When your child is hurt because someone else wasn't careful, you don't want a sales pitch — you want a firm that will fight quietly, thoroughly, and for the long run. Segal Law Firm represents families through some of the hardest moments a parent can face.
Child injury cases are different. Damages stretch decades into the future. Children heal differently. Juries view children differently. And the law treats their claims differently. We've handled these cases with the care and rigor they require for over 30 years.
How a child's claim is different
A child cannot file their own lawsuit — a parent or guardian files on their behalf. Settlements for minors require court approval and the funds are typically held in protected accounts until the child turns 18.
Most importantly: New York's statute of limitations is paused for most child injury claims until the child turns 18. But evidence still disappears, and special claims (like those against schools or municipalities) can require notice within 90 days. Don't wait.
What families may recover
- Past & future medical care
- Future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy & rehabilitation
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement & scarring
What parents should do first
These steps protect your child's health and their future claim.
Get full pediatric care
Pediatric specialists — not just the ER. Children's injuries present differently and need expert documentation.
Document everything
Photos of the scene, the hazard, your child's injuries. Names of every supervisor or witness present.
Get incident reports
From the school, daycare, camp, playground operator, or store. Written reports — don't accept 'we'll handle it.'
Call us before signing anything
Schools and daycares sometimes offer 'goodwill' settlements that waive future rights. Never sign without an attorney.
Why families trust Segal
We treat your child as our client
We meet you where you are — home, hospital, therapy office. Your child's comfort comes first.
Long-term valuation expertise
We work with pediatric specialists and life-care planners to value injuries over a lifetime, not just today.
Court approval done right
Minor's compromise proceedings are technical. We handle them properly so the funds are protected and accessible when your child needs them.
Schools, daycares & municipalities
We've sued NYC schools, the DOE, private daycares and major chains. We know how to navigate notices, immunities and special rules.
Some deadlines apply even for children.
Claims against NYC, the DOE, NYCHA, or other public entities can require a 90-day notice — regardless of the child's age. Call early so nothing gets missed.
The cases we handle
When children are hurt by negligence
School & playground
Inadequate supervision, defective equipment, unsafe surfaces. NYC schools and the DOE can be liable when policies fail.
Daycare & camp injuries
Drownings, falls, child-on-child violence, ratio violations. Daycares are bound by strict state regulations.
Defective children's products
Cribs, strollers, car seats, toys, helmets. Manufacturers and sellers can be liable for design and warning defects.
Pedestrian & bicycle accidents
Children struck near schools, in crosswalks, on bikes. We pursue drivers, owners, and any city negligence.
Lead paint exposure
Old NYC apartments with lead paint cause neurological harm. Landlords can be liable for failing to remediate.
Dog bites & animal attacks
Children are most often the victims of severe dog attacks. Owners and sometimes landlords can be held responsible.
Birth injuries
Cerebral palsy, brachial plexus, oxygen deprivation. These require lifelong life-care planning.
Sexual abuse & negligent supervision
Handled with discretion and care. New York's CVA and ASA opened new windows for survivors and their families.
Frequently asked
Answers before you call
How long do I have to file my child's claim?+
For most claims, the statute of limitations is paused until your child turns 18 — but you should never wait. Evidence disappears, and claims against public entities (NYC schools, NYCHA, DOE) can require notice within 90 days regardless of age.
Will my child have to testify?+
Often no. Most cases settle before trial, and when testimony is needed we work closely with child psychologists and prepare children with great care. Many courts also allow video testimony for minors.
What happens to the settlement money?+
New York requires court approval of any settlement for a minor. The funds are typically placed in a protected account or structured settlement that the child receives at 18 (or in payments over time).
Can I bring a claim against my child's school?+
Yes, but special rules apply. Public schools require a 90-day notice of claim. Private schools and daycares follow standard timelines. We handle both.
What is a 'minor's compromise'?+
The court proceeding that approves a settlement on behalf of a child. The judge confirms the settlement is fair and that the funds are properly protected. We handle the entire process.
What does it cost?+
Nothing upfront. Attorney fees in minor's cases are court-approved and capped — we are paid only out of the recovery.
Contact
Worried about your child? Let's talk.
Free, confidential consultation. We meet families where they are. No fee unless we recover.