What to Know About Child Brain Injuries

Brain injuries (TBIs), are devastating at any age, but are especially tragic for children who have their whole lives in front of them. Sadly, brain injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by children. From simple falls to motor vehicle accidents, a brain injury can have life-altering consequences for a child. 

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. However, they can also cause long-term or permanent disabilities such as learning and mobility issues. The medical expenses are far beyond what an average family can afford, on top of the stress and anguish for all parties involved. If your child has suffered a brain injury and you’re simply at a loss for what to do next, we can help you solve that problem. Speak to a brain injury attorney at our office and let us handle your case while you focus on your child’s recovery.

Our brain injury attorney understands the forces involved and the potential damage done when a child suffers from a TBI. We’ll deal with the insurance companies involved, as well as any other parties that may be involved in the case. Essentially, we’ll take care of everything except the medical care, and we’ll even oversee that to make sure you’re getting everything you need.

What Are The Most Common Reasons for TBIs in Children?

Even the slightest trauma to a child’s head can result in a TBI. As a result, different children can suffer brain injuries in different ways. Common causes of brain injuries in children can include the following: 

• Car accidents. These are the most common types of accidents, and they commonly cause TBIs as childrens’ heads may collide with airbags, car parts, or even the pavement.
• Truck accidents. Truck accidents are like car accidents, but with greater forces at work.
• Motorcycle accidents. These are similar to other motor vehicle accidents but are typically much more serious because of the lack of protection around the rider/passenger.
• Animal attacks. These are rare, but the damage done by a dog or any other animal can be devastating.
• Medical malpractice. You count on your doctors to eliminate or reduce symptoms, yet mistakes are still made by even the very best.
• Slip and fall accidents. Concussions are common for children who fall and hit their heads. Even relatively minor concussions can be serious, but severe brain trauma caused by a fall is more common than people realize. 
• Dangerous or defective products. Serious brain injuries can be easily caused by defective bicycle helmets, safety seats, or other equipment that fails to provide the proper protection. In addition, any product that can lead to choking or otherwise cut off oxygen to the brain can cause brain injuries in children. 

Each of these causes has unique considerations, and the facts of your specific case will determine the plan of action we need to take. This is why it’s critical to contact a brain injury attorney immediately.

Common Symptoms of TBIs

According to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School, “[a] brain trauma assessment test is a device that consists of reagents used to detect and measure brain injury biomarkers in human specimens. The measurements aid in the evaluation of patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injury in conjunction with other clinical information to assist in determining the need for head imaging per current standard of care.”

Nonetheless, brain injuries, like back and neck injuries, are not always immediately symptomatic, especially in children. The issue is that your child may not be able to accurately articulate or identify their symptoms. A brain injury attorney has the skill and experience needed to draw out your child’s symptoms. 

TBIs in children can range from mild to severe, but you should seek immediate medical treatment if you even suspect your child has suffered a brain injury, no matter how mild. The following symptoms are common for child brain injuries: 

• Headaches 
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Confusion or disorientation 
• Difficulty speaking, reading, or writing
• Sudden incontinence 
• Difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor control
• Short- or long-term memory loss 
• Mood-swings or sudden depression
• Unable to concentrate or focus
• Unusually tired

Infants present an even more difficult situation. Symptoms are especially difficult to diagnose in infants, especially those injuries suffered during childbirth. Some common indicators include: 

• Seizures
• Failure to reach developmental milestones
• Excessive crying, fussiness, or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping and/or eating

A Brain Injury Attorney Can Help if You Suspect Your Child has Suffered a TBI

Never hesitate to talk with your doctor about these symptoms. If your child has suffered a TBI, an experienced brain injury attorney can review your case and determine whether you have a claim. If you have a valid claim, we can help ensure that you receive all of the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Contact a brain injury attorney to schedule your free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis, which means no risk to you. Our offices are conveniently located in  Bethlehem Doylestown, Allentown, Easton, and Stroudsburg.