Car collisions are the leading cause of childhood injuries in the country. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that in 2019, more than 91,000 children under the age of 12 were injured, and 608 perished, in motor vehicle accidents. While safety seats are vital for protection, even children who are securely strapped in can sustain devastating injuries.
A parent’s biggest horror is seeing their child injured in a car collision. There are long-term consequences for children and teenagers injured in Connecticut car accidents, regardless of whether they are driving or sitting in a car seat. This article will look at the most common injuries that children experience in car accidents, and how younger victims and their families can receive the compensation they deserve.
Head and Brain Injuries
Children who have been involved in collisions are more likely to sustain head and brain injuries, including cuts and bruises, concussions, and skull fractures. In the most severe cases, these injuries cause brain damage, resulting in disabilities like loss of memory, paralysis, and difficulty speaking or understanding others’ speech.
Fractures
There is a possibility that children who are bracing for a collision could suffer from fractures in their hands, wrists, and feet as well as broken pelvises because of their seatbelts. Children’s arms and legs are likely broken if they are flung from the car.
Permanent Disability
Spinal cord injuries, limb amputations, and nerve damage were the most common among children involved in rollover collisions. These can all cause permanent disabilities. Children were more likely to die in rollover accidents than in any other type of crash.
Glass Injuries
A child’s face may become scarred if a window or windshield is broken, causing lacerations. Disfigurement among children is even more likely when dental injuries and facial trauma are factored in.
Airbag Injuries
It’s more dangerous for children to ride in the front passenger’s seat than in the back. For instance, smaller passengers may be injured by the front seat airbag, which can break their noses or even their necks.
Psychological Damage
Even when a child does not sustain brain damage in the collision, the physical and emotional repercussions of the accident nonetheless put them at risk for psychological issues. Children may require months and even years of therapy to keep their emotional distress from interfering with their schoolwork or influencing their behavioral patterns.
What Sets A Child’s Personal Injury Case Apart?
Probate court litigation is frequently necessary in personal injury cases involving children. Connecticut law mandates that certain agreements or verdicts in favor of children must be granted by the probate court, depending on how much compensation is involved. While under 18, the victim’s parents or guardians must place the money in a separate account.
Connecticut does not permit children to file a lawsuit on their behalf. Parents, guardians, and other adults with parental responsibility file lawsuits in place of their children. This does not require waiting until the child reaches adulthood.
Receiving Compensation
As a parent, you must ensure that your child receives all the benefits, medical attention, and recompense for future loss of earnings they are entitled to following an automobile accident.
Children’s bodies and minds are still developing and changing. A child’s major injury can have a long-term impact on their psychological and physical health. Compensation for a child’s injuries must take into account the consequences in the long run.
However, insurance providers often have a different goal: making the most profit. They’ll likely try to negotiate your claim quickly and at the lowest possible amount. Having a qualified attorney on your side can help ensure that your child gets the compensation they deserve.
Conclusion
Devastation is often left behind in the wake of Connecticut car accidents. A child’s recovery might be particularly challenging and complicated. They have the rest of their life ahead of them, and the person who caused the tragedy should be held liable for any medical expenses they incur now and in the future. It is essential for parents and children to have a lawyer who is familiar with Connecticut law advocating for their full compensation.
If you or your child has been injured in a Connecticut car accident, get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. You can count on our team’s full commitment to your victory — we have the skills and resources to help you achieve it.
