Being involved in a California motor vehicle collision is an experience that can not only cause physical injury but also dire emotional stress. In many cases, the person who suffers a brain injury or other severe condition in a crash might be a child. It is emotionally draining for the whole family, especially parents, who may be unsure how to help their child recover.
There are many things that parents can do to nurture and care for a child who has suffered a brain injury in an auto accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, a child may have to spend some time in the hospital for treatment and observation before returning home. Upon returning home, parents will want to keep several things in mind.
Keep visits to a minimum
It is understandable that a child’s friends would want to visit him or her during recovery from a brain injury. However, one of the most important elements of recovery is to get plenty of rest and to remain calm and quiet, as loud noises and light can make brain injury symptoms worse. It is best to avoid overtiring a patient who is recovering from a car accident, particularly one who has suffered a brain injury; therefore, keeping visits to a minimum is always best.
A brain injury can cause behavior and personality changes
A parent who is caring for a child with a brain injury will also want to remember that such injuries can cause drastic changes in a child’s behavior or personality. He or she might be irritable or suffer from mood swings. A parent should never hesitate to reach out for additional support if a specific symptom is causing him or her concern. If the collision that resulted in a child’s injury was caused by driver negligence, a parent can also act on the child’s behalf to file a personal injury claim in a civil court, which may lead to compensation for damages that can be used to help defray medical expenses.