No parent ever expects to receive a phone call saying their child has been injured. Whether it’s a fall at a playground, a collision in a crosswalk, or an accident caused by a defective toy, these moments are every parent’s worst nightmare. The laughter that once filled the air is replaced by fear, confusion, and the overwhelming question: What do we do now?
At Arshakyan Law Firm, we understand that no injury to a child is ever “minor.” When a child is hurt because of another person’s negligence, it’s not just a legal matter; it’s a deeply personal one. Our mission is to ensure that families in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, and throughout Southern California receive the justice, answers, and compensation they deserve.
The Reality of Child Accidents in California
California’s Department of Public Health reports that accidents are among the leading causes of injury and death among children under 18. Every year, thousands of minors suffer preventable injuries due to unsafe environments, reckless drivers, or defective products. Common causes of child-related accidents include:
- Car accidents involving child passengers or pedestrians
- School and daycare negligence
- Playground or park injuries
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Defective or dangerous toys and furniture
- Slip and fall accidents in unsafe properties
Each of these incidents can have lifelong consequences, physical, emotional, and financial. What makes these cases particularly sensitive is that children don’t always understand danger, and they rely on adults and institutions to protect them. When those responsible fail in that duty, accountability must follow.
Car Accidents Involving Children: The Most Common and Preventable
Motor vehicle collisions remain one of the top causes of child injuries in California. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all child passenger fatalities involve the child not being properly restrained.
Even when safety seats are used, defective designs or negligent drivers can turn a simple ride into a tragedy.
Case Study: A Los Angeles family was driving home from school when another driver, distracted by texting, ran a red light at Ventura Boulevard and Balboa. The impact caused severe spinal injuries to a 7-year-old boy seated in a booster seat. Despite the child’s proper restraint, the crash exposed how a moment of negligence can permanently alter a young life.
At Arshakyan Law Firm, our attorneys fought to prove the driver’s liability, securing a settlement that covered long-term medical treatment, therapy, and the emotional trauma endured by the family.
Key Takeaway: In every car accident involving a child, it’s essential to investigate whether negligence, defective car seats, or lack of road safety played a role.
School and Daycare Negligence: When Safe Spaces Become Dangerous
Parents entrust schools and daycare centers with their most precious responsibility, the safety of their children. Unfortunately, some injuries occur because of inadequate supervision, unsafe premises, or failure to follow safety protocols. Examples include:
- Unattended playground equipment leading to falls or head trauma
- Untrained staff failing to respond to medical emergencies
- Physical altercations among children due to a lack of supervision
- Exposure to toxic materials like cleaning chemicals
Case Study: A 4-year-old in the San Fernando Valley suffered second-degree burns after touching a hot radiator left uncovered in a preschool classroom. The school initially denied responsibility, claiming the child “wandered off.” After a thorough investigation, Arshakyan Law Firm proved the center’s negligence, uncovering multiple prior complaints about unsafe equipment. The case ended in a confidential settlement that also required the school to implement new safety measures.
Legal Insight: In California, schools and childcare facilities owe a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe and their staff are adequately trained. Failure to meet this standard can result in a premises liability or negligence claim.
Playground and Public Space Accidents: When Equipment or Maintenance Fails
Playgrounds are meant for joy, exploration, and friendship. Yet, poor maintenance, worn-out surfaces, and faulty equipment cause thousands of injuries each year.
According to the CDC, over 200,000 children in the U.S. are treated annually for playground-related injuries, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
A child can fall from a swing, slip on a wet surface, or be injured when equipment fails to meet safety standards.
Example: At a park in Encino, a 6-year-old girl suffered a fractured arm when a rusted slide bolt snapped, sending her tumbling. The city maintenance records revealed no inspections had been conducted for over two years. Arshakyan Law Firm successfully pursued a claim against the city, emphasizing that municipalities have a legal duty to maintain public spaces safely for children.
Legal Note: Government entities can be held liable for negligence—but strict notice deadlines apply under the California Tort Claims Act. Parents must act quickly to preserve their child’s right to compensation.
Swimming Pool Accidents and Drownings
Southern California’s warm weather means pools are everywhere, in homes, hotels, schools, and community centers. Sadly, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children ages 1–4. Negligence can occur when:
- Lifeguards are absent or inattentive
- Fences or gates are missing
- Drains and suction systems are defective
- Pool chemicals cause burns or respiratory harm
Case Study: A family in Ventura County lost their 3-year-old daughter after she wandered into a neighbor’s unfenced pool. The homeowners had failed to install a self-latching gate, a clear violation of California safety codes. Arshakyan Law Firm represented the grieving family, helping them achieve both justice and closure while raising awareness about pool safety laws and homeowner responsibilities.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Children are naturally drawn to animals, but even friendly dogs can bite without warning. California follows strict liability laws under Civil Code Section 3342, holding dog owners responsible for bites that occur in public or lawfully private places.
Example: An 8-year-old in North Hollywood was bitten in the face by a neighbor’s unrestrained pit bull while delivering a birthday invitation. The attack left permanent scarring and emotional trauma. Arshakyan Law Firm helped the family recover compensation for reconstructive surgery, counseling, and future scar revision procedures.
Beyond compensation, cases like these remind communities about the importance of leash laws and owner accountability.
Product Liability: Defective Toys, Cribs, and Child Equipment
Parents assume that products sold for children are safe—but that’s not always the case. From defective strollers to unsafe baby swings and choking hazards, poor design or manufacturing defects can lead to catastrophic injuries or deaths.
Example: A nationwide recall in 2023 involved a popular infant sleeper linked to multiple suffocation deaths. In California, parents whose children were injured or killed by defective products may pursue claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Legal Insight: Product liability claims may involve design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn. Arshakyan Law Firm works with safety experts and engineers to identify flaws and prove responsibility.
Premises Liability and Public Safety: Hidden Dangers Everywhere
From shopping malls to restaurants, many businesses overlook the safety of children visiting their premises. Common hazards include wet floors, broken handrails, or unsecured merchandise displays.
Children often explore without the same awareness of danger as adults, which means property owners must take extra precautions.
Example: In a case handled by Arshakyan Law Firm, a 10-year-old tripped over loose carpeting in a movie theater, fracturing her wrist. Surveillance footage revealed employees had ignored prior complaints. The firm successfully proved negligence, resulting in a substantial settlement for the family.
The Long-Term Impact of Child Injuries
Child injuries are unique because they can affect growth, cognitive development, and emotional well-being for years to come. A fractured bone in childhood might lead to mobility issues in adulthood. A concussion can affect concentration, memory, or mood for the rest of a person's life. Families also face:
- Medical expenses (surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Educational disruption
- Emotional distress for parents and siblings
- Loss of future earning capacity
At Arshakyan Law Firm, we take every child injury case personally, working closely with pediatric experts, child psychologists, and life-care planners to calculate actual lifetime damages.
Legal Rights and Steps After a Child’s Accident
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, here are critical steps to take:
1. Seek immediate medical attention. Even minor injuries can hide more profound trauma.
2. Document everything. Take photos, gather witness information, and preserve defective items.
3. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters alone. Their goal is to minimize payouts.
4. Contact a child injury attorney experienced in California personal injury law.
Under California law, parents or guardians can file claims on behalf of their minor children. Additionally, minors have extended statutes of limitation, but acting quickly ensures more substantial evidence and better results.
Why Families Trust Arshakyan Law Firm
What sets Arshakyan Law Firm apart is not just our record of results, but our empathy. We know families are under immense stress after a child’s injury. Our attorneys approach every case with patience, compassion, and relentless commitment to justice.
We proudly represent families in Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, and across Southern California, and our firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for injury victims.
Our goal is simple: to protect your child’s future, restore your peace of mind, and hold negligent parties accountable.
Final Thoughts: Protecting What Matters Most
Children are the heart of our communities—the reason we build safer schools, parks, and neighborhoods. When negligence threatens their safety, legal action isn’t just about compensation, it’s about prevention and accountability.
If your child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the system alone. Let our team stand by your side and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Call Arshakyan Law Firm today at (818) 650-9985 for a free, confidential consultation. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, and all of Southern California. Because when it comes to protecting children, we are in your corner!