Some symptoms may not become apparent right away, which is why it’s crucial to take your child to the emergency room right after the accident took place.
States across the US impose stricter rules for driving when there is a child on board. However, a parent’s worst nightmare can still come to life. According to the CDC, 75 children 12 years old and younger died as occupants in car accidents, and nearly 116,000 were injured in 2017 alone.
Your child can, unfortunately, sustain a variety of injuries during a car accident, including a brain injury. But what do these types of injuries mean for developing children, and how are they treated?
Understanding Your Child’s Injury
Brain injuries can vary, and present with different symptoms, some mild, other more serious. Plus, some symptoms may not become apparent right away, which is why it’s crucial to take your child to the emergency room right after the accident took place.
Some brain injuries can be mild, and your child will recover from them just by resting. However, considering the child’s development process, a lot of brain injuries pose a bigger threat to children because they can likely cause permanent damage.
The doctor will run a few tests to see if your child is fine, and only then should you go home. In the event of a brain injury, some potential symptoms can include:
- Bumps, or bruises
- Shallow cuts in the scalp
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea
- Change in sleep patterns
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Mood swings that seem out of character
- Confusion
How Are They Treated?
Brain injury treatments depend on the child’s type of injury, symptoms, general health, or even their age.
For mild injuries, the child can return home and the parents will administer the treatment, which can be:
- Icing the area
- Applying antibiotic ointment
- Bandaging the area
Additionally, the doctor may also stitch the wound if there is a deep cup, and advise the parent to monitor the child for a while, to watch for other symptoms or worsened condition.
More severe brain injuries will result in the child being hospitalized to receive treatment and further supervision, which could include:
- Surgery
- Brain scans
- Other diagnostic tests
- Respiratory aids
- Mild sedation to keep the child calm during their hospitalization
It can be terrifying for the parents to see their child in such a situation, but you need to remember it’s for the best. Brain injuries, when not treated right, can even result in permanent development problems for the child and affect their entire life.
Why Speak With a Lawyer?
If your child was the victim of a reckless driver and now has a brain injury, you may, unfortunately, go through a rather difficult time. To make matters worse, your child’s care may put pressure on your finances as well.
However by law, your child is entitled to compensation, and you can file a claim in their name. Speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!