While some head injuries are mild and don’t require extensive treatment, a blow to the head can lead to a lifetime of physical, psychological, and social challenges.
Car accidents are among the leading cause of head injuries in children. While some are mild and don’t require extensive treatment, a blow to the head can lead to a lifetime of physical, psychological, and social challenges. Because the brain of a child is still growing and developing, the consequences of a head injury can be drier than in the case of adults.
If your child was hurt because of someone else’s negligence, then you are entitled to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. A St. Louis auto accident lawyer can help you in this regard. However, before anything else, make sure to have your child seen and supervised by a medical professional, as head injury can take time to show the first symptoms.
Types of Head Injuries in Children Following a Car Crash
Some of the most common head injuries that can occur during a car crash include:
- Concussion: Although they rarely cause long term consequences, concussions are nothing to ignore. Some of the symptoms include headaches, confusion, fatigue, and problems concentrating.
- Skull Fracture: In most instances, a skull fracture (a crack in the skull’s bone) will only cause a bit of bruising on the surface of the brain.
- Epidural Hematoma: This type of bleeding inside the brain can happen after a skull fracture. They occur when sharp fragments of bone cut through the skull causing it to bleed. As blood accumulates in the space between the skull and outer membrane of the brain, it creates pressure inside the skull.
Signs of a Head Injury
If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you should go and see a doctor, even if you think that you are all fine. Even a minor blow to the head of a child can have serious consequences and the signs aren’t always apparent immediately. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can take days or even weeks for the first signs to show.
Pay attention to the following signs:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of memory
- Irritability
- Convulsions
What You Should Expect
How long the symptoms of a head injury in a child will last depends on its severity. If the blow was only minor, then you can expect a bit of pain that will go away in a matter of minutes. If we are talking about a traumatic brain injury (TBI,) then your child may experience some of the symptoms above, like dizziness or headaches for a few days. Extreme blows to the head might require hospitalization for extended periods.
Get Legal Help From a Car Accident Lawyer
Seeing your child injured is perhaps one of the worst things a parent can imagine. While money is likely the last thing on your mind right now, it’s your right by law to pursue compensation. Reach out to a St. Louis car accident lawyer and let them take care of the legal aspects so that you can focus on taking care of your child. Call (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.