New Jersey Child Brain Injury Attorneys

Brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability among American children. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 500,000 children ages 0 to 14 are admitted to emergency rooms each year as a result of a TBI. Childhood brain injuries have numerous potential causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, child abuse, and medical malpractice. If your child has suffered a brain injury, a negligent party or defective product may have contributed to this tragic event. In these instances, you have the right to take legal action. Continue reading for a greater understanding of child brain injuries and contact our attorneys for a free consultation about the legal options you may have. We can be reached anytime at (866)-708-8617 or online.

Child Traumatic Brain Injuries Explained

The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury that leads to a disruption in normal brain function. A brain injury can range from mild to severe and symptom presentation depends on the location and severity of the head trauma. It has been estimated that about 691 out of every 100,000 children up to age 24 seek emergency medical treatment in the U.S. for TBI each year. Among all variations, TBI is the predominating cause of disability and death in children 0 to 4 years of age and ages 15 to 19. In fact, brain injury causes death for 2,000 children every year. Another 145,000 children experience long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioral complications resulting from traumatic brain injury.

Brain Injury Causes for Children

There are a host of potential causes of traumatic brain injury in children. However, the most common causes of child TBI in the U.S. include:

• Falls – 50.2%
• Struck by or against incidents (including sports-related injuries) – 24.8%
• Motor vehicle accidents – 6.8%
• Physical abuse – 2.9%
• Other – 15.3%

Your infant can also suffer brain injury from falls around the house, head trauma during a car collision, or medical malpractice during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Infant brain damage has its own lengthy list of potential causes and associated symptoms.

Symptoms of Pediatric Brain Injuries

The symptoms of childhood traumatic brain injuries are highly variable. Symptom presentation depends on the region of the brain affected, the extent of the injury, and the child’s age at the time of the injury. A TBI may affect different functional capabilities, including physical, cognitive, sensory, language, and behavioral/emotional. Children with a brain injury may experience temporary or permanent symptoms associated with their injuries. Some may present immediately, while others are observable in time as the child moves through stages of development. Brain injuries in children are unique because they occur while the brain is still undergoing development. An injury to the brain may interrupt development or alter an otherwise normal brain development.

Some potential signs and symptoms of a childhood brain injury include:

Physical Impairments

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Fatigue
• Difficulties with balance and coordination
• Movement impairments
• Paralysis
• Problems with bladder or bowel control

Cognitive Impairments

• Vision changes or problems
• Hearing issues or deafness
• Speech and language processing difficulties
• Memory impairments
• Attention deficits (including moving between tasks, reduced attention span, lack of attention)
• Difficulties processing information and/or reading
• Issues with decision-making, judgement, planning, organization, problem solving, and other executive functions

Emotional & Behavioral Impairments 

• Problems with impulse control
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Lack of motivation
• Agitation or aggression
• Irritability

Note: this is not a comprehensive list of potential symptoms but provides parents and caregivers with some examples of signs that your child may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. If you suspect a brain injury in your child, seek immediate medical attention.

Childhood TBI Diagnosis

There are a myriad of diagnostic tools that doctors and specialists can use to confirm a TBI. Some of the tests that may be used to diagnose your child’s brain injury are as follows:

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Imaging tests such as CT scan and MRI
• Specialized assessments:
  • Hearing
  • Vision
  • Balance and coordination
  • Feeding and swallowing
  • Speech and language
  • Reading and writing

Filing a Lawsuit for a Child Brain Injury

If your child’s brain injury was caused by the negligent of a person or organization, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Legal claims provide victims with the opportunity to pursue damages for medical expenses, rehabilitative treatment, specialized services, long-term care, and pain and suffering.

Contact Experienced New Jersey Child Brain Injury Lawyers to find out about Your Potential for Legal Action

If your child suffered a brain injury in New Jersey, it is highly advisable to consult with a knowledgeable attorney about your legal rights. Our skilled lawyers represent children who suffer traumatic brain injuries throughout New Jersey. We fight tirelessly to obtain compensation for your child’s current and long-term needs. To receive a free consultation with an experienced child TBI lawyer, contact us anytime at (866)-708-8617 or reach out online today.

Resources:

• Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury, ASHA
• TBI Data and Statistics, CDC
• Traumatic Brain Injury in Children, Medscape