The moment your child gets into an accident in Ennis, Texas, is a moment that will forever change everything about your life. The shift from an ordinary afternoon at home to a trauma unit at a hospital happens instantly and can be traumatic for any parent. In addition to the immediate concern with your child's health and well-being, you will soon have other concerns. You will have questions about who will be held accountable for your child's injuries, and you are faced with the burden of increasing medical bills. At Bivona Law, we value our clients like family, as your children are everything to you. Our team will help you understand your rights under Texas law and assist you in protecting your child's future.
Texas law recognizes that children are uniquely vulnerable and cannot advocate for themselves in court. Because of this, the legal system provides specific protections for minors, but it also places the burden on parents to take the necessary steps to secure justice. Whether the accident occurred at an Ennis park, a local school, or on a busy street like Ennis Avenue, the laws governing these incidents differ from those governing incidents involving adults.
One of the most important things to realize is that, as the parent, you have two separate claims in a single case. The first part belongs to you as the parent for the medical expenses you paid or incurred to treat your child. The second part belongs to the child for their own pain, suffering, disfigurement, or physical impairment. Because these are two different legal interests, navigating the settlement process requires a high level of precision. This is why many families choose Bivona Law to handle the heavy lifting while they focus on their child's recovery.
Since a minor under 18 cannot legally file a lawsuit in Texas, the law allows a parent or legal guardian to step in as a "next friend." This legal status gives you the authority to hire an attorney, sign legal documents on behalf of your child, and pursue a settlement or jury award.
Acting as a next friend is a significant responsibility. Every decision you make during the legal process must be in the child's best interest. This includes deciding when to settle and when to go to trial. If a settlement is reached, a judge in Ennis or the surrounding Ellis County area will often review the agreement to ensure it is fair. Bivona Law is well-versed in these "Friendly Suit" proceedings and will represent your family to ensure the court understands the full extent of your child's needs.
In Ennis, Texas, parents have the right to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. While many people think only of the immediate hospital bill, a serious child injury often has ripples that last for decades.
Bivona Law works with medical experts and economists to ensure that no future cost is left off the table. We know that a settlement today must be enough to support your child for the rest of their life.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. However, when a child is injured, the law provides a special "tolling" provision. This means the two-year clock typically does not start until the child turns 18. In theory, a child could file their own claim until they reach age 20.
However, parents must be very careful. This tolling rule often does not apply to the parents' claim for medical expenses they paid while the child was a minor. If you wait more than two years to seek reimbursement for those bills, you may be barred from recovering that money. Furthermore, waiting years to file a claim means that physical evidence in Ennis may be lost and that witnesses may have moved away. Bivona Law recommends taking action as soon as possible to preserve the strength of your case.
Whether your child was hurt at a local business, a neighbor's house, or a public facility in Ennis, you have the right to hold property owners accountable if they failed to maintain a safe environment. In Texas, there is a legal doctrine known as "attractive nuisance." This rule is specifically designed to protect children who might be drawn to something dangerous, such as an unfenced swimming pool or an unsecured construction site.
Property owners in Ennis have a higher duty of care when they know children are likely to be present. If your child was injured because of a hidden hazard that the owner should have fixed or warned you about, Bivona Law can help you prove negligence. We investigate every detail, from checking local building codes to reviewing maintenance logs, to show exactly where the safety failure occurred.
To protect the child's financial interests, the court may require that the settlement funds be placed in a structured settlement or a specialized trust. This prevents the funds from being spent prematurely and ensures they are available when the child reaches adulthood.
Bivona Law helps parents explore these options. A structured settlement can be tailored to provide payments for college tuition or medical needs, or to deliver a lump sum upon the child reaching a certain age. This level of protection is a fundamental right for injured minors in Texas, and we work to ensure the financial structure serves your child's specific goals.
If your child was hurt at an Ennis school or daycare center, the legal process may be considerably more challenging due to sovereign immunity or certain administrative regulations. Parents are entitled to expect that these facilities will maintain proper staffing levels and adhere to stringent safety procedures.
When a teacher or caregiver is distracted or fails to intervene in a dangerous situation, it is the child who pays the price. Bivona Law has a deep understanding of the regulations governing child care in Texas. We know how to obtain incident reports, staff training records, and video footage to build a clear picture of what went wrong. You have the right to know exactly how your child was hurt, and Bivona Law will fight to get those answers.
The legal system is not designed to be navigated alone, especially when you are already dealing with the emotional weight of a child's injury. Insurance companies often try to settle these claims quickly for a fraction of their true value, hoping that parents will not realize the long-term implications of the injuries.
Bivona Law stands as a barrier between your family and the insurance adjusters. We handle all the "legal mumbo jumbo" and the stressful negotiations so you can spend your time at your child's bedside. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don't get paid unless we win your case. This allows any parent in Ennis, Texas, to have access to top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
If your child has been injured in Ennis, Texas, the decisions you make in the coming days will have a profound impact on their future. Do not sign any waivers or accept any checks from an insurance company without first consulting a professional who has your child's best interests at heart.
You have the right to justice, the right to answers, and the right to hold negligent parties accountable. Bivona Law is here to be the voice for your child and the advocate for your family. We are deeply committed to the Ennis community and work tirelessly to ensure our local families are protected.
Making one phone call is the first step in safeguarding your child's future. To assist you in understanding your rights and the best course of action, Bivona Law provides free, no-obligation consultations. We will hear your story, consider the available information, and work to get your child the full amount of money they are legally entitled to.
Get in touch with Bivona Law now to speak with a committed legal team that understands the risks. In Ennis, Texas, we are prepared to support you and fight for the justice your child is due.
