Children get hurt all the time, let any parent tell you. But while scraped knees, small bruises, and other minor wounds will heal in a short amount of time, other injuries can have long-lasting or even permanent ramifications.
Brain injuries are a leading cause of both disability and death in children and adolescents in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the two age groups that are at the greatest risk for suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are ages 0-4 and 15-19.
Risks for Infants and Younger Children
Falls are the most common causes of brain injuries for children between ages 0-4. Because infants and toddlers are still developing and lack advanced motor skills, balance, and coordination, they are more susceptible to falling down and injuring themselves.
The good news is that parents and caregivers can significantly reduce the risk of young children sustaining TBIs by making home environments safe and keeping the following tips in mind:
- Install locks or guards on windows.
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases.
- Don’t let children play unattended on a porch or balcony.
- Use preinstalled safety straps when children are in high chairs.
- Install guard rails on beds for toddlers.
- Use bathmats in tubs.
- Seek out playgrounds with shock-absorbent surfaces.
- Make sure children wear the right safety gear when biking, scootering, or skateboarding.
Risks for Teenagers and Adolescents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of brain injury-related death for teenagers between 15 and 19 years old. While they may be licensed drivers, most teenagers lack years of driving experience and may be more likely to break laws, text while driving, or make poor choices behind the wheel.
Many teenagers sustain head injuries by playing sports. A report by the CDC analyzed emergency department visits for children between 2010 and 2016. The report found that, on average, 263, 000 children younger than 18 years old visited ERs for traumatic brain injuries related to sports and recreational activities.
TBI Impacts on Children
Because brains are still developing in children and adolescents, the consequences of a TBI can be great and lead to various types of physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and behavioral problems.
If your child has sustained a traumatic brain injury, there are several treatment options that may be used to improve their condition and decrease their symptoms. You and your family shouldn’t have to front the medical bills for these treatments if your child was injured because of another person’s negligent actions.
Our Seattle brain injury attorneys at Kornfeld Law are standing by ready to discuss your legal options so your family can focus on moving forward. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at (425) 657-5255 to speak with our legal teams for free today.