Childhood is a time of joy, innocence and exploration. Unfortunately, it is also a time when accidents and injuries can happen. Every child will have some falls and scrapes, but certain injuries can have lifelong effects on a child – physically, emotionally, and financially.

Burn injuries: Burn injuries can be excruciatingly painful and leave both physical and emotional scars. No matter the severity of a burn, these types of injuries can cause significant distress and discomfort for a child. In addition to the immediate pain and potential physical disfigurement, burn injuries may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. While we hope for no complications to occur, your dedicated Sevierville personal injury lawyer should communicate the realistic possibility of follow-up procedures and their costs to the jury, so that they are informed.

Moreover, the emotional trauma resulting from these injuries can lead to long-term psychological issues, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, requiring therapy. This emotional care can be expensive, especially over time. In the best interest of the victim, your Sevierville lawyer should communicate this realistic possibility to the jury as well.

Damage to growth plates: Growth plates are the areas of developing cartilage at the ends of long bones that determine the final length and shape of bones. Injuries to these growth plates, most often seen in bone fractures, can disrupt normal growth and lead to malformations, limb-length discrepancies, and functional impairments. These injuries can affect a child’s physical abilities, participation in sports or other activities, and even their self-esteem. Aside from initial medical bills, occupational and physical therapists will likely be required, and potentially counseling from a certified therapist, as the child deals with the emotional toll of their disfigurement.

Organ damage: Whether from a car accident, a fall from heights, or any serious impact injury, organ damage in childhood is a grave concern. There can be serious implications for a child’s overall health and well-being for years to come. Damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys can lead to chronic conditions, impair organ function, and require ongoing medical interventions.

Even after a successful initial surgery, the body has been disrupted from its healthy functioning balance and there can be a lasting impact on a child’s physical abilities. This type of injury may necessitate frequent hospital visits and medical expenses.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Whether from whiplash or a direct, forceful contact to the head, a TBI is possible. While catastrophic brain injury can have immediate symptoms that a doctor can diagnose and begin to treat soon after the incident, there is also the concerning potential for a secondary brain injury to develop as a direct result of the accident. Even when a primary brain injury appears to be mild, further damage can occur over time, leaving the victim more susceptible to future TBIs. Parents must recognize the hidden nature of these injuries and the necessity of thorough evaluations by medical professionals.

What is a secondary brain injury?

The brain is sensitive to disruptions in blood flow and relies on delicate mechanisms to maintain a stable cerebral blood flow and thus stable brain function. This delicate blood flow regulation can be disrupted by a primary brain injury and, in time, develop into a secondary brain injury. Let’s look at two concerning aspects of any brain injury that can have the potential to cause a secondary brain injury.

• Release of destructive free radicals: Recent studies conducted on rodents have revealed that following a primary brain injury, there are “biochemical cascades” that occur, releasing destructive free radicals into the bloodstream. These free radicals disrupt the chemical balance in the brain and play a significant role in causing secondary brain injuries, worsening the initial damage and further compromising brain health.
• Aggravated inflammatory responses: The immune system’s inflammatory responses can become aggravated after a primary brain injury, leading to swelling in and around the brain. Unfortunately, this swelling can cause additional damage to the delicate brain tissue, further complicating the child’s overall condition.

Why do I need an experienced Sevierville personal injury attorney for my child?

Navigating the legal complexities of childhood injury cases requires the skill  of a seasoned personal injury attorney. The knowledgeable team of Sevierville injury attorneys at Delius & McKenzie can guide parents through the process and help the jury understand the potential extent of a child’s injuries after an accident.

This is important, because the injury – and the costs associated with care – can compound over time. Brain trauma, for example, may leave your child with cognitive disabilities, which means additional costs for special education and/or tutors. Your or your spouse may lose wages or access to your own healthcare if you become the primary caregiver. Your child may need to live in a residential facility if the burden of care is too great. We help ensure that your child is taken care of for the rest of his or her life.

As compensation is being calculated, the potential long-term medical expenses of an injury and their subsequent financial burden, must be considered as well. With our team’s track record of trustworthy and effective counsel, we at Delius & McKenzie are ready to fight for justice as your family picks up the pieces left from the accident. The hard work of communicating potential long-term consequences of childhood injuries to a jury is crucial to receiving the proper coverage of medical expenses, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and the child’s future needs. Call or contact us in Sevierville today for a free consultation. Proudly serving Seymour, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and all surrounding areas.