Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Children are physically active, play hard, and participate in sports, often not realizing the risk of serious injuries. Unfortunately, kids often do not appreciate the fact that they suffered a head injury. Parents must be vigilant, as there can be serious medical implications when a child’s developing brain suffers trauma. Experts at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that concussion can disrupt a child’s development and limit their ability to participate in recreational activities, important parts of becoming an adult.
As the parent of a young child or one that tends to ignore injuries, it is up to you to take action when you suspect a concussion. Your To-Do’s center on your child’s health and well-being, but there are some tasks that are necessary to protect your legal rights under Florida law. You can trust a Miami child injuries lawyer to handle the process, and keep in mind the following steps:
Look for Symptoms of Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may occur because of a blow or jolt to the head in any type of accident. Check your child for the signs of concussion, including:
- Balance problems or dizziness;
- Complaints of headaches;
- Vomiting and nausea; and,
- Mood swings, angry outbursts, and personality changes.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you do not immediately spot the signs of concussion, you should take your child for medical treatment when they might have suffered trauma. Go to the emergency room:
- For serious, life-threatening head injuries;
- If your child lost consciousness from concussion; or,
- If there are penetrating head injuries.
You can visit an urgent care center or your child’s pediatrician for most other concussion injuries, but make sure you go the same day as the accident.
Follow At-Home Care Instructions
After getting medical treatment, you will probably receive doctor’s orders for your child’s continued care and recovery at home. Physical and mental rest will likely be at the top of the list, at least for a few days after a concussion. Your pediatrician may also recommend cool towels for headaches.
Gather Evidence
Your child’s health is the paramount concern, but you may have the opportunity to collect important information at the scene of the accident. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the surroundings, damage to property, and conditions at the scene. If possible, talk to witnesses who observed the incident. Also, make a note of the location of security cameras that may have captured important footage.
Contact a Miami Child Injuries Attorney to Learn About Legal Remedies
As soon as your child’s health is stabilized, you should make it a priority to reach out for legal help. You may qualify to recover medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages on behalf of your child. Our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA is ready to support you, so please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation. You can reach our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL, by calling (305) 371-6000 or visiting us online.
