• Get medical care and follow the provider's instructions.

• Preserve evidence: photos, incident reports, witness names, product packaging, video, and damaged items.

• Contact Strom Advisory Group. We will connect you with a Chicago child injury lawyer who will evaluate liability and damages, notify insurers, and guide you through the next steps.

• If a settlement is proposed, the court may need to approve it and require a guardian to manage funds or a structured plan for future needs.

It is a civil claim seeking compensation when negligence, a dangerous property condition, a defective product, or other wrongful conduct harms a child. Compensation can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, future care, and, in some cases, educational or vocational supports tied to the injury.

Minors cannot file independently, settlements often require court approval, and long‑term needs must be projected carefully. Life‑care planning, structured settlements, and special needs trusts may be considered. Some deadlines are extended for minors, while certain related parent claims can have shorter timelines.

Yes. A parent or court‑appointed guardian typically files on the child’s behalf. In some situations, a parent may also bring related claims, such as medical expenses or loss of services, which can involve different deadlines.

Deadlines depend on the type of case and who is being sued. Many Illinois negligence claims for minors allow additional time beyond the standard two‑year limit, but claims against public entities can have shorter time frames and special notice requirements. Speak with counsel promptly so no deadline is missed.

Medical records and imaging, scene photos and video, incident or police reports, daycare or school logs, safety and maintenance records, product manuals and packaging, witness statements, and proof of how the injury affects daily life, schooling, and activities.

Medical bills and future care, rehabilitation and therapies, assistive devices and home modifications, pain and suffering, loss of a normal life, scarring and disfigurement, and in some cases loss of future earning capacity. Your attorney will also address liens and ensure funds are protected for the child’s future.

Timelines vary based on medical stability, the number of defendants, and whether liability is contested. Some claims resolve in months once treatment stabilizes. Complex cases with extensive expert work can take 12 to 24 months or longer. Your lawyer will set milestones and keep you updated.

Investigates fault, preserves evidence, coordinates pediatric medical review, evaluates insurance and corporate relationships, handles all insurer communications, negotiates settlement, and files suit when needed. If litigation proceeds, the lawyer manages discovery, depositions, mediation, and trial preparation, then guides any court approval of a settlement for the child.