Motor-Vehicle Accidents (MVA) are disruptive and distressing events, no matter what the damage to property and injuries to all those involved.

When children are injured or unfortunately killed in an MVA, the resultant grief and pain can be devastating to the loved ones.

The thought of a promising life being cut short prematurely, through no fault of its own, is something that will haunt parents and dear ones till the end of their lives.

If the child has been seriously injured, there could be life-altering consequences for the entire family as well. Permanent disability, paralysis, disfigurement and loss of function are consequences that have enormous physical, financial and emotional implications.

An experienced North York personal injury lawyer can provide the right guidance and information regarding filing a claim for compensation.

Injuries To Children Sustained in MVA

In a study of motor vehicle injuries it was found that among the risk factors, age is an important component in the nature and extent of injuries and also in the long-term effects and costs.

The study opines, “The association between age and motor-vehicle injury is a U-shaped curve, where young drivers and older adults are at a greater risk of fatal injury….. Motor-Vehicle collision is an important cause of childhood injury, death and disability.” In Canadian children, motor-vehicle related injuries are the leading cause of injury death.

• 69% of fatalities and 46% of hospitalizations in young Canadians is seen to have been caused by MVAs.

• Head injuries are the most common types of injuries sustained by children, probably because the head is still the heaviest part of their bodies. Contusion, concussion, brain and spinal damage, severance of spinal cord, skull fracture etc are common. Some injuries may cause bleeding into the brain.

• Internal organ damage, facial and dental injuries, rib-cage fracture, amputation are other serious injuries sustained by children.

• Blunt trauma, impact trauma and crush injuries are caused when the child’s body collides with the hard interiors of the vehicle.

• Fractures, cuts, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage, uncontrollable bleeding etc can occur if the child is thrown out of the vehicle.

• Injuries are most commonly found in the upper body areas in children. Thoracic and abdominal trauma with internal bleeding may not present immediate symptoms in small children hence it’s important to remain vigilant after your child has been involved in an MVA.

• Apart from these, the severe psychological and emotional trauma that children sustain following an MVA can be devastating. Fear, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, bed-wetting, phobias, behavior and mood changes, aggression, withdrawal, etc have to be addressed immediately to avoid harming of the child’s psychological well-being.

• Children who suffer permanent disability can face a life-time of social and emotional rejection, discrimination and challenges.

Issues Regarding Claims

There are several complex medical, legal and insurance issues involved in making a claim for injuries to children. Ontario laws require a litigation guardian to be appointed and all settlements have to focus on the child’s interests. Court approval is mandatory for settlement claims.

North York personal injury lawyers can help you to get the best pediatric care and ensure that your child’s rights are fully safeguarded.