Long-Term Effects of Child Injuries in Alaska
Injuries from accidents are always a serious concern when you have a child, but some parents in Alaska have reason to be more alarmed. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alaska Native children are in the top three demographic groups for fatal injuries from accidents. Other at-risk child age groups include babies under 1 year old and teens aged 15 to 19 years old. It is good to learn that these horrific deaths have decreased in recent years, but accidental child injuries remain a significant concern.
Unfortunately, some types of accidents can be so severe that the harm to your child is long-term or even permanent. The losses experienced by the victim, parents, and entire family are considerable. You may get some comfort knowing that you have legal options, and an Alaska child injury attorney can assist with your remedies. You can also read on for some important information on the types of harm and how these accidents happen.
Life-Long Effects of Child Injuries
Children undergo a range of developmental stages until they become adults, and any type of bodily harm can seriously disrupt the cycle. Some injuries are more likely to be long-term or lead to permanent disability, either total or partial. Examples include:
- Concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other head injuries;
- Compound fractures and other serious broken bones;
- Facial injuries, potentially causing loss of vision or hearing;
- Dislocation of the hip, shoulder, or other joints;
- Trauma to internal organs;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Amputation; and
- Emotional disorders from the trauma, including PTSD.
Types of Accidents That Lead to Child Injuries
The CDC reports that suffocation is the most common cause of fatalities among babies while drowning is the top for death among children aged 1 to 4 years old. Motor vehicle crashes tend to claim the lives of kids from ages 5 to 19. Some other accidents that result in injuries to minors are:
- Slip and falls;
- Incidents that result from dangerous conditions on property, such as electrocution, criminal attacks, dog bites, and other animal attacks;
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents; and,
- Incidents involving school and playground equipment.
Damages for Long-Term Complications from Child Injuries
A child who suffers permanent harm from an accident faces a long road ahead, possibly losing independence and relying upon others for life activities. Through a personal injury claim, parents can recover their monetary damages for the full range of physical, financial, and emotional losses. Many of these cases settle, though some will go to court if the offer is insufficient. Parents might need to participate in guardianship proceedings to have legal authority to act for the child in some cases.
Reach Out to Our Anchorage Child Injury Lawyers Today
If your son or daughter was hurt in an accident, it is essential to get legal help with your remedies right away. Our team at Power & Power Law is prepared to assist with your options, so please call 907-222-9990 or visit our website to set up a free consultation at our offices in Anchorage, AK.