Every year, approximately 1.4 million people experienced a traumatic brain injury in the United States. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person experiences a sudden jolt to the head, or the force of a car accident causes their brain to become injured. Children are highly susceptible to brain injuries, especially when they are infants and their skull bones have not fully hardened yet. Some of the main causes of traumatic brain injuries in children involve falling from heights and car accidents. If your child has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may be wondering what your life will look like now. The following tips will help you adjust to your new normal as the parents of a child with a TBI.
Request a Complex Care Team
If your child has just experienced a TBI, your focus will likely be on your child’s immediate needs. If you are in an intensive care unit, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to focus on what the doctors are telling you. Many hospitals offer parents of children with complex medical concerns the services of a complex care team. These teams often include a lead doctor, a nurse, and a chaplain. The team’s goal is to help you navigate the complicated medical issues related to your child’s diagnosis and offer emotional support. You can ask your child’s medical team any questions you have about your child’s diagnosis.
A Traumatic Brain Injury: Focus on Treating Specific Symptoms
Every traumatic brain injury is different, and every patient requires a unique treatment plan. Once your child can go home, you will focus on the treatment of his or her symptoms. If you notice additional symptoms that become apparent after you leave the hospital, be sure to write them down and ask your child’s medical team about them. Ask your child’s doctors what steps you can take to try to alleviate the symptoms.
Seek Help When You Need it
Becoming the caretaker of a child with a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming. Depending on your child’s condition, you may qualify for state-funded respite care so you can take a break from time to time. You should be able to contact your state’s developmental disability administration and request help with applying for respite care. As parents of a child with a traumatic brain injury, it is important that you do not burn out emotionally and physically. Taking some time to rest and do the things you enjoy is essential.
A Traumatic Brain Injury: Contact an Experienced TBI Lawyer Today
Did someone else’s negligence or recklessness cause your child’s traumatic brain injury? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. At Griggs Injury Law, we have helped many families obtain the compensation they deserve so they can provide the best possible care for their children. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
