Most people are already aware that any significant blow or similar outside force applied to a person’s head can cause brain injuries such as concussions. However, many people do not know that concussions can also occur whenever the brain is moved back and forth rapidly inside of the skull. Typically, this might occur when a person falls or experiences a sudden jolt to his or her body.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the latter type of concussive event is sometimes overlooked in children because there may not have been any identifiable contact between a child’s head and another object. The following are some important facts the CDC would like childcare professionals and others to know about concussions:
— Any forceful blow to a child’s body that causes a rapid movement of his or her head can potentially cause a concussion.
— The majority of concussions do not involve a child being “knocked out” or otherwise losing consciousness.
— All concussions are serious medical conditions that require prompt medical attention to prevent further injury or death.
— Concussions pose a greater risk for children and adolescents.
— A child at school can suffer a concussion after his or her head comes into contact with a hard object such as doors or even other children’s heads.
— Events involving physical activity such as recess, school sports or physical education classes are instances where children frequently experience concussions.
— Adolescents involved in car accidents are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of concussion.
Florida residents who suspect their child may have suffered a preventable brain injury should know a few things. First, state law entitles some injured parties to recover compensation for their injuries. Additionally, not all brain injuries are caused by concussive force. For example, a lack of oxygen to a child’s brain as a result of a medical error can be an equally devastating type of brain injury. Your Florida personal injury attorney will be able to assess the facts of your child’s particular case and explain the legal consequences to you.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A Fact Sheet for School Nurses” Nov. 17, 2014