consumer products, including recalled toys with choking hazards, defective car seats, malfunctioning playground equipment, and unsafe cribs. Daycare facilities that fail to maintain safe environments, employ adequate staff, or properly supervise children in their care also bear responsibility when injuries occur. Our attorneys investigate these cases thoroughly, identifying every manufacturer, facility operator, or negligent party whose actions or inaction contributed to a child’s harm.
How Texas Law Protects Injured Children
Texas provides special legal protections for minors who are injured through negligence. The statute of limitations for a child’s personal injury claim is tolled until the child turns 18, giving families additional time to pursue a case. However, waiting too long can make it significantly harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong claim. Acting promptly also ensures that your child receives the medical care and financial resources they need during the most critical period of their recovery.
When a child injury case results in a settlement or verdict, Texas courts require judicial approval before the funds can be distributed. This safeguard exists to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected and that the compensation is preserved for their benefit. Our legal team guides families through every step of this process, from filing the initial claim through securing court approval of any settlement. In cases involving catastrophic injuries such as severe burns, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, we work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to calculate the full lifetime cost of care and lost future earning potential.
Why Families Choose Our Firm
The stakes in a child injury case extend far beyond the immediate medical bills. A serious injury during childhood can reshape a young person’s entire future, affecting their ability to learn, participate in activities, and eventually support themselves as adults. Insurance companies know the potential value of these claims, and they deploy aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. Our firm was built to stand against that pressure. We are true trial lawyers who have recovered over $100 million for our clients, and our recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in the country reflects a decades-long commitment to obtaining results for the families we serve. When a wrongful death claim becomes necessary after the unthinkable loss of a child, we handle those cases with the gravity and compassion they demand.
Contact Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP Today
Your child deserves an advocate who will fight relentlessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure every dollar needed for their recovery and future. We take every child injury case on a contingency fee basis, meaning your family pays nothing unless we win. With Board Certified attorneys, over six decades of experience, and a reputation built on results rather than advertisements, we are prepared to stand beside your family through every stage of this process.
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Austin or anywhere in Texas, contact our team today for a free consultation. Let us evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and begin building the strongest possible claim on your child’s behalf.