It may not surprise you to learn that children under 14 years old comprise the highest rate of emergency room visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI), but you might be shocked to learn the health effects. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the implications for children are very different compared to adults with fully developed brains. TBI could disrupt the child’s thinking and behavior, in turn affecting social skills, learning, and proper brain development.
TBI occurs when a person is subjected to a violent blow or jolt to the head or the skull is penetrated by an object. Considering how kids are drawn to physical activities, sports, and recreation, it is easy to see why they are often victims of head injuries. Fortunately, some of these threats can be eliminated or reduced by wearing a helmet. Help from a Miami child injuries lawyer is crucial if your child was involved in an accident, but some information about helmets should be convincing.
Wear a Helmet for Risky Activities
Parents should make rules about wearing a helmet for certain activities and enforce them with penalties as necessary. Head protection is important when your child is:
- Riding a bicycle, scooter, hoverboard, ATV, or any other motorized vehicle powered by electricity or gas;
- Enjoying water sports, including skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and jet skiing;
- Participating in sports and athletic competitions, where organizers may actually set their own rules about wearing a helmet; and,
- Skating and skateboarding.
Tips For Choosing Helmets
One important factor with protective headgear is making sure it fits your child’s head properly. Do not use a “hand-me-down” from yourself or an older child, as helmets that are too big offer minimal protection. A proper fit means the straps form a V over the ears, and the helmet will not move forward or backward when secured.
In addition, only allow your child to wear a helmet that is approved or appropriate for the activity. A football helmet is not proper for riding a bike, and many multi-sport helmets that are considered safe for skating are not suitable for use in the water.
Time Restrictions for Child Injuries Claims
An important legal factor that parents should note is that Florida has a different statute of limitations when the victim of an accident is a child. The default date still applies, so you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, because children are minors, there is additional time. The statute of limitations is tolled for up to seven years, depending on the child’s age.
Contact Our Miami Child Injuries Attorneys Right Away
The statute of limitations might seem like a long time, but it is best to proceed with legal action right away if your child suffered TBI. To learn how our team can assist with the process, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. You can call (305) 371-6000 or go online to set up a no-cost case review at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach.