Traumatic Brain Injuries In Children

Car accidents are one of the biggest contributors to individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Even though vehicles are designed to protect those inside, the impact of a collision can still cause individuals to sustain serious injuries. Individuals who suffer from traumatic brain injuries often exert various side effects and problems following the incident. While some individuals experience symptoms immediately, it is important to note that some victims experience a delayed onset of symptoms when they do not show up for several days or weeks later.
Depending on the severity of the injury, victims can experience a wide array of side effects from their injuries.  It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, especially in children, in order to address the situation as soon as possible. Early intervention is critical to potentially preventing long-term side effects of this injury.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

Those who suffer mild traumatic brain injuries can experience the following symptoms:

• A loss of consciousness, either momentarily or for several minutes;
• Headaches;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Problems speaking;
• Problems sleeping or sleeping more than usual;
• Dizziness or loss of balance;
• Blurred vision, ears ringing, smell and taste issues;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Problems remembering or concentrating; and
• Mood changes or mood swings.

Moderate To Severe TBI Symptoms

Individuals who sustain more severe traumatic brain injuries often experience the side effects listed above, as well as various other symptoms that are more serious. Some of these include:

• Seizures or convulsions;
• Dilation in one or both pupils;
• Clear drainage from the nose or ears;
• Inability to wake up;
• Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes;
• Agitation;
• Slurred speech; and
• Loss of coordination.

Traumatic Brain Injuries In Children

Although children can experience the symptoms listed above, there are some other more common symptoms to look out for. Knowing how to spot symptoms of a traumatic brain injury in children is especially important. Parents who feel that their child may have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident or another type of accident should look for the following symptoms:

• Changes in eating or nursing habits;
• Unusual irritability;
• Persistent crying;
• Changes in their ability to pay attention;
• Sleeping less frequently or much longer;
• Sadness or depression;
• Unusual drowsiness;
• Loss of interest in games, toys, or other activities; and
• Seizures.

Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury in a child is considerably more difficult than doing so in an adult. Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children between infancy to four years of age as well as teens between 15 and 19 years old. It is more common for a male to suffer from a traumatic brain injury than a female. Unfortunately, it is believed that over 145,000 children and adolescents across the United States are living with lasting behavioral, physical, or cognitive effects from a traumatic brain injury.
Every year, over half a million children are admitted into emergency rooms across the United States for traumatic brain injuries. If you notice any of the above symptoms in your child, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. In cases where your child suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation to help alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by the incident.

Compensation Available For Children With Traumatic Brain Injuries

Children who sustain these injuries as the result of another person or party’s negligent acts may be able to obtain compensation to help alleviate some of the financial burdens imposed on their family for care and treatment. Some of the most common awards available for these incidents include:
Compensation for medical treatment: Instances where children suffer TBIs, they often have to go through extensive medical testing and treatments. They may be hospitalized and may require medical equipment temporarily or for the rest of their lives. Courts are able to award families the costs for all past, current, and anticipated medical treatments related to these injuries.
Lost wages: Although some children are too young to work, in cases where they are working teens – they may be able to obtain compensation for lost wages resulting from their injuries. Furthermore, families with young children are able to obtain compensation for lost wages in the event that one or both parents have to take off work to provide care to the child due to their injuries. It is imperative to work with a reputable attorney who is able to hire a financial expert to present information that demonstrates the amount of lost wages in these cases.
Pain and suffering: Courts are able to award compensation to children based on the impact the injuries will have on their life and development. Presenting evidence that accurately reflects this area can have a major impact on a case.
In order to ensure you are able to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your personal injury case, it is imperative to hire an experienced personal injury attorney in Utah.

A Utah Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You

If your child sustained a traumatic brain injury, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney from Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation to help alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by the accident. Victims are able to obtain compensation to cover the costs of lost wages, treatment, and other expenses so families can focus on recovering.
Our team of experienced attorneys has over 30-years of experience helping accident victims across Utah obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries and other damages. If your child suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of another person or party’s negligent or reckless acts, contact our law firm at (801) 845-9000 to schedule a free case evaluation.