Simple Tips to Prevent Brain Injuries in Children

There is a common misconception that kids are "made of rubber" and can't get seriously hurt, but that is far from true as brain trauma can occur at anytime. Children are susceptible to serious injuries -- especially traumatic brains injuries. The most common cause of minor head injury in children and adolescents are falls, motor vehicle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, sports-related trauma, and child abuse. With proper precautions, many of these head injuries can be avoided.

Here are some simple tips parents can take to help prevent head injuries in their children:

Keep Safe in the Car and on the Street:

Children should always use the child safety car seat or booster that is best for their age, weight, and height. The seats should be installed correctly and you should use the seat every time the child rides the car. Many fire and police departments will help you determine if the seat is installed correctly. If you have any doubts, make use of this service.
Children (as well as all other passengers) should wear a seatbelt at all times when they are in the car or other vehicle.
Teach children to cross the street safely by stopping at the curb and looking both ways before crossing.
Young children should never cross the street alone.
Use caution when crossing a street with vehicle traffic. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, text messaging, and listening to mp3 players while crossing the street.

Wear a Helmet:

Your child should wear a properly fitted helmet for the following sports or activities:

riding a bike (or when riding in bicycle-mounted carriers or bicycle trailers)
riding a horse
playing contact sports, such as ice hockey, football, or lacrosse
riding a skateboard or in-line skates
sledding, skiing, or snowboarding
while riding a snowmobile, motorcycle, scooter or all-terrain vehicle, though these vehicles are not recommended for children of any age.

Keep Your Child Safe at Home:

Install window guards on all windows that can be opened.
Use safety gates on the top and bottoms of stairways until your child can safely go up and down.
Keep stairs free of clutter and avoid letting your children play on the stairs.
Do not use wheeled baby walkers.
Store all firearms and bullets in a locked cabinet.
Do not leave a young children alone on high places such as a bed, sofa or counter.
Avoid buying bunk beds for children. If your children do have bunk beds, make sure there is a strong, safe side rail.
Do not let your kids jump on beds or other furniture.
Use shock-absorbing material on home playgrounds. And make sure public playgrounds are suitably designed to prevent injury.
Keep playground equipment in good working condition. Proper maintenance can prevent injury.
Never shake an infant or child!
Report abuse to the local police or to your state's child protective services if you suspect that a child in your home or someone you know is a victim of child abuse.

We hope these tips will help your family stay safe and avoid these preventable head injuries. If, despite your best efforts, your child sustains a brain injury which is due to the negligence or criminal action of someone else, you should seek legal advice. You are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other expenses that occur as a result of the injury. Call 800-561-4887 today to speak with your best friends in the legal industry, and to find out about your rights and what your case may be worth. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a Bisnar | Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP traumatic brain injury attorney for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing brain and other personal injury victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

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Simple Tips to Prevent Brain Injuries in Children

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