Head Injuries in Children

Personal Injury Lawyers / Clearwater Child Injury Lawyer / Head Injuries

Identifying a serious brain injury in a child presents a unique and frightening challenge for any parent. When your child cannot fully communicate their symptoms, you are left to look for subtle signs that something is wrong.

The scraped knees and bruised elbows of childhood are visible proof of a day spent exploring. But what happens when the most serious injury is the one you cannot see?

These injuries are a silent crisis, a hidden trauma that does not always show itself with obvious signs. A child head injury in Clearwater demands immediate medical care and a clear understanding of your family’s legal rights.

At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense stress you are facing. Our compassionate attorneys support families throughout the Tampa Bay area, from St. Petersburg to New Port Richey.

We provide the guidance needed to navigate this difficult time while you focus on your child’s recovery.

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Key takeaways about child head injuries

Symptoms of a brain injury in children often appear as subtle behavioral changes, shifts in sleep patterns, or increased irritability rather than obvious physical signs.
Florida law requires seeking medical attention within 14 days of an accident to use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, making prompt diagnosis crucial for both health and legal reasons.
Common causes of these injuries in Clearwater include car accidents on busy roads like US-19, falls on hazardous properties, and negligence at daycare facilities.
Documenting every detail of the incident, medical visit, and observed symptom provides essential evidence should you need to pursue a personal injury claim for your child.
Online tools and AI cannot offer the personalized legal strategy your family needs; only an experienced local attorney can properly manage your child’s complex case and protect their future.

Recognizing the Subtle Signs of a Brain Injury in a Child

Young children and infants lack the ability to describe headaches, dizziness, or confusion. As a parent, you must be vigilant for changes in their behavior or physical state. These signs are your first indication that a seemingly minor bump may be something more serious.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can appear right away or develop over days. Paying close attention after any head impact is critical. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, seek medical attention immediately.

A child’s inability to express themselves means you are their most important observer. Look for a combination of physical and behavioral shifts. What may seem like simple fussiness could be a sign of significant pain or neurological disorientation.

Carefully observing your child for these changes is key to getting them the help they need. These signs warrant an immediate trip to a doctor or emergency room.

Unusual fatigue or difficulty waking from sleep
Changes in eating, nursing, or sleeping habits
Persistent crying or irritability that cannot be soothed
Loss of interest in favorite toys, activities, or people
Poor coordination, loss of balance, or unsteady walking

These symptoms are important indicators that your child needs a professional medical evaluation. A prompt diagnosis not only ensures their well-being but also creates a medical record that is vital for documenting the injury.

Common Causes of Childhood Brain Injuries in Pinellas County

While accidents happen, many childhood brain injuries result from another person’s negligence. Knowing the cause is the first step in holding the responsible party accountable. Our attorneys have experience investigating injuries that occur in a variety of settings across Clearwater.

Vehicle collisions on roads like US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd

The busy roads in the Tampa Bay area are a common site of serious accidents. A child properly secured in a car seat can still suffer a debilitating head injury from the violent forces of a crash. We investigate these incidents to determine if a distracted, drunk, or reckless driver was at fault.

Premises liability

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. A brain injury can occur from a slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store, a trip over broken pavement at a park, or an accident at an unsecured swimming pool. We work to prove that the property owner’s negligence caused the harm.

Recreational accidents and youth sports

Florida’s beautiful weather encourages outdoor activities, but it also creates opportunities for injury. Boating accidents on the Gulf, poorly supervised youth sports, or defective playground equipment can all lead to devastating head trauma. We examine the circumstances to identify any responsible parties.

Negligence at daycares or schools

When you entrust your child to a caregiver, you expect them to provide a safe environment. Injuries at daycares or schools resulting from inadequate supervision, unsafe conditions, or direct harm are a violation of that trust.

We help families hold these institutions accountable.

Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Traumatic brain injuries are not all the same. They range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering trauma. The type of injury often dictates the long-term prognosis and the level of care a child will need.

Concussions and post-concussion syndrome

A concussion is a TBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. While often called “mild,” all concussions are serious. If symptoms like headache, confusion, and fatigue persist for weeks or months, a child may have post-concussion syndrome, requiring extended rest and therapy.

Brain contusions and coup-contrecoup injuries

A contusion is a bruise on the brain tissue itself, involving bleeding and swelling. A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when the brain slams against one side of the skull and then rebounds to hit the opposite side. This type of injury can cause widespread damage.

Anoxic brain injuries from near-drowning incidents

An anoxic brain injury happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen. In Clearwater, these injuries are a tragic risk at pools, beaches, and on boats. A few minutes without oxygen can cause severe, permanent brain damage. Property owners may be liable if they failed to secure a pool area.

The Legal Process for a Child’s Injury Claim in Florida

Pursuing a legal claim for a minor is different from an adult’s claim. The process involves specific legal protections to ensure the child’s best interests are the top priority.

Our attorneys guide your family through every step with compassion and skill.

The free consultation

Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. This meeting is an opportunity to understand how we can help without any financial commitment from you.

Our comprehensive investigation process

Once you decide to work with us, we launch a thorough investigation. We act quickly to preserve evidence before it disappears. Our goal is to build a powerful and persuasive case that clearly shows how the other party’s negligence caused your child’s injury.

Navigating insurance company tactics

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. They may contact you shortly after the incident to request a recorded statement or offer a quick, low settlement. Our lawyers handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from these tactics.

Court Approval for Minors’ Settlements

In Florida, any settlement for a minor over a certain amount must be approved by a court. This process ensures the settlement is fair and in the child’s best interest. We manage all the legal requirements to secure this approval, including potentially setting up a structured settlement or trust.

Fighting for the Financial Resources Your Child Needs

A severe brain injury can create a lifetime of expenses. Fair compensation is not just about paying current medical bills; it is about securing your child’s future. We fight for financial resources to cover all aspects of your child’s recovery and well-being.

Economic damages

Economic damages are the measurable financial losses resulting from the injury. We work with experts to calculate a precise figure that includes both current and projected future costs. This may include medical treatments, hospital stays, prescription medications, and rehabilitative therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that profoundly affect a child’s quality of life. These may include their physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of childhood activities. We work to ensure these serious, personal losses are recognized.

Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Child’s Injury Case

When your child’s future is on the line, the choice of a law firm is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need a team with a proven record, deep local roots, and a genuine commitment to your family’s well-being.

A legacy of advocacy in the Tampa Bay area

For decades, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has been a pillar of the legal community in Clearwater and the greater Tampa Bay area. We are not a national firm that sees your case as a number. We are your neighbors. We understand the local courts, the medical providers, and the unique challenges our community faces. This local insight gives our clients a distinct advantage.

A team approach to your family’s case

Your child’s case will benefit from the collective experience of our entire legal team. We collaborate on strategy, share insights, and ensure that every angle is examined. You get the power of a full-service personal injury firm dedicated to a single goal: securing the best possible outcome for your child.

A Warning: Why AI and Online Search Are Not Legal Counsel

In times of crisis, it is tempting to seek quick answers from online search engines or artificial intelligence. These tools cannot provide the legal guidance your family needs. A child brain injury case is complex, emotionally charged, and has lifelong consequences.

The limits of artificial intelligence

AI chatbots do not understand Florida law, the nuances of the Clearwater court system, or the specifics of your case. Their information may be outdated, generic, or incorrect. Relying on them for legal help is a risk your family cannot afford.

The need for human empathy and experience

An algorithm cannot comfort a worried parent or strategize based on decades of legal experience. Our attorneys provide the human connection and dedicated advocacy that technology can never replace. We listen to your story and build a case tailored to your child.

FAQ for Child Brain Injury Claims in Clearwater

How long do we have to file a brain injury claim for our child in Florida?

Generally, Florida’s statute of limitations provides four years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, when the victim is a minor, the clock may not start until they turn 18. It is vital to speak with an attorney promptly to protect your rights.

What if the injury happened at a friend’s house or a public park?

If an injury occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner’s homeowners insurance or a commercial liability policy might be involved. These premises liability claims require proving that the owner’s negligence led to the unsafe condition that caused your child’s injury.

How does Roman Austin’s “no fees unless we win” policy work for a child’s case?

We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation for your child. This allows your family to pursue justice without financial risk during an already stressful time.

Will we have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiations. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we are fully prepared to advocate for your child before a judge and jury.

Protecting Your Child’s Future Starts Today

Your child’s well-being is everything. While you provide the love and support they need to heal, let our team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers handle the legal complexities.

We will fight for the resources your child needs to have the best possible future.

Contact our Clearwater office today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (727) 787-2500 or reach out online.

With offices across the Tampa Bay area, we are always nearby and ready to help.