Little Kids, Big Accidents

By Lawrence J. Buckfire, President, CEO and Lead Trial Attorney · Last reviewed October 2026 under our editorial and review process

Editor’s note: Read this book before you hire a lawyer, speak with an insurance company or sign any release for your child.

When a child is hurt, Michigan law treats the case differently from an adult’s. A judge must approve any settlement. The money is usually protected until the child turns 18. Deadlines often run longer, and parents may have their own claim for the child’s medical bills. Insurers know these rules; most parents don’t.

Lawrence J. Buckfire wrote Little Kids, Big Accidents to walk parents through them. His practice has long focused on protecting children and other vulnerable clients, including child injury and childhood lead poisoning cases, and he has represented Michigan families since 1989. At 76 pages, it is the most detailed of his guides.

Get the book

• Free PDF: Complete the form and we will email the full book to you right away.
• Paperback: Buy on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HP2YC6L4
• Google Books: Preview on Google Books → https://books.google.com/books/about?id=x_sgEgAAQBAJ

Book Details

What the book covers

• The most common child injury accidents, and the claims parents can make (pages 9–32): car crashes, dog bites and other common accidents.
• The legal basis for a child injury case (pages 33–40): what must be proven.
• Dealing with the insurance company (pages 41–47): what to say, and what not to sign.
• Why a judge must approve every child’s settlement (pages 51–53).
• What happens to the settlement money (pages 58–63): how it’s protected until your child is an adult.
• What a fair settlement is, and how it’s calculated (pages 64–67).

Michigan rules the book explains

• Court approval: Any settlement of a minor’s claim must be approved by a judge, who decides whether it’s fair and how the money will be protected (MCR 2.420).
• Protecting the money: Settlement funds are usually placed in a restricted account, a conservatorship, or a structured settlement until the child turns 18.
• Longer deadlines: A child generally has until at least one year after turning 18 to file, even if the normal deadline has passed (MCL 600.5851). Special rules apply to birth injuries and other medical malpractice involving young children.
• Parents’ claims: Parents may have their own claim for the child’s medical expenses.
• Car crashes: Children injured in Michigan car accidents usually receive no-fault benefits through the auto policy in their household.

Why a lawyer wrote a free book

Parents often get a quick offer from an insurer before they know what their child’s injury will cost over time. We’d rather you understand the process first, then judge any offer and any lawyer, including us. See our settlements, read client reviews, and learn about our no-fee promise.

Related free books: The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite & Animal Attack Handbook, The Ultimate Michigan Car Accident Handbook and The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook (including birth injuries).

About the Author

Lawrence J. Buckfire is President, CEO and Lead Trial Attorney of Buckfire Law (Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C.), the Michigan injury firm his father, David Buckfire, founded in Detroit in 1969.

• B.A. in Economics, University of Michigan (1986); J.D., Wayne State University Law School (1989)
• Licensed in Michigan (since 1989) and Ohio; U.S. District Courts, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan
• Best Lawyers 2027 Lawyers of the Year, Medical Malpractice Litigation
• Best Lawyers 2023 Lawyer of the Year, Product Liability Litigation
• Michigan Super Lawyers, 2013-2026
• AV Preeminent peer rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2004-2026
• Contributing author, Forbes Legal Council and The National Law Review
• Author of more than ten Michigan personal injury guides. See all books.
• ORCID iD: 0009-0004-5471-7143
• ISNI: 0000 0005 3181 3589 

The firm was named Michigan Lawyers Weekly Best Family-Led Law Firm in 2024, 2025, and 2026. See awards and recognition.

Frequently asked questions

Is the book really free? Yes. The paperback sells on Amazon, but the PDF is free through the form on this page.

Does a judge have to approve my child’s settlement? Yes. Michigan requires court approval of any settlement of a minor’s injury claim.

Who gets the settlement money? It belongs to the child. It’s usually held in a protected account or structured settlement until age 18. Parents may separately recover the medical expenses they paid.

How long do we have to file a claim for a child? Usually longer than for an adult, at least until one year after the child turns 18. Evidence fades quickly, though, so talk to a lawyer early.

Does the book replace talking to a lawyer? No. It explains Michigan law in general terms, and every case turns on its own facts. Request a free case review to discuss yours.

Request your free copy

Complete the form to get Little Kids, Big Accidents by email.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.