Simple Household Items May Lead to Permanent Headaches

Traumatic brain injuries are usually the result of auto accidents, slip and falls, and other accident related injuries. In the last few years, we have seen an increase in public awareness of children being at risk of TBIs not only from sports, but in the course of daily activities. There are many items that can impact a child’s skull if they fall hard enough. In many cases, it is the result of a “freak accident.” Such is the case of a 5-year-old girl who fell backwards while kicking a ball. The child hit her head where her mom had put a “Hello Kitty” ponytail in her hair. Doctors confirmed the sharp edges of the ponytail holder caused the injury. The little girl is now suffering from traumatic brain damage. What is more disheartening is the fact that it is unknown if she will suffer life-long ramifications, since the brain does not fully develop until the teenage years.

Studies have shown that some of the most dangerous items that cause head injuries are household items, such as wire, nails, kitchen utensils, writing instruments, hair accessories, lawn darts, and some toys. So what is a parent to do? Obviously, we can’t remove every possible risk from our homes. If your child has a blow to the head, it is imperative that you get to the doctor or emergency room immediately, even if there are no obvious symptoms such as:

· Loss of consciousness

· Vomiting

· Headaches

· Confusion

· Dizziness

· Vision, hearing, and/or speech problems

· Memory and mental problems

· Changes in daily behavior

Make sure you advice the doctor of all details, such as hair accessories. Small items, such as a plastic bead could become embedded in the skull and go unnoticed. Would you have ever thought fashion could present a hidden risk to your child? Adamant about the “Hello Kitty” ponytail holder being recalled, the little girl’s doctor wrote a complaint to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Although an investigation is being conducted, the ponytail holder is still on the market.

Lawsuit Financial, the pro-justice lawsuit funding company, strongly urges parents to take necessary precautions when your children are at play. Avoid any type of hair accessories or use only soft ones; safe the harder barrettes and clips for non-active outings. Be aware of all household items, especially those not meant for children. Remember, the “walk, don’t run” philosophy and walking with scissors pointing downward.

If you are someone you know has suffered a TBI due to the negligence of another, Lawsuit Financial urges you to seek legal representation. The future of someone with a TBI, such as this little girl, is hard to predict. Her life may be permanently altered as the result of “just being a kid.” My ask of all parents is this – Please, for the safety of everyone, especially children, educate yourself as much as possible about the risks of serious head injuries, and implement and enforce safety measures accordingly.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life funding is needed during litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.