As a Traumatic Brain Injury lawyer, I have seen first-hand the effects of brain injury in children, and the long term consequences suffered by these kids and their families.  Previous studies have documented the long term consequences, but a new study has now come out addressing this issue as well.  One of the key findings is that “that over time, children and adolescents with a severe traumatic brain injury appear to fall even farther behind their peers than one would expect, making intervention and monitoring especially important in this group.”  This finding is especially concerning to parents who try to minimize the effects of such an injury, and also makes it clear that families dealing with this issue should focus on early therapeutic intervention which will prove critical in minimizing the physical or cognitive delays often associated with brain injury.  For the full article, please go to the following link.

This month, in Brain injury Professional,  a publication of the North American Brain Injury Society www.nabis.org , there is an excellent article on the after affects for families of children who suffer traumatic  brain injuries and remain in a low response state.  Such children have unique long term medical needs, and typically require treatment and care from a wide array of professionals, including: occupational, speech and physical therapists, neurocognitive and neuropsychological specialists, nutritionists, neuroendocrine specialists, and local public schools.  Click HERE for the entire article.

Fast food chains often lure families with the indoor playground equipment that is available for kids.  Parents should keep in mind the normal precautions to prevent children from falling and suffering head injuries, but in addition should pay special attention to restaurant areas.  These businesses are required to oversee and maintain inspections and ensure that safety standards are followed.  One useful guide is the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission’s Handbook for Playground Safety, which contains guidelines such as that requiring the use zone around playground equipment to extend a minimum of six feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment.  Let’s protect our kids – be aware of these standards and keep a watchful eye.

Anyone who has children young enough to play on playgrounds need to be acutely aware of the dangers presented by playground equipment.  Falls are the leading causes of brain injury in children, and unfortunately these injuries can have devastating consequences.  Falls off of monkey bars, sliding boards, and playhouses that are up in the air are of special concern due to the height of the fall.  Parents should choose playgrounds that have material on the ground that is soft and can cushion falls, as well as following common sense rules of supervising children carefully while they are at play.  With the cognitive and psychological consequences that can result from damage to the brain, every precaution should be taken.

RALEIGH, N.C. -

Clay Allsopp has been making videos since he was 7 years old, so when his computer science teacher told him about the contest, he decided to enter.

“It was about a topic that I was really concerned about, which is bicycle safety,” said Allsopp, who is a junior at Enloe High School. “I actually learned to ride a bike last year for the first time. It was a really good way of exercise and of getting out and I could totally identify with the concept of sharing the road and people needing to realize that.”

Raleigh law firm HensonFuerst Attorneys sponsored the competition. Chief Executive Officer Thomas Henson said after representing a client whose wife had been killed in a cycling accident, the firm decided to do something positive.

“We wanted to do something to focus on cycling safety,” said Henson, an avid cyclist. “We wanted to focus on kids particularly because good habits and attention paid to good habits at an early age really helps.”

Allsopp said his video was inspired by the minimalist style of Apple Computer ads.

He incorporated the cycling motto, “Share the Road.”

As the winner, Allsopp received $1,500 and earned a check for $500 for Enloe High School.

In addition, his PSA will be shown on local television during the next month in HensonFuerst’s regular advertising schedule. It also will be posted on their website.

Click here to see Allsopp’s video and other entries.

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