Spinal injuries in children are especially common in car accidents because the heavier head, and diminished control of the neck muscles, can cause the cervical spine to snap back and forth more violently than it would in an adult. Injuries such as these can range from mild to fatal, so it is important to diagnose what exactly type of injury you are dealing with. No matter what the case, spinal injuries in children are quite grave indeed, and often require legal action to recover the many associated costs.
Spinal Injuries And Car Seats
One of the principal culprits in spinal injuries to children is an improperly installed car seat. Experts estimate that up to four out of five child car seats may not be properly installed, leading to catastrophic consequences in an accident. Getting your installation checked by police or fire offices is a good way to protect your children, and you will also want to closely follow the NHTSA guidelines pertaining to the child's age, weight and height.
What To Do After A Spinal Injury
The best laid plans may still fall short if you are involved in a violent car collision, however. Spinal injuries in children occur through a number of mechanisms, but the most common by far is the whipping motion associated with sudden stops and impacts. Different vertebrae are associated with different severities of injury, with the scale of paralysis and loss of function rising as you move up the cervical spine toward the head. So-called C1 or C2 injuries, for instance, may involve total paralysis and an inability to breathe, while lower injuries may cause paraplegia or loss of sensation.
We Are Spinal Injury Experts
If you child was involved in a car accident and suffered a spinal injury as a result, it is essential to speak with an expert attorney. The Law Offices of Joseph Klest have been handling cases of children's safety for over two decades, and today we are widely regarded as among Chicago's elite law firms for this type of litigation. If you have further questions or just want a free consultation, please don't hesitate to call 888-694-0245 or use our contact form today.
