Parents tend to seek to protect their children. However, there are some instances where the actions of another party may cause undue harm to a child, beyond the parents’ control.
Depending on a child’s developmental level, it may not be easy to determine when a child has sustained injuries in a car accident. However, particularly in the case of brain injury, there are a few signs parents can look out for.
Behavioral shifts
Not all traumatic brain injuries produce visible indicators. In fact, in many cases, changes in behavior can be strong signs that something may be wrong. For infants and babies, inconsolable crying or drastic changes in feeding or sleeping patterns after an accident could be telltale signs of internal issues. Older children may show increases in drowsiness, aggression or overall emotions. While children do experience changes as they grow, swift changes after an incident are worth paying attention to.
Physical indicators
There are certain physical indicators, such as cuts and bruises or injuries at birth, that are clearly noticeable. However, there are other physical signs that parents should pay attention to:
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to light
For older children, issues with reasoning or decision-making, changes in perception, and a short attention span may also be worth noting. As with behavioral changes, parents may need to keep a watchful eye for changes after an incident over a period.
Continued monitoring
Along with parents monitoring changes in their children, it may also be beneficial to obtain a medical opinion. Keeping up with annual checkups is an easy way to accomplish this. A pediatric or family physician may monitor the growth and changes in the child and have the training to spot any possible issues that may not be readily recognizable.
At the end of the day, if a parent feels unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention. If you suspect that your child has sustained brain injury due to the negligent acts of another party, detailed medical records are crucial in creating a strong personal injury claim on behalf of your child.