Do you think that you and your loved ones have a low risk of traumatic brain injury? You might be surprised to learn that statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assert that more than 60,000 Americans die each year from traumatic brain injury. That doesn’t account for the tens of thousands of other people who suffer these types of injuries and survive.
When a traumatic brain injury is brought on by the negligent acts of another, brain injury lawsuits are one way for individuals and families to seek recourse. Working with a skilled legal team is the best way to make sure your case is handled properly, and that you receive everything you are entitled to in the event of a traumatic brain injury.
What is considered a traumatic brain injury?
Any injury that alters the way your brain works is considered a traumatic brain injury. There are many different degrees of severity among these types of head injuries, but in any case, where brain function is negatively impacted after a head injury, the incident is considered a traumatic brain injury.
What are some common causes of traumatic brain injuries?
Any accident or incident that jolts your head or body can result in traumatic brain injury. Some examples include:
- Auto accident
- Bullet would
- Simple falls
- Direct blow to the head by a fist or other body part
- Explosive blasts
- Sports injuries
- Shaken baby syndrome
This is far from a comprehensive list. Anything that places force on your head or body can lead to a traumatic brain injury.
What age group sustains the most traumatic brain injuries?
Statistics suggest that the age groups most likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury are children under the age of 19. Kids are often divided into two age groups when discussing these types of injuries: those ages 0-4 and kids between the ages of 15-19.
When considering very young children, it makes sense that they would have a higher risk of traumatic brain injury. Many of these injuries occur during the labor and delivery process, often due to mistakes made on the part of obstetricians and other medical staff.
Young children are also less likely to have mastered control of their own mobility. They tend to trip, fall, and stumble more frequently than older kids. When conditions pose a safety risk for easy mobility, children are at an increased risk of falling and sustaining head trauma.
Young children also tend to fare poorly in auto accidents. Even with today’s advanced child safety seats and legislation requiring young kids to ride in these protective seats, children are often injured in auto accidents.
When it comes to teenagers, a high risk of traumatic injury is also linked to automobile accidents. In this case it is not the car seat that’s to blame, but the higher risk that inexperienced drivers encounter while behind the wheel.
When teens encounter an impaired driver or someone driving recklessly, the new driver may not have the experience to react as well as an adult. This increases the risk of an accident, even when the accident itself is not the fault of the teen.
Teenagers also have a higher risk of head injuries while training for or playing various sports. Even sports with a low risk of impact can lead to traumatic brain injury when something unexpected happens.
What should I do if I suspect my child has suffered a traumatic brain injury?
Swift response is the best way to increase the odds of successful treatment for traumatic brain injury. If you suspect your child has sustained a head injury, seek medical care right away. Some of the symptoms of traumatic brain injury include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision
- Unusual taste in the mouth
As you can see, some of these symptoms occur immediately after the injury, while others may take days or more to develop. Keep an eye on your child and don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you’re worried about traumatic brain injury.
What are my options for legal recourse in the event of a child’s traumatic brain injury?
Every case is unique, and determining the right legal action is not always a straightforward issue. If your child suffers a traumatic brain injury, call an experienced law firm right away to begin the process of charting your best course of action.
Your attorney will work with you to learn more about the circumstances surrounding your child’s traumatic brain injury and which party or parties are liable. From that point, a personal injury case can be built around the specifics of your family’s circumstances. This might include interviewing your child about his or her symptoms, reviewing medical records, or determining how the injuries could change the future for your child.
That process begins with a quick call to set up a face-to-face, personalized legal consultation. Traumatic brain injuries can alter the course of your child’s life, so don’t delay initiating the process of ensuring your family receives proper compensation by way of a personal injury lawsuit.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
