Car crashes are stressful and frightening for children. They are also one of the most common causes of serious childhood injuries. Children can break bones or injure their brains when a crash occurs. The injuries that they sustain can cost their family tens of thousands of dollars or possibly more. In many cases, families may ultimately discover that these are more expensive when children get hurt if they look at the average cost of treatment for the same issue involving an adult.
What makes an injury to a child oftentimes so much more costly than an injury to an adult?
1. Increased baseline expenses
Pediatric specialists and pediatric hospitals often charge more for services than physicians and facilities that primarily provide adult care. Higher malpractice insurance costs and the need to pay specialists competitive wages contribute to those higher treatment costs.
2. Greater risk of complications
Pediatric patients may be more at risk of developing disfiguring scars after injuries due to their growing bodies. A fracture could end up requiring intensive intervention due to damage to the growth plate. The risk of age-related medical complications can increase long-term care costs and the overall impact of car crash injuries.
3. Lost parental wages
Adults with injuries can often take care of themselves. Children with serious injuries may need a parent to stay home with them until they recover from their injuries.
Parents addressing the expenses generated by a car crash may need to consider the cost of their children’s medical care, as well as lost income if a parent must stay home to act as a caregiver. Accurately estimating financial losses is critical when seeking compensation after a motor vehicle collision.