Pediatric & Child Injury Claims

Protecting Injured Children and Their Futures

When a child is seriously injured, the impact is felt far beyond the accident scene. Parents worry about recovery, missed school, long-term development, and how the injury may affect their child’s future. Unfortunately, children are especially vulnerable in accidents, whether as passengers in motor vehicle collisions, pedestrians, cyclists, or victims of unsafe premises and defective products.

The law in Ontario recognizes that children deserve special consideration when they are harmed. Pediatric injury cases involve unique medical, legal, and financial issues that must be handled with care and expertise. At Beckett, we have over 25 years of experience standing up for families across Ontario when their children are injured due to negligence.

Why Child Injury Cases Are Different

Unlike adults, children cannot advocate for themselves in the legal system. A parent or guardian—known as a litigation guardian—must bring the claim on their behalf. The courts and the Children’s Lawyer of Ontario play an important role in overseeing settlements to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected.

In addition, limitation periods (the deadlines for starting a lawsuit) work differently for minors. The two-year clock usually does not begin until the child turns 18, meaning injured children often have more time to pursue a claim. However, it is always best to get legal advice early to preserve evidence and secure proper care.

Common Types of Pediatric Injury Claims

Children can suffer a wide range of injuries that require legal action, including:

Motor vehicle accidents (as passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists)
Playground and school-related accidents
Sports and recreational injuries
Injuries caused by unsafe premises or negligent supervision
Defective toys, equipment, or products

These injuries often include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, and psychological trauma—all of which can affect growth, learning, and future independence.

The Challenges Families Face

Parents are often overwhelmed after a serious injury. Insurance companies may question the severity of a child’s symptoms, refuse to fund therapies, or demand repeated medical examinations. Families may be left paying out of pocket for essential supports such as speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or counselling.

At Beckett, we work with pediatric specialists and rehabilitation teams to ensure that children receive the care they need now and in the future. We also help families plan for long-term costs, including specialized schooling, assistive devices, and modifications to the home environment if necessary.

How Beckett Can Help

Our firm has represented countless children and families throughout Ontario in pediatric injury cases. We understand the emotional toll these claims take and handle each one with compassion, professionalism, and determination.

We fight to secure compensation that covers:

Immediate and long-term medical and rehabilitation care
Educational supports and specialized therapies
Attendant care and personal support services
Loss of future earning capacity when injuries impact a child’s ability to work as an adult
Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life

Every case is about more than dollars—it is about giving children the chance to rebuild their lives and protecting their future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can start a lawsuit for an injured child?

A parent, guardian, or another responsible adult must act as the child’s litigation guardian and bring the claim on their behalf. The court oversees the process to ensure the child’s rights are protected.

How long does my child have to start a claim? 

The usual two-year limitation period is suspended until the child reaches 18. That said, early action is always better to ensure medical evidence is preserved and proper care is arranged.

What kinds of compensation can my child receive?

Compensation may include costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, therapies, educational supports, and, in serious cases, damages for loss of future earning capacity and loss of enjoyment of life.

What happens to settlement money awarded to a child? 

In Ontario, settlements for minors must be approved by the court. Funds are typically paid into court and held in trust until the child turns 18, unless the court directs otherwise. This ensures the money is preserved for the child’s future needs.

Do pediatric injury claims settle differently than adult claims?

Yes. Because children cannot make legal decisions for themselves, courts and the Children’s Lawyer of Ontario are involved to review settlements and ensure they are fair and in the child’s best interest.

Contact Us

We represent survivors of sexual abuse from all across Canada. Our services are flexible and designed to meet your needs — whether that means meeting in person, by phone, or through a secure video call. We offer private, accessible meeting spaces and can also arrange home or hospital visits when appropriate. No matter where you’re located, we’re committed to making the legal process as comfortable and accessible as possible.