Helping Children Recover from Major Injuries Following an Accident

An accident can happen at any time and, sadly, some of these injuries can involve children. While most parents expect their kids to suffer a few bumps and bruises along the way as they grow up, some injuries can be quite serious. There is a major difference between kids who suffer a twisted ankle while playing sports and those who suffer a major injury in a car accident. It is important for everyone to know what to do if their children have been involved in a serious accident, particularly a car accident that leads to injuries. Minor injuries can lead to serious medical issues. There might even be situations where a minor lawyer can help. There are a few important points that all parents should note.

Common Injuries in Children in an Accident

If a child is involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are a few common injuries that might result. Some of the most common injuries include:

Wrist Fracture: The bones of a child are much smaller than those of an adult. Therefore, they are prone to being broken in a car accident. One of the most common injuries is a wrist fracture. A blow to the wrist from the door or window could lead to a fracture of the radius or ulna.

Spinal Cord Injuries: While spinal cord injuries are more common in children who are ejected from a car, even kids who are buckled can suffer a serious spinal cord injury. Sadly, some spinal cord injuries could lead to permanent complications that might impact a child for the rest of his or her life.

Head Injury: There are numerous ways that a child might suffer a head injury in a car accident. Sometimes, glass and shrapnel can lead to a penetrating injury of the skull. In other cases, kids might suffer a blunt brain injury when they strike their head on the window or seat in front of them.

These injuries come in addition to the cuts, scrapes, and lacerations that kids might suffer in a car accident. It is important for parents to understand how the recovery process unfolds. This starts with medical care immediately after the accident.

The Medical Treatment Process Following an Accident

Following a serious car accident, parents need to seek medical care as quickly as possible. The sooner parents seek care for their children, the better the chances their child will have of making a full recovery. In some cases, children might need to have surgery to repair their injuries. This can place families and their children under a tremendous amount of stress; however, parents need to remember that children are resilient. They are able to bounce back from serious injuries that adults might not be able to recover from.

If surgery is going to take place, doctors will speak with the parents before taking their child to the operating room. During this time, it is important for parents to ask their questions but also to remember that the surgery might be taking place on an emergent basis. Parents should talk to their children and try to keep them calm while listening to the guidance of medical professionals. Sometimes, the surgery could take several hours. Once the child wakes up, parents should let the child know that everything is going to be okay. Children, particularly young kids, might not be able to fully understand what is happening. Simply being there for a child in need is enough.

After the Injury: Helping Children Recover

Once children leave the hospital, it is important to note that the treatment process does not stop there. Parents need to let their child know that they might be facing a prolonged recovery process; however, by facing this process together, children and parents will be able to overcome every obstacle. Parents must remember that the power of positive thinking can make a huge difference.

During the treatment process, children might wake up with nightmares due to the accident. If kids have trouble falling asleep at night, parents should take the time to check in on their children to make sure they are okay. Kids might want to express a desire to sleep in bed with their parents. Parents should try to encourage children to stay in their own beds whenever possible. Some kids might experience something called developmental regression. This could include bedwetting. Parents should not punish their children if this happens. Instead, a show of support is what matters most.

Finally, parents need to remember that there are two sides to this treatment process. The first involves the medical treatment of a child who has been hurt. The second involves the emotional support that must be provided to a child who has suffered serious injuries. In some cases, the emotional and mental health concerns might be more important. Parents should not hesitate to reach out for mental health support to help their children following an accident. Most children are more than willing to speak with a friendly mental health professional who can help them handle anxiety and fears surrounding accidents that might have taken place.

No Family Should Have to Face This Situation Alone

A serious accident can happen at any time and it is important for parents to be prepared. There are some steps that parents can take to protect their children and minimize the chances of a serious injury taking place following a motor vehicle accident. Parents need to make sure they follow the guidelines that have been issued by the American Board of Pediatrics when it comes to buckling kids in safely and appropriately. Furthermore, parents also need to remember that there is help available for children following a serious motor vehicle accident. This includes medical care, legal care, and emotional support. Some parents might not know how to talk to their children about what happened. That is okay! There is nothing wrong with asking for help during a time of need. Parents are not alone and neither are their children.