Children and Brain Injuries: How to Keep Your Child Safe in Dunnellon, Inverness and Homosassa

Understanding the Risk of Brain Injuries in Children

Many people assume that only victims of severe car accidents or professional athletes in contact sports experience traumatic brain injuries. Accidents can cause brain injuries to anyone, and when someone sustains a brain injury, it can change their life forever.

How Severe Are Brain Injuries in Kids?

When children sustain injuries, the severity of those injuries often increases, raising the risk of permanent disability.

The good news is that not everyone who suffers a brain injury will experience permanent damage. In many cases, accident victims recover within a few days or weeks. While some mild brain injuries can be effectively treated with proper medical care, certain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to long-term complications.

The Dangers of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

According to researchers at The American Brain Foundation, repeated brain injuries can cause a disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Even a single severe blow to the head can trigger it.

CTE is a serious condition that causes the brain to shrink over time. It leads to symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s disease.

Children as young as 5 years old can be affected. Young children are especially at risk because their brains are still developing. Damage at this stage can increase the chances of long-term problems.

Back-to-School Activities: A Time for Extra Caution

With this year’s school season underway, your child may become involved in numerous after school activities and sports. Undoubtedly, children are at risk for multiple types of injuries depending on how active they are. As a parent, you may be wondering how to keep your child safe, on and off the field. The following information can help you reduce your child’s risk for TBIs or any permanent disabilities associated with a head injury.

• Always Make Sure Your Child Wears a Helmet: The use of helmets can significantly reduce your child’s risk for a head injury. So, no matter if your child is on the football field or biking or skateboarding through the neighborhood, make sure they are wearing a helmet!
• Do Not Delay, Seek Medical Attention ASAP: If you think your child may have sustained a head injury of any kind, always get medical help immediately. Treating even a slight injury right away can reduce your risk for future damage and complications.
• Get a Doctor’s Approval: If your child has suffered a brain or head injury – no matter how mild – get a doctor’s approval before resuming any sporting activities. Never assume that enough time has lapsed and that your child is ready to play again. Like the saying goes, better safe than sorry. Seek a physician’s approval so that you are 100 percent sure your child is in the clear.

Legal Help When Negligence Is to Blame

When your child suffers a brain injury due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be unsure of what to do next. Victims of brain injuries generally require numerous ongoing expenses, such as rehabilitation, medical treatment, living assistance and more. The Citrus County Brain Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand the physical and financial weight these injuries can add to your life. We can help you obtain the financial justice you deserve.

Serving Dunnellon, Inverness, Homosassa & Beyond

If your child was injured in a sports accident in Inverness, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Homosassa, Dunnellon, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs or Floral City, contact the Citrus County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-726-0078 for a free consultation. We are available nights and weekends, and our phones are answered 24/7. If you are unable to come to us, we make off-site visits to homes and hospitals. All sports injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay any fees unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf.

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