Supporting Families Through Injury:
A Guide for Moms, Parents & Caregivers
At Scott & Scott, PLLC, we believe that when one family member is injured, the entire family feels the impact. As a mother and personal injury attorney, I understand firsthand how deeply injuries disrupt not just the individual, but the family system as a whole—emotionally, financially, and logistically.
Moms often carry the weight of a household, and when they are hurt, families struggle to adjust. When a child or teen is injured, parents juggle medical decisions, school concerns, emotional recovery, and legal complexities, all while trying to maintain stability at home. Injuries can lead to missed work, financial uncertainty, and stress for siblings who may feel lost in the chaos.
That’s why we don’t just fight for injury claims—we support families holistically, guiding you through medical, legal, and financial challenges. At Scott & Scott, PLLC, we are more than legal advocates.
We are partners in your family’s recovery, ensuring that you have the tools, resources, and representation you need to move forward with confidence.
How Injuries Affect the Whole Family
When a Parent is Injured
- Parents often bear the brunt of household responsibilities, and an injury can leave them unable to perform daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or childcare.
- The stress on a partner or spouse increases, as they must juggle caregiving, work, and other household duties.
- Financial strain due to lost wages and mounting medical bills can impact long-term family stability.
- Emotional challenges arise—children may feel anxious about their parent’s recovery, while the injured parent may struggle with guilt over their inability to keep up with their usual role.
When a Child or Teen is Injured
- Parents must navigate school accommodations, emotional well-being, and medical care all at once.
- Missed school and extracurricular activities can lead to feelings of isolation for the injured child or teen.
- Siblings may experience stress, resentment, or confusion as family attention shifts toward the injured child.
- Parents may need to take time off work, causing additional financial hardship and stress.
- The long-term effects of an injury may not be immediately clear—physical therapy, mental health counseling, and medical follow-ups may be required.
Special Considerations for Minors
When a child or teen is injured, the legal process is different from that of an adult. Parents may assume they can handle everything on behalf of their child, but Washington law has specific rules that affect injury claims for minors, access to medical records, and how settlements are handled. Understanding these nuances ensures that families make informed decisions to protect their child’s rights and future.
Statute of Limitations for Minors
- In Washington, personal injury cases typically have a three-year statute of limitations, but for minors, the clock doesn’t start until they turn 18—giving them until age 21 to file a lawsuit.
Why it matters:
Benefits of the extended timeline:
- Allows time to fully evaluate serious injuries and long-term medical needs before pursuing legal action.
- Provides an opportunity to gather strong evidence, ensuring the claim reflects the true impact of the injury.
- Gives parents and guardians who did not immediately realize they had a claim a chance to seek justice and compensation.
Benefits of the extended timeline:
- Evidence may disappear, and witnesses’ memories can fade, making the case harder to prove.
- Delaying legal action could mean waiting too long to cover medical costs, which may impact the child’s recovery.
- Insurance companies may argue that the delay means the injury was not serious enough to warrant significant compensation.
Access to Medical Records (Trickier After Age 13 in WA)
- Access to Medical Records (Trickier After Age 13 in WA)
- Once a child turns 13, parents no longer have automatic access to their medical records, including hospital visits and mental health treatments.
- Parents must obtain written consent from their teen to access medical records related to their case.
- Tip for parents: Have an open conversation with your child about the importance of sharing records for legal and recovery purposes.
Court Approval & Settlement Guardian ad Litem (SGAL)
- In King County, all settlements involving minors must be approved by the court.
- A Settlement Guardian ad Litem (SGAL) is appointed to review the settlement and ensure it protects the child’s best interests.
- What this means for parents: Even if you agree with the settlement, the court has the final say, and the SGAL’s recommendations can impact whether a settlement is approved, as well as how and when funds are distributed.
Blocked Accounts for Minor Settlements
- Funds from a minor’s settlement are placed in a blocked account, preventing access until they turn 18.
- Courts may approve withdrawals for medical, educational, or necessary expenses, but approval is required.
- Planning ahead: Structured payouts or financial planning may be needed to ensure the settlement benefits the child long-term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Handling a
Child’s Injury Claim
Delaying Medical Treatment
- Waiting too long to seek care can hurt both the child’s recovery and the legal case.
- Even minor injuries should be documented, as symptoms may develop over time.
Not Keeping Proper Documentation
- Tracking doctor visits, therapy appointments, pain levels, emotional struggles, and school absences can strengthen the case.
- Downloadable Family Injury Documentation Journal to help track progress.
Trusting Insurance Adjusters Too Soon
- In King County, all settlements involving minors must be approved by Insurance companies prioritize their bottom line and may pressure parents to settle quickly.
- Parents should never accept an early settlement offer before understanding the full impact of the injury.
Settling Too Quickly
- Some injuries, especially for children, have long-term consequences that may not be obvious right away.
- Consulting an attorney ensures all future medical costs, therapy, and special accommodations are considered.
How to Advocate for an Injured Child or Teen – Working with Schools & Extracurriculars
- Request a 504 Plan or IEP if the injury impacts a child’s ability to learn or attend school.
- Speak with coaches about a safe return to sports and activities after recovery.
- Address mental health concerns by seeking counseling or support groups.
Navigating Insurance & Legal Conversations
- Keep copies of all communications with insurance companies.
- Consult an attorney before providing a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.
- Ensure the settlement accounts for future medical expenses, rehabilitation, and any necessary accommodations.
Additional Resources for Families
- 📄 Teen Driver Glovebox Guide – What teens should do after an accident.
- 📝 Family Injury Documentation Journal – Track symptoms and recovery progress.
- 📞 Free Consultation – Schedule a call to discuss your case.
We’re Here to Help
At Scott & Scott, PLLC, we know that the decisions you make after an injury can have long-lasting effects on your family’s well-being. Seeking legal guidance early ensures that you protect your rights and secure the best possible future for your loved ones.
📞 Call us for a free consultation: 206-622-2200
📧 **Email us at **[email protected]
When families are supported, they thrive. Let us help you protect what matters most.
