child's teddy bear with brain injury bandageChild brain injuries are a significant health concern and can have long-lasting effects on a child's development and quality of life. Brain injuries in children can be caused by a variety of factors, which we will discuss more in this article.

The symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely and can include headache, confusion, disorientation, balance problems, coordination difficulties, and speech issues. It’s important to spot these symptoms early and get a child medical attention. Prompt medical attention is crucial for children who have suffered a brain injury because early treatment and care can help to minimize the long-term effects of the injury.

We all have a part to play in reducing child brain injuries. Namely, it’s critical that we all teach our children proper safety. Ultimately, it’s on us to educate our children about the dangers of various activities that can lead to brain injury and to be sure they follow relevant safety rules and best practices.

What Types of Accidents Can Cause a Child to Suffer a Brain Injury?

Brain injuries are a significant health concern for children, with many of them occurring as a result of preventable accidents. Below are the common types of accidents that can cause a child to suffer a brain injury.

Note that not all brain injuries are the result of traumatic events. Some brain injuries, such as anoxic brain injury, can occur as a result of medical conditions or illnesses, such as a stroke or cardiac arrest.

Child Brain Injury Statistics

Below are some relevant statistics on child brain injury.

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of brain injury in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are responsible for nearly half of all brain injuries among children.

Automobile Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are another common cause of brain injury in children. The CDC reports that motor vehicle accidents account for approximately 20% of brain injuries among children.

Sports

Sports-related injuries are also a significant cause of brain injury in children. The CDC reports that approximately 10% of brain injuries among children are the result of sports-related accidents, such as concussions from football or hockey.

Abuse

Physical abuse is another significant cause of brain injury in children. The CDC reports that shaken baby syndrome, which can cause severe brain injury, affects approximately 1,400 children each year.

The long-term effects of a brain injury in childhood can be significant, including cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as physical disabilities. Moreover, the cost of treating a child with a brain injury can be substantial, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Accordingly, despite the high incidence of brain injury in children, many families are not prepared for the financial and emotional impact of a brain injury.

These statistics highlight the importance of taking steps to prevent brain injuries in children, such as wearing helmets while riding bicycles or participating in contact sports and using proper safety equipment and restraints while in motor vehicles. By taking these steps, we can help reduce the incidence of brain injury in children and ensure a brighter future for our children.

What to Do if Your Child is Injured and May Have Suffered a Brain Injury

If your child has suffered a head or brain injury, it is important to take quick action to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are the steps you should follow if you suspect your child may have suffered a brain injury:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If your child has lost consciousness, has a headache, is vomiting, or is showing signs of confusion or disorientation, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Monitor Your Child's Symptoms

Keep a close eye on your child's behavior and look for any changes, such as difficulty with balance, coordination, or speech.

Keep Track of Important Information

Write down the details of the injury, including when it happened, how it happened, and any symptoms your child has experienced. This information will be valuable to the medical team treating your child.

Ask Questions & Seek Answers

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's condition, don't hesitate to ask the medical team. They can provide you with more information and help you understand what is happening.

Follow The Medical Team's Instructions

If your child is diagnosed with a brain injury, it is important to follow the medical team's instructions carefully. This may include taking your child to follow-up appointments, giving them medication, or making changes to their home and school environment.

Get Support

Caring for a child with a brain injury can be challenging, both emotionally and physically. Reach out to family and friends for support, and you may consider joining a support group for families affected by brain injury.

Remember that a brain injury is a serious matter, and it is important to seek prompt medical attention and follow the advice of the medical professionals treating your child. With the right care and support, many children with brain injuries are able to make a full or partial recovery.

Who Can Bring a Lawsuit on Behalf of a Child in Florida?

In Florida, a lawsuit on behalf of a child who has suffered a brain injury can be brought by the child's parent, legal guardian, or a court-appointed guardian ad litem.

A parent or legal guardian is typically responsible for bringing a lawsuit on behalf of a child, as they have the legal authority to make decisions on the child's behalf. In some cases, a court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests in a lawsuit. A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a minor or incapacitated person in a legal matter.

It is important to note that in Florida, there are strict time limits for bringing a lawsuit, known as statute of limitations. Specifically, most personal injury lawsuits in Florida must be brought within four (4) years. If a lawsuit is not filed within the statute of limitations, the child and their family may be barred from seeking compensation for the child's injury.

Contact an Experienced Florida Injury Lawyer for Your FREE Legal Consultation

If your child has suffered a brain injury as a result of the negligence of a person or business, you should speak with an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. You can contact us online or you can call our downtown Orlando, Florida law office at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your consultation.

If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Thus, if you’ve been injured in one of these states, we may be able to help. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need us.