Brain injuries can happen at any time. Our brains are constantly vulnerable to trauma which can have a huge impact on our ability to live a normal life. Brain injuries can range from the mildest of concussions to severe bruising and bleeding of the brain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in your everyday life to help prevent traumatic brain injuries.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are a number of practical, everyday steps you can take to help prevent traumatic brain injuries from occurring to you or your loved ones.
Toddlers and Children
For children, always ensure that they are wearing a helmet when riding bikes, skateboarding, using roller skates or participating in any other type of activity which may involve contact or falls.
For children under the age of four, if you are in a vehicle, always have the child safely secured in a rear-facing car seat. This is the safest way to protect children from potential brain impacts until they reach the maximum safety requirements for these types of devices. Once a child grows, use a front-facing car seat, positioned in the rear seats of the vehicle until they reach the maximum safety requirements of the device.
Older children should be placed in booster seats while in cars until they reach the minimum safety requirements for using traditional seat belts.
Adolescents and Adults
Adolescents and adults should always remember to wear a helmet when undertaking any activity when head trauma may result. These activities may include:
- Riding a bike.
- Skateboarding.
- Playing sports.
- Winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding.
- Riding a horse.
When riding in vehicles, adolescents and adults should always remember to wear their seat belts securely and never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In the home, adults should always try to remove any tripping hazards, such as toys, clothing, or trash which might become a hazard either inside or outside the home. Use non-slip mats in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid slip and fall accidents. And always install handrails on staircases to help the elderly or infirmed to safely navigate stars.
Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury? Call a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Because of the danger posed by a traumatic brain injury, as well as the medical costs for diagnosing and treating such an injury, you need legal representation right away. After seeking the proper medical care, consulting a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James C. Dezao should be your first step. They will help you sort through the plethora of factors that need reviewing. In addition to medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and the pain and suffering you have had to endure. Call today at (973) 358-6134 for a free consultation.