Brain Injuries in Children: Special Considerations for Young Accident Victims

• March 14, 2025
• The Stoddard Firm
• Brain Injury

Every parent hopes to see their child grow up healthy and happy, with every opportunity to succeed. But when a child suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can feel as if those dreams are shattered in an instant.

Brain injuries, especially TBI in children, can be particularly devastating due to their potential to disrupt critical stages of development. Children are not just smaller in size than adults; their brains are still forming, making them uniquely vulnerable to long-term impacts from a head injury child accident. The effects can ripple out, touching every aspect of their lives, from learning and behavior to social interactions and physical abilities.

Parents may find themselves grappling with a slew of questions: Will my child recover fully? What kind of care will they need going forward? How will we manage the financial burden of ongoing treatments?

The road to recovery after a pediatric brain injury is often long and fraught with uncertainty. Parents may find themselves navigating a maze of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and special education plans, all while worrying about the future.

The physical and emotional toll on the child and the entire family can be immense. It’s a journey that no one should have to travel alone, yet it’s a path that many find themselves on unexpectedly.

Unique Challenges of Child Brain Injuries

While all brain injuries pose problems for the survivor, brain injuries sustained by children have several unique challenges. These include:

1. Developing Brains

Children’s brains are still in the critical stages of development, which makes them vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma. Unlike adults, who have completed their brain development, a child’s brain is still forming pathways for cognition, learning, and emotional regulation.

A TBI can interrupt these processes, leading to difficulties in school, behavioral issues, and delayed milestones that may not become evident until years later.

2. Difficulties in Diagnosis

Diagnosing a brain injury in a child can be challenging. Young children may not yet have the vocabulary to describe what they are feeling, and even older children might struggle to articulate subtle symptoms like headaches, memory lapses, or emotional changes.

They might complain about feeling “off” or simply act out in frustration, unable to convey the nuances of their discomfort. This is why parental observation becomes essential. Parents who notice subtle changes in behavior or struggles with tasks that were once easy for their child should seek medical evaluation immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s recovery and long-term prognosis.

3. Long-Term Impact

Beyond the child’s direct experience, a brain injury can place significant emotional and financial strain on the entire family. The stress of medical appointments, the uncertainty of recovery outcomes, and the financial burden of continuous care can be overwhelming.

The long-term impact of a brain injury in a child can ripple through all aspects of their life, affecting their education, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Many children require ongoing therapies, specialized educational plans, or accommodations both at school and home, which can continue for years or even into adulthood. The responsibility to adjust teaching methods and social environments to better suit the child’s needs is a crucial part of their recovery and development.

4. Impact on the Family

Siblings may struggle to understand why so much attention is focused on one child, while parents grapple with guilt, exhaustion, and financial stress. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, but support networks—whether through extended family, community resources, or professional counseling—are vital for helping families cope and rebuild.

Common Causes of Child Brain Injuries

Here are some of the most common causes of brain injuries in children:

• Car Accidents: Whether your child was a passenger in a vehicle, a pedestrian, or riding a bicycle, motor vehicle accidents can cause TBI in children. Even with car seats and safety precautions, the force of a collision can result in serious head trauma.
• Falls: Kids are naturally adventurous, but that curiosity can sometimes lead to dangerous falls. Playgrounds, daycare facilities, and even seemingly safe environments like home staircases or slippery floors can all be hazardous.
• Sports Injuries: Sports and recreational activities are important for kids, but they can also lead to head injuries, especially when proper safety measures aren’t followed. Football, soccer, and even cheerleading carry risks for concussions and other brain injuries.
• Birth Injuries: Some brain injuries occur during childbirth, due to complications like oxygen deprivation or physical trauma during delivery. These cases are particularly heartbreaking, as they can affect a child’s development right from the beginning.
• Abuse or Neglect: Shaken baby syndrome and other forms of physical abuse can result in brain injuries.

Proving a Child’s Brain Injury Claim

Proving a child’s brain injury claim hinges crucially on comprehensive and detailed medical documentation. The initial step involves gathering extensive medical records that outline the extent of the injury and its immediate impact.

Detailed records from doctors, neuropsychological evaluations, and expert testimony are the foundation of any brain injury case. These documents not only establish the extent of the injury but also connect it to the accident that caused it.

Equally important is documenting the injury’s impact on the child’s daily life. Brain injuries in children can affect everything from academic performance to social interactions.

For example, a once outgoing child might now struggle to focus in class or connect with friends. Evidence from teachers who’ve noticed changes in the child’s behavior or academic performance can be invaluable, as can reports from therapists working with the child on emotional or physical rehabilitation.

Family testimonials also play a crucial role, painting a vivid picture of how the injury has disrupted the child’s life and placed new challenges on their loved ones.

Securing adequate compensation is the final, critical component of proving a child’s brain injury claim. This includes not only current medical bills but also future expenses like specialized therapy, adaptive equipment, and even lost earning potential if the injury limits your child’s career opportunities.

These projections are crucial to ensuring your family receives compensation that reflects the full scope of what’s needed to provide your child with the best possible quality of life.

How Our Atlanta Lawyer Can Help

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Listening to Your Story: Every case starts with understanding your family’s unique situation. We’ll take the time to listen, answer your questions, and explain your legal options in a way that makes sense. You’ll never feel rushed or unheard.
• Expert Guidance Through Complex Medical Terrain: We know that understanding the medical aspects of your child’s injury can be as challenging as dealing with the injury itself. Our team works closely with medical experts who specialize in pediatric brain injuries. We help translate complex medical information into clear, actionable insights so that you can make informed decisions.
• Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often undervalue or deny claims involving pediatric brain injuries, hoping families will accept lowball offers. We handle all negotiations, ensuring you aren’t pressured into settling for less than what your child needs and deserves.
• Access to Top Medical and Child Care Experts: We connect you with leading medical professionals who specialize in pediatric brain injuries, ensuring your child receives the best possible care while we handle the legal aspects.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Children with brain injuries might need ongoing therapies, special education services, and other forms of long-term care. We work to ensure the compensation we pursue covers not just immediate medical expenses but also long-term needs to improve your child’s quality of life.

Contact Our Brain Injury Lawyers

Seeking legal help is crucial when your child’s future is at stake. Brain injuries in children often have delayed or evolving symptoms, which can make it difficult to immediately understand the full impact.

At The Stoddard Firm, we’ve walked alongside many families facing these challenges. We understand that a pediatric brain injury affects more than just the injured child—it ripples through the entire family.

The financial burden, the emotional toll, and the sheer exhaustion of navigating medical and educational needs can seem unbearable. As a trusted child brain injury lawyer in Atlanta, we are here to guide you through the legal process as you rebuild and move forward.

We know that no amount of money can erase the trauma your family has endured. However, we firmly believe that financial compensation can provide the resources your child needs to thrive despite the challenges they face.