Children are, by nature, a little clumsy, frequently tripping and falling around the home as they explore their worlds. Unfortunately, each year thousands of children suffer traumatic brain injuries from such trips and falls, as well as from being shaken or in a car accident, or as a result of mistakes during prenatal care, birth or post-natal care.
Brain injuries in the very young can cause lifelong problems. The brain develops in five stages, with the largest percentage of development occurring in the early years (ages 1-2). If the brain is injured during peak development, the consequences of the brain injury may not be truly reflected until ages 11-13, when the frontal lobes are growing and developing rapidly. That is the best time to measure damage effectively by comparing the injured child from a developmental standpoint to his or her chronological peers.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, in 2006 the top 10 head injury categories among children ages 14 and younger are:
1. Cycling: 34,359
2. Football: 14,626
3. Baseball and Softball: 11,835
4. Basketball: 11,682
5. Skateboards/Scooters: 10,538
6. Water Sports: 7,836
7. Powered Recreational Vehicles: 7,652
8. Soccer: 6,494
9. Trampolines: 6,007
10. Winter Sports: 4,874
Children with brain injuries may lack the ability to communicate problems they are experiencing, such as headaches, sensory problems or confusion. Instead, they may act out – refusing to eat, fussing, and appearing listless or agitated. Sometimes their sleep patterns or performance in school may change, or they may lose interest in their favorite games or other activities, or their favorite toys.
Contact the brain injury attorneys of The Oshman Firm to schedule a consultation if your children or those of a loved one have exhibited any of these signs. Through experience and education, our firm is able to evaluate traumatic brain injuries and successfully pursue claims on behalf of injured children. The Oshman Firm injury lawyers understand the special needs of infants and children who have suffered brain damage due to accidents and the negligence of others, and our attorneys work with pediatric neurologists, intensivists, rehabilitation specialists and life care planning experts to protect these children by establishing special needs trusts to preserve government benefit eligibility.
Parents and guardians of brain-injured children face a host of challenges. Young survivors of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury often suffer lifelong disabilities that make them dependent on others for survival. They may need help feeding, bathing and clothing themselves, as well as walking.
Another challenge of dealing with brain-injured children is in the educational arena. While some of these children require residential treatment, others return to the community and their previous educational environment. Even a brain injury categorized as mild can have devastating consequences to a child’s school performance as various cognitive functions may be impaired. These include but are not limited to memory, concentration, and processing and behavioral skills.
There are many resources for families in need, including the child’s healthcare provider, state and national brain injury associations and academic advisors. In the state of New York, families can also turn to The Oshman Firm. Our attorneys are experienced in handling the delicate problems confronted by patients of all ages who have suffered brain injuries. We can assist you during your period of need and guide you to the proper health care, community, and educational resources.
To schedule a consultation on legal aspects of your child’s brain injury, contact us today at 1-800-400-8182 for your free legal consultation, or save time with our online contact form.