A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change a family’s life in an instant, especially when it happens to a child. Here in Kansas and Missouri, car crashes and slip-and-fall accidents are often to blame for these injuries. Because children’s brains are still growing, even a mild bump on the head can have lasting effects on memory, behavior, learning, and emotional well-being. After the initial shock, families are usually left with medical concerns, financial stress, and uncertainty about their legal rights.
How Children Get Brain Injuries in Car Accidents and Falls
Car accidents are a leading cause of TBIs in children. Even with seatbelts or car seats, the force of a collision can cause a child’s head to hit a window, seat, or interior surface. Sudden deceleration can also cause the brain to move inside the skull, which can result in concussions and more severe trauma.
Slips and falls are another major cause of TBIs in children, and they can happen almost anywhere: at home, at school, on the playground, or in a store. Wet floors, cracks in the sidewalk, poorly maintained stairs, or unsafe playground areas can all create dangerous conditions. If a property owner ignores these hazards or fails to warn about them, children are at an increased risk of serious head injuries.
Why Children Are at Greater Risk
Because their brains and skulls are still developing, children are more likely to get hurt, and it often takes them longer to heal. And the scary part is that, sometimes, you might not see the signs right away. That is why it is so important to keep a close eye on your child after any blow to the head, even if it seems minor at first.
Recognizing Symptoms and Delayed Effects
As mentioned already, the signs of a TBI in children are not always obvious. Symptoms can show up hours or even days after the accident. Some of the common symptoms to watch out for include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty balancing
- Sensitivity to light
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Mood swings
If you think your child might have a head injury, have them checked out by a doctor right away.
Liability in Kansas and Missouri
When someone else’s negligence causes a child’s traumatic brain injury, families can often seek compensation. In car accidents, it might be the fault of a driver who was, for instance, distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence. In slip-and-fall cases, property owners can be held liable if they knew about a dangerous condition, or should have known about it, and did not fix it or warn about it.
In both Kansas and Missouri, your family would need to prove, using strong evidence, that someone’s careless actions directly led to your child’s injury.
What Type of Compensation Can Families Recover?
If you have a case, you can pursue compensation for damages such as;
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
If your child needs long-term physical therapy or special education, compensation can help cover those extra expenses, too.
Contact a TBI Lawyer
If your child has suffered a TBI because of a car accident or fall in Kansas or Missouri, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and the next steps for your family. Contact our experienced brain injury counsel at Griggs Injury Law for a consultation and find out what you can do to get the compensation your family deserves.
