Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries that anyone can experience and are especially tragic when they involve children or teenagers. In contrast to TBIs suffered by adults, these childhood injuries are most often the result of an accident involving common, everyday items. Fact: Studies have shown that approximately 72% of emergency department visits involving children with traumatic brain injury can be attributed to common household products.
Most TBIS Associated with These Items
According to research, these are ten main causes that contribute to nonfatal traumatic brain injuries in children under the age of 19. These include floors, beds, stairs, walls, chairs and tables; as well as playing football, basketball, soccer or riding bikes.
Other causes of TBIs in minor children include doors, playground equipment, skateboards, baby strollers and changing tables, high chairs and shopping carts.
According to product liability law, companies that manufacture, distribute, market and sell dangerous and defective products can be held liable when those products cause injury.
Additional Statistics Related to Traumatic Brain Injuries
Approximately 1.7 million TBIs occur in the United States annually. The main product groups identified in the study as contributing to TBIs in children are:
Sports/recreation (29%)
Home furnishings and fixtures (17%)
Home structures and construction materials (17%)
Child nursery equipment (3%)
Toys (2%)
In regards to children and teens, TBIs contribute to approximately:
- 1 in 3 of all injury deaths
- 1 in 10 injury-related emergency room visits
- 1 in 5 injury-related hospitalizations
Impact of Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury
the Mayo Clinic defines a TBI as a brain injury typically caused by a blow or jolt to the head (or sometimes the body). A severe TBI may cause bruising, bleeding and other injury to the brain. A TBI can result in long-term health problems and even death.
Symptoms may manifest immediately after the event occurs, or may not appear for weeks or months. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, nausea, headaches, seizures, vomiting, and slurred speech.
Additionally, in children TBIs may alter eating or nursing habits, cause irritability or depression, disrupt sleep or cause a loss of interest in previously favorite things and activities.
Minor children who have experienced nonfatal TBIs typically suffer neurological problems that can affect their educational performance and the memory process. Brain injuries often cause emotional and behavioral problems, disrupting relationships and ability to appropriately function in a social situation – affecting not only the patient but their family as well. Children with brain injuries may require care for the duration of their lives.
If your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury and you need assistance, call the attorneys at Probinsky & Cole. Whether a product liability case or a case of negligence, we can help you to get the reimbursement you deserve – and need – to properly care for your child. Don’t waste time, call us today for a consultation.
Probinsky & Cole are based in Sarasota, Orlando and Brandon. We specialize in personal injury, product liability and immigration legal cases. Call today for more information.
