You might assume that most traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children result from athletic activities like football and soccer or maybe from car accidents. However, many of them occur around the house and are caused by faulty furniture or other dangers in the home that may not be readily apparent.
According to a recently published study in a journal called Brain Injury, about 72% percent of TBIs diagnosed in children’s emergency room visits were related to some type of consumer product. Sports equipment like footballs and basketballs as well as bikes were among the products most commonly linked to non-fatal TBIs among children and teens, with nearly 29% of injuries related to sports and recreational activities.
However, home furnishings and fixtures came in at over 17%. So did construction materials and home structures. Among the items listed in these categories were:
- Beds
- Chairs
- Tables
- Floors
- Stairs
- Ceilings
- Walls
Nursery equipment and toys each accounted for under 3% of injuries.
The younger a child is, the more likely they are to be injured at home. As one research scientist noted, “Infants and younger children are often indoors, so we see that the leading causes of their head injuries are home furnishings and fixtures.” He noted, “Slipping, tripping and falling are very common — often due to “[u]neven flooring and prefabricated stairs.”
It may seem like young children are regularly falling, with little serious damage ensuing. However, if they strike their head on a hard surface, they can suffer a TBI. Researchers recommend that parents of little ones take precautions like removing area rugs and other tripping hazards, avoiding handrails that have sharp edges and ensuring that they have stair gates.
It’s also essential to keep an eye out for recalls of children’s furniture, nursery items, toys and any items your kids regularly use or play with. If your child suffers an injury due to a defective or malfunctioning product, it’s wise to determine what your legal options are.