Your daughter was safe in the backseat when the distracted driver drifted into your lane. The force of the collision wrenched her shoulder at an unnatural angle, and now it won't move the way it should. She's struggling to carry his backpack, missing softball practice, and asking questions you don't know how to answer about when she'll feel normal again.
Someone else's careless driving created this situation, and your child shouldn't have to live with the consequences of a shoulder injury without proper compensation. At Kode Law, Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode helps parents understand the steps they must take immediately to protect both their little one's health and their legal rights.
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Why Are Children's Shoulder Injuries Different From Adults?
Because their shoulders contain growth plates—areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of bones that haven't yet hardened into solid bone. This means they’re more vulnerable to certain types of injuries that adults don't experience.
Why Might Growth Plate Damage Create Long-Term Risks?
When a crash forces damage to a growth plate in the shoulder, the bone may stop growing properly or grow at an uneven rate compared to the other shoulder. Growth arrest might result in:
- Limb length discrepancies. One arm ends up shorter than the other, affecting balance and coordination throughout life.
- Joint deformities. Abnormal bone development that changes how the shoulder functions and may require corrective surgery later.
- Premature arthritis. Damaged growth plates often lead to joint problems that typically don't appear unless someone is much older.
Standard X-rays sometimes miss growth plate injuries because the damage occurs in cartilage that doesn't show up clearly on imaging. Your child needs a thorough evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic specialist who understands these unique risks.
How Do Shoulder Injuries Impact a Child's Daily Life?
Beyond the medical concerns, they often disrupt key activities that shape childhood development and identity. For example:
- Sleep quality suffers. They’re not always able to articulate why they're tired and irritable, but shoulder pain that wakes them repeatedly through the night takes a real toll.
- School activities become difficult. Carrying a backpack, participating in PE class, or even writing for extended periods can trigger pain that interferes with learning.
- Sports participation ends or becomes limited. Your child may need to sit out an entire season or give up contact sports permanently, losing team connections and athletic opportunities.
- Social isolation increases. When friends are playing and your child can't join them, feelings of exclusion and frustration build quickly.
These disruptions aren't minor inconveniences—they represent genuine losses that deserve recognition in any claim for compensation.
What Immediate Steps Should Parents Take After a Child's Car Accident Shoulder Injury?
The hours and days following your child's injury determine both their medical outcome and the strength of any future legal claim. At Kode Law, we recommend these three vital actions to protect your child’s well-being and physical and financial recovery.
1. Seek Medical Attention Without Delay
Even if your child's shoulder injury seems minor, schedule an evaluation with their pediatrician within 24 hours of the accident. Explain exactly what happened during the crash and describe any symptoms your child has mentioned, including:
- Any clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the shoulder
- Pain levels at different times of day
- Difficulty with specific movements or activities
- Changes in sleep patterns or mood
Request a referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist if your pediatrician identifies any concerns. Specialized imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, may be necessary to evaluate soft tissue damage and growth plate injuries that don't appear on standard X-rays.
2. Document Everything From the Start
Comprehensive information like the following strengthens your case:
- Photograph visible injuries. Take clear photos of any bruising, swelling, or visible deformity in your child's shoulder area. Continue taking photos every few days as injuries evolve.
- Keep detailed treatment records. Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and documentation of specialist visits. Track mileage to and from medical appointments.
- Maintain an impact journal. Write brief daily notes about how the injury affects your child—activities they missed, pain levels, sleep disruptions, and emotional struggles. Include specific examples rather than general statements.
- Preserve evidence from the accident scene. Keep copies of the police report, insurance information, and any photos taken at the scene. Don't repair or dispose of damaged car seats or other items until consulting with an attorney.
3. Before Talking to Insurance Companies, Call Us
Insurance adjusters often contact parents quickly after accidents involving children, hoping to secure recorded statements or early settlements before families understand the full extent of injuries. These early conversations can seriously damage your child's claim.
Why Does Legal Guidance Matter for Child Shoulder Injury Cases?
Your family deserves more than quick reassurances that everything will be fine. Seattle car accident lawyer Preet Kode steps up as your family’s advocate and builds a case based on a thoughtful and strategic approach:
- Calculate future damages. Children face decades of potential complications from shoulder injuries. Our team considers numerous factors, including future surgeries, ongoing therapy, and the lifetime impact of growth plate damage, when determining fair compensation.
- Protect funds. Washington law requires court approval of settlements involving minors to ensure the compensation serves the child's best interests rather than being spent inappropriately.
- Counter insurance tactics. Adjusters may argue that children heal quickly or that parents are exaggerating symptoms. Our steadfast legal representation presents medical evidence that validates your child's injuries and their long-term implications.
