The sound of a car crash is a sound you never forget. Add in the concern that comes if you have a child in the vehicle, and this traumatic event can haunt a parent for the rest of their lives. Immediately following the accident, the concern for medical care is obvious. Getting an ambulance and heading to the hospital is important, but looking ahead to future care is equally important — especially if the child suffered a traumatic brain injury.
How much will it cost to treat a traumatic brain injury cost?
The cost will vary depending on everyone’s situation. Some estimate the lifetime cost can range from $85,000 to $3 million. The costs can include:
- Emergent medical care. The cost of an ambulance and the emergency response team.
- Hospital stay. The injury could result in hospital admission and additional procedures.
- Rehabilitation. Similar to physical therapy for other injuries, rehabilitation may be necessary for brain injuries. It may include a mix of physical and speech therapy.
Parents may also need to cover additional expenses, like the potential need to hire a professional to care for the child so the parent can return to work.
What else should we know?
We also know that these injuries can have an impact on the child’s cognitive development. The National Institute of Health released a study that dove into this issue. The researchers looked at the impact of a traumatic brain injury on children ages 12 to 17. The study focused on those who suffered a brain injury that resulted in a loss of consciousness and at least one overnight stay in the hospital. Although those ages 14 to 19 and those under the age of 14 both experienced poorer academic performances compared to their peers, researchers found the results were most severe for the older age group.
It is also important to note that legal remedies are likely available if the accident was the result of another driver’s negligence. These can include compensation to help cover the current and future costs of treatment.