Child Head Injuries In Motor Vehicle Accidents: Some Crucial Information For Parents
According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, child head injuries are quite common in motor vehicle accidents, especially among children aged below one. A head injury is a type of injury that involves damage to the brain, scalp, skull, or other blood and tissue vessels in the head. Depending on the extent of a head injury, such an injury can also be called a traumatic brain injury or brain injury.
Even though restraints and child safety seats can reduce the risk of child head injuries in a car accident, child head injuries still occur. Therefore, parents need to remain informed.
When a child is involved in an auto accident, they can sustain different types of head injuries, including the following;
Brain Contusion
According to the study mentioned before, contusions occur quite often among children. A brain contusion occurs as a result of a direct blow to a child’s head. For instance, if a child hits their head against a window, they may end up with a contusion.
Some of the common symptoms of a brain contusion;
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sleep pattern changes
- Problems with attention
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Difficulty speaking
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
Concussion
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes a concussion as a type of TBI that occurs due to a blow, jolt, or bump to the head or hit to the body that causes one’s brain and head to move quickly back and forth. A concussion can cause a child’s brain not to function normally for some time.
Some common symptoms of a concussion include;
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Balance problems
- Fatigue
Penetrating Injury
A penetrating head injury, also known as an open-head injury, involves an open wound to the head from a foreign object such as glass from a car window.
Some common symptoms of a penetrating head injury include;
- Bleeding from the ears
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding from the head
A penetrating head injury can also result in a child going into a coma.
How Are Child Head Injuries Treated?
Generally, treatment will depend on your child’s general health, age, symptoms, and how severe your child’s condition is. In some cases, children may need to be hospitalized and watched closely. A child may also need surgery, diagnostic tests, medicine to cause them to sleep or relax, or a referral to a traumatic brain injury specialist.
Contact Us for Legal Help
After your child gets involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is to ensure they get medical attention. After that, you should consider seeking legal help, especially if your child’s injuries were a result of another motorist’s negligence.
Did your child or children sustain injuries in a Florida car accident due to another party’s negligence? Our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you learn about your legal rights and determine your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Ocala, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
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