Playground-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries On the Rise
By Craig Knapp on May 17, 2016

You’ve heard about traumatic brain injuries caused by sports like football, soccer, skiing, and more – but you may be surprised to learn that many children are suffering TBIs on the playground. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that emergency rooms treat an average of 21,000 playground-related traumatic brain injuries each year for children 14 and younger.

The top 3 pieces of playground equipment associated with head injuries included: monkey bars, playground gyms and swings. And according to the study, about two-thirds of these 21,000 injuries occurred at schools and recreational sports facilities. Of these, boys accounted for nearly six out of 10 of these emergency room visits. And more than half of the children treated were aged 5 to 9.

These increased injuries on playgrounds point out a need for safer playground environments at schools and recreational sports facilities. Simple things like changing the ground of the playgrounds to allow for softer, safer landings can help reduce injuries, as well as more adult supervision to ensure children don’t hang upside down on monkey bars (a common way head injuries happen).

If your child suffers a head injury and has persistent vomiting, lethargy, change of behavior or loss of consciousness, take him/her to the emergency room at once. These are signs of a serious head injury.

If your child suffered an avoidable serious injury at school or a recreational sports facility, contact the expert Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Knapp & Roberts today. We know this is a difficult time for you and your family. It may well be the worst tragedy you have faced. Perhaps your child faces a permanent, life-changing disability or even death due to a head injury. The loss is sudden and devastating. Let us help you. Call us at 480-991-7677 to set up a time to tell us your story.