Stockton Playground Injuries
Stockton Playground Injuries
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Brain Injury Lawyer. The number of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children has increased. Injuries that happen on swings and monkey bars are part of the recent increase. Workers at the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control looked at data between 2004 to 2013 and discovered an increase in TBIs in children under the age of 14. TBIs were the highest in children aged 5 through 9. Moreover, boys accounted for about 58% of all TBIs.
Why the Increase in Injuries?
Some people assume TBIs are on the rise because playgrounds have become more dangerous in recent years. But, the study revealed that there may be two possible reasons for the increase. Researchers believe that children are spending more of their time at the playground. Also, its likely that awareness of the risks of head and brain injuries has caused parents to seek medical attention at a higher rate than in the past. Accidents involving the head and TBIs have made big news in recent years. Especially, thanks to reports about professional football players who have suffered TBIs.
Occurence of TBIs have Doubled
In 2004, the number of children with TBIs totalled about 23 out of 100,000 kids. By 2013, that figure had more than doubled to 48 out of 100,000. In 2013, some 30,000 kids received medical treatment for TBI.
Of the kids taken to the emergency room after a suffering a head injury, 95% were treated in the emergency room and sent home. Only 3% of those treated went on to be admitted to the hospital or transferred out to another hospital for care.
What Causes a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBIs are generally caused by a blow to the head or from a fall. Car accidents and other personal injuries can cause head and brain injuries as well. Typically, the head receives trauma and the brain jerks around inside the head and functions erratically. Some of the more common symptoms include confusion, dizziness, vomiting and headaches. Symptoms may last several days and/or several weeks. In a good number of the cases, kids suffer no long-term effects.
It’s is critical to note that multiple blows to the head at once or over time can lead to serious brain damage.
Avoiding Stockton Playground Injuries
Taking the kids to Laughlin Park, Weber Park or another Stockton play area is fun. It can be made much safer by taking simple steps toward safety. Parks and playgrounds have developed new ways to make their play areas safer for our kids. The more modern the park is the safer it can be. These modern safety measures have the ability to lower the incidents of pediatric TBI. Soft ground surfaces – such as wood chips or sand – can be used instead of hard surfaces like concrete. Parents should shop around and discover for themselves which playgrounds have the softest surface and check equipment for safety before letting children use it. It is important to maintain proper supervision at all times to help prevent a serious accident. It’s also smart to read and follow safety signs posted at each play area. Finally, remember to use age-appropriate play equipment. Smaller kids should not play in areas with advanced playground equipment.
Stockton Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Brain Injury Lawyer. If you or your loved one has suffered a head or brain injury in an accident due to no fault of your own, give me a call at (209) 227-1931 for free, friendly advice. If you are calling from outside of San Joaquin County, please call me toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
I’ve been helping the Stockton community recover compensation for their personal injuries for more than 3 decades.
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Photo Attribution: Wikimedia Commons [Playground-Injuries.jpg]