If your child was hurt in a car accident that wasn't their fault, you can claim compensation for them now, with no upfront fees.
It's a claim for compensation for a child under 18 who was injured in a road accident caused by someone else. A parent or guardian brings the claim for them.
A child can't bring a claim themselves. In Northern Ireland a parent or guardian brings it as their "next friend", the term used in the courts here.
Usually the insurer of the driver who caused the crash. That can include a family member who was driving, because the claim is paid by their insurer, not by them personally.
If the claim is settled in court proceedings, a judge must approve the settlement. The money is usually held by the Court Funds Office until your child turns 18.
For a child, the three-year time limit usually starts on their 18th birthday, under the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989. Claiming sooner is usually better, while the evidence is fresh.
Even if the injuries seem minor, children may struggle to explain how they feel. Get them checked by a doctor early.
You pay nothing to start your child's claim and nothing while it runs.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.
If the claim succeeds, the other side pays the legal costs and your child keeps 100% of their compensation.
Our legal insurance covers the costs if the claim doesn't succeed.
We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether your child has a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.
Road traffic claims are run by Paul Kearney, a solicitor advocate and former barrister, with trainee solicitor John Deeney.
We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.
It's a legal claim made by a parent or guardian for a child who was injured in a car crash caused by someone else.
Yes. Even if you were the driver, you can claim on behalf of your child if they were injured.
You can claim against the at-fault driver's insurance for your child's injuries.
No. You can claim now as their next friend, the term used in Northern Ireland courts. If no one claims while they're under 18, they can claim themselves once they turn 18.
Whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, and anxiety or trauma are all common.
It depends on the severity of the injuries and the impact on your child's life. We'll help you estimate the value based on similar cases.
You generally have until your child's 21st birthday to bring a claim.
No. If the claim is settled in court proceedings, a judge must approve the settlement and the money is usually held by the Court Funds Office until your child turns 18.
Most claims settle without going to court. If your child's claim does go to court, we represent them.
No. There are no upfront fees. If the claim succeeds, the other side pays the legal costs. If it doesn't, our legal insurance covers the costs.
You can contact us by phone, email, or fill out our enquiry form. We'll explain the next steps clearly and simply.
Yes. If your child needs ongoing care, the claim can include future medical costs, therapy, and support services.
Yes. Compensation can cover psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD following the accident.
We'll schedule a free consultation, review what happened, and let you know your options.
Yes, as long as your child is under 21, you may still have time to claim. It's best to check with us directly.
You can make separate claims for each child involved, based on their specific injuries and needs.
Not necessarily. We'll help gather medical records, accident reports, and anything else needed to support your claim.
Yes. Claims are made against insurance, not the individual personally. We'll guide you through it carefully.
Every claim is different. On average, claims are resolved within 4 to 6 months, but a child's claim can take longer if doctors need to see how they recover.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if the claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds your child keeps 100% of their compensation.
Kearney Law Group Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group only handles personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
We act for clients across Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Derry, Lisburn, Newry, Craigavon and Bangor. See all the areas we cover.
Contact us to arrange your free first conversation.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
