Head injuries in children can happen in a split second. A tumble from a couch, a fall down stairs, a playground accident, or a crash on the road can all lead to serious trauma—sometimes with lifelong consequences.
A study from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine reviewed data from more than 43,000 children who sustained head injuries. The findings were clear: falls are the most common cause of serious brain injuries in young children.
According to the study:
- Falls caused 77% of brain injuries in children under age 2
- Falls caused 38% of brain injuries in children ages 2 to 12
That means the youngest children—who are still developing coordination and balance—are at the highest risk.
Why Falls Are So Dangerous for Babies and Toddlers
Young children are more vulnerable to brain injuries because:
- Their brains are still developing
- Their skulls are thinner than an adult’s
- They have less neck strength and stability
- Even “short” falls can cause a serious impact
A fall from a bed, changing table, or stairs may not look severe at first, but it can still lead to internal injury—especially when the child lands on a hard surface.
Many Childhood Brain Injuries Are Preventable
The same study highlighted another heartbreaking reality: many traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children could be prevented with basic safety precautions, including helmets and seatbelts.
Among children who suffered head injuries in car accidents:
- Over 50% were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the injury
Among children injured in bicycle accidents:
- More than 80% were not wearing a helmet
Those numbers matter because proper restraints and helmets don’t just reduce injury risk—they can be the difference between a mild injury and a life-changing one.
The Study Focused on Serious Brain Injuries (Not Just Concussions)
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on traumatic brain injuries involving bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage). It did not include more minor head injuries like concussions.
That’s important because concussions are common—and can still cause serious symptoms, especially if they’re repeated or not treated properly.
Even when there’s no visible bleeding, a child may still experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Confusion or sleepiness
- Mood changes
- Trouble concentrating
- Sensitivity to light or sound
If a child shows symptoms after a fall or collision, it’s always safest to seek medical evaluation right away.
Survival Rates Are Better — But Severe Injuries Can Still Change a Life
There was some encouraging news in the study: deaths among children from car accidents dropped significantly, in part due to better safety design and seatbelt use.
But serious brain injuries can still require extensive treatment. Among the children in the study with severe head injuries:
- 98% survived
- 17% required brain surgery
- 43% needed more than one procedure
Even when a child survives, recovery can be long and uncertain. Brain trauma can affect learning, behavior, memory, speech, and physical development.
The Long-Term Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating for children and families. When the brain is injured, it may lose oxygen and suffer damage that can’t always be reversed.
Depending on the severity, a child may face:
- Long-term cognitive or developmental delays
- Permanent disability
- Ongoing therapy (speech, occupational, and physical therapy)
- Behavioral or emotional changes
- Special education needs
- Repeated medical appointments and monitoring
- A lifetime of care and support
For parents, it can be overwhelming—not only emotionally, but financially.
When a Child’s Brain Injury Was Caused by Negligence
Not every childhood fall is someone’s fault. But many serious injuries happen because a person or company failed to take reasonable safety precautions.
Examples may include:
- Unsafe conditions at a daycare or school
- Poor supervision
- Dangerous playground equipment
- A landlord failing to repair stairs or railings
- A distracted driver causes a crash
- A driver failing to yield in a crosswalk or neighborhood
- Defective child safety products or car seats
When negligence plays a role, a legal claim may help a family recover compensation for medical costs and long-term care.
What Compensation May Cover in a Child Brain Injury Case
A traumatic brain injury often involves more than an emergency room visit. The cost of treatment can grow quickly—especially if the child needs therapy, surgery, or long-term support.
Depending on the case, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care and hospitalization
- Surgery and follow-up treatment
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Future medical expenses
- In-home care or mobility assistance
- Lost income for parents who must take time off work
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
If the injury is permanent, it’s especially important to understand the full long-term financial impact before accepting any settlement.
Read More: How Safe is Colorado? – Colorado Springs Injury Lawyers
Colorado Springs Traumatic Brain Injuries
If your child—or someone you love—has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall, car accident, or other preventable incident, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
The Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at Schofield & Green Law Firm understand the challenges brain injury survivors and families face, and we work aggressively to pursue the compensation you may need now and in the future.
Call today for a consultation: (719) 694-8515
