Long-Term Consequences of Brain Injuries to Children

Brain injuries in children are a deeply concerning issue, with potential lifelong consequences to the child that extend far beyond the initial incident. Childhood brain injuries can result from various causes, including accidents, falls, sports injuries, and car accidents. A child’s developing brain is particularly vulnerable, making them more susceptible to long-term consequences than adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of disability and death in children, noting that “In 2019, about 15% of all U.S. high-school students self-reported one or more sports or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months.”

Concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries are common in children, each injury carrying its own set of challenges and potential long-term effects:

• A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when there is a sudden and forceful impact to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in temporary dysfunction of brain cells. Concussions are often caused by blows to the head, such as those sustained in sports-related injuries, car accidents, falls, or other traumatic incidents.
• A brain contusion is a more severe form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to a concussion. It involves bruising of the brain tissue and can result from a direct impact on the head or from the brain hitting the skull due to a sudden acceleration or deceleration. Brain contusions are often associated with more significant force and trauma than what typically causes a concussion.
• A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when there is widespread damage to the brain’s white matter. It is caused by the rapid movement or rotation of the head, typically seen in high-impact accidents such as car crashes or severe falls. DAI is characterized by the stretching, tearing, or shearing of the axons, which are the long, slender projections of nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals between different brain parts.

Immediate and short-term consequences of TBI

In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, children may experience physical and cognitive impairments. These can range from headaches and dizziness to memory loss and difficulty concentrating. We consider all these immediate consequences when building your case, as they may influence medical and rehabilitation expenses.

Brain injuries can also lead to emotional and behavioral changes in children. Mood swings, irritability, and difficulties with emotional regulation are common. Recognizing these changes is vital, as they may impact the child’s quality of life and ability to engage in normal daily activities.

Long-term effects on education

One of the significant long-term consequences of childhood brain injuries is their impact on education. Children may develop learning disabilities, requiring special education services and accommodations. Our Atlanta traumatic brain injury attorneys work closely with educational experts to assess your child’s needs and secure appropriate educational support to facilitate their academic success.

Navigating the educational system can be challenging for families dealing with a child’s brain injury. Our personal injury attorneys play a vital role in advocating for your child’s educational rights, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and support to thrive academically.

Long-term effects on social and emotional development

Children with brain injuries may struggle to form and maintain peer relationships due to changes in behavior or cognitive abilities. Our Atlanta TBI attorneys consider the social implications of these injuries, including the potential effects on the child’s ability to participate in social activities and develop friendships.

Brain injuries in children can place strain on family dynamics, as parents and siblings may need to adapt to new roles and responsibilities. When seeking compensation, we consider the emotional toll on the entire family, recognizing the need for ongoing support and therapy.

Medical expenses and rehabilitation

The financial burdens associated with ongoing medical care and rehabilitation are another significant concern for families dealing with a child’s brain injury. Our lawyers meticulously calculate the current and future medical expenses, factoring in the cost of surgeries, therapies, and assistive devices.

Rehabilitation services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are often essential for children recovering from brain injuries. Advocating for the inclusion of these services in compensation claims is important for ensuring your child’s continued improvement and long-term well-being.

Legal considerations for TBIs in children

Determining liability in cases involving childhood brain injuries is a complex process. Our Atlanta TBI attorneys gather evidence, consult medical experts, and establish a clear connection between the injury and the negligent party. This may involve investigating accidents, obtaining medical records, and consulting with specialists in pediatric neurology.

Navigating insurance claims and negotiating settlements is another key aspect of an Atlanta personal injury attorney’s role. Understanding the potential long-term consequences of a child’s brain injury is vital for accurately valuing the claim and securing proper compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing care.

Securing your child’s future after an Atlanta traumatic brain injury

Truly effective legal advocacy goes beyond securing compensation for immediate medical expenses; it involves anticipating and addressing your child’s future needs. In that vein, our lawyers work with experts to estimate the long-term costs associated with ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, educational support, and any adaptive equipment required for your child.

In cases where a child’s brain injury results in severe cognitive impairment, our personal injury attorneys may also need to address guardianship and financial planning. Establishing trusts and guardianship arrangements ensures that the child’s long-term financial and legal interests are protected.

If your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, the attorneys at Harris Lowry Manton can help. We will investigate the circumstances of the accident, assign accountability to the responsible party or parties, and work to secure compensation for your child’s injuries and losses. To learn more about how we can help with your case, call our offices or fill out our contact form. We serve clients from our Atlanta and Savannah offices.