Children and head injuries - don't panic!*

Every Mum knows how common it is for a child to get grazed elbows, bruised knees, or a bump on the head from everyday play. Whether it’s a fun game of football in the garden, or wandering too close to that swing in the park, it is all too easy for our little loved ones to get smalls knocks from boisterous activity. Parents and carers should rest assured, as in most cases these incidents will be minor and can be resolved with little more than a sticky plaster and a hug. However, in more serious accidents, being alert to the signs and symptoms of a more serious head injury can prove invaluable.

If your child has suffered severely from a head trauma, it can be helpful to seek professional legal help. Head injuries in children can significantly alter a family’s life and finding an experienced solicitor is important in ensuring you receive adequate compensation to provide for any lifestyle changes. For mums concerned with guidance on a head injury claim, there are a variety of personal injury teams out there to help, like Irwin Mitchell.

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Before opting to take legal action, Mums should be aware of the nature of a child’s head injury as in many cases a little bump or bruise will not cause any harm in the long run. However, head trauma is not always immediately apparent, and symptoms will only be noticeable after the accident has happened. Whether a child gets a bumped head from falling off that new bicycle, over-enthusiastic play with a sibling or a tumble after taking those brave first steps, it is worth being alert in the hours and days following.

Head injuries in children can be external or internal. Any Mum whose child has cut or scratched their head – an external injury – will know the scary feeling of seeing blood from even the tiniest of cuts. This does not always indicate a serious injury though, as the head is full of blood vessels, making a lot of scrapes appear worse than they are. These kinds of accidents often cause the most upset for your child too, so a big hug and a plaster will often have to be accompanied by some extra TLC and your child’s favorite bedtime story!

The seriousness of internal head injuries is often more difficult to judge, as a fractured skull, damaged blood vessels, or brain trauma may not be immediately apparent. With both external and internal injuries it is important to closely monitor your child in the period following an accident and be wary of any symptoms of head injury. Loss of consciousness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the nose, ears or mouth, and neck pain and stiffness may all indicate more serious head trauma. In the event of your child showing any of these symptoms, you should call 999 immediately and remember to remain calm.

Little bumps and scrapes are all part of your child’s growing life and confidence, and most are not a cause for concern. However, understanding the warning signs and knowing where to seek trusted legal guidance will put any busy Mum’s mind at rest.