Can we get sued for minor injuries to a child?

by Katie
(Orange, CA)

Hello,

Last month, we took my sister-in-law's husband's kid out to a party because he was busy and couldn't do it. We did him a favor by taking his kid out with our 4 year old son. Both boys are 4 years old.

The two boys started getting in a fight and his son got a head injury. It was bleeding down to his shirt and pants but the bleeding stopped. No medical treatment was required. Now he's threatening to sue us. Can he sue us under this condition? Please let me know. Thanks.

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Can we get sued for minor injuries to a child?":

Katie (Orange, CA):

Sure he can sue you. Anyone can sue anyone else, for anything, at anytime! That doesn’t mean he is going to win. How many times in your life have you heard someone say, “I’m going to sue you,” or, “I’m going to sue your for everything you’ve got”?

He is obviously angry. The best thing to do is ignore him. If he wants to go through the trouble of trying to find a lawyer to represent him he is in for a shock. He doesn’t appear to have a case and there probably isn't a lawyer in the 50 United States who would accept the case.

To have a meritorious lawsuit one has to have damages. Damages are almost always defined as medical bills. Unless his son incurred medical bills, there really isn’t anything to sue for.

If he decides to file a lawsuit by himself he will run into the same problem. Without “damages” a judge will not only throw out his case, but may also fine him for filing a frivolous lawsuit.

You really don't haven’t anything to worry about. Let him blow off some steam, but not at you. Ignore him. He will go away as soon as he realizes he doesn’t have much more to sue for than the cost of a band aid…...and it was probably your band aid!

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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