One of the most common injuries suffered in California accidents of all types is head and brain injuries. There has apparently been a long held belief that children who suffer a traumatic brain injury have a better chance of recovery than adults do. Many have claimed that their developing brains can more easily deal with the trauma. Two studies published this week show that the trauma may have the exact opposite effect on a developing mind.

The studies were published in the journal Pediatrics this Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. The two small studies showed that while minor trauma such as a bump on the head did not affect development, more serious trauma could cause a serious developmental lag.

According to the studies, those who had suffered a more severe traumatic brain injury - many of which occurred in motor vehicle or pedestrian accidents - fell behind in development of their intellectual aptitude, behavioral abilities and social development. The cognitive lag could last for three years or more after the injury occurred.

Not only could the child's immediate intellectual development become impaired, but the trauma could have a long-term effect. The studies showed that some victims who suffered a trauma as a child had effects lasting as long as 10 years or more.

Other factors in the developmental lag were a child's socioeconomic status and parents with high stress levels. After an accident, the parents of child victims are left with high medical bills and are often forced to leave their jobs to care for the child. The worry about their child's recovery and the financial strain can combine to create incredible stress.

When your child is injured by the negligence of another, compensation recovered in a court of law for those injuries can help provide the necessary funding for successful treatment. It can also allow you to focus on your child's well-being instead of worrying about whether you will be able to afford the care necessary for recovery.

Source: CNN Health, "Severe traumatic brain injury affects development in young children," Caitlin Hagan, Jan. 23, 2012