No parent ever wants to see their child hurt, and a head injury sustained in a car accident can be particularly frightening.
Very young children and toddlers may not be able to let you know if they are suffering any after-effects of head injury. Below are two excellent reasons to keep careful track of your child’s car accident injury as it heals and your child’s situation evolves.
Head injuries can delay development
In young children, brain development is a rapid yet fragile process. A seemingly minor head injury can disrupt this process, potentially resulting in speech, movement and learning delays. Raising a child with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be emotionally and financially overwhelming, especially without access to expensive therapies. For families struggling financially, especially those who don’t qualify for public assistance, the economic burden can be monumental, right now and into the future.
Kids do not always show immediate symptoms
The urgency to settle matters quickly after an accident is understandable, and you may want to file a legal claim as soon as possible in order to address the economic consequences of the situation. However, brain injuries can be particularly tricky. In children and adult victims alike, it is common to feel okay for hours, days or even longer after a crash before symptoms appear.
Your child could be playing happily one day and develop concerning injury signs later. For this reason, rushing to settle a claim can be risky. If you accept a settlement and your child’s condition worsens, you may not be able to obtain additional compensation without help. An Ohio injury representative can help you determine when to file and how to handle your accident claim in ways that reflect your child’s short-term and long-term needs.