There are many types of personal injuries, but brain injuries carry some of the most serious and dangerous repercussions. Effects of brain injuries include physical and mental disabilities and, in some cases, can cause death. Because of the complex nature of the brain and its importance to quality of the life, brain injuries can be a serious threat.
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, recently conducted a study that revealed an increase in the survival of children who had suffered traumatic brain injuries since the launch of the Pediatric Neurocritical Care Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Launched in 2005, the PNCP can minimize the risk of, and sometimes cure, long-term disabilities. The study indicated that prior to the launch of the PNCP, 52% of the hospital’s traumatic brain injury patients either could not be cured of their long-term disabilities or passed away. However after the launch of the PNCP, that figured dropped to 33%. With a drop of almost 20% in the number of children that died or suffered long-term disabilities, the PNCP is clearly a wonderful asset to children who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and their families.
The PNCP program allows children to receive treatment from a specialist team in the St. Louis Children’s Hospital that consists of a variety of critical-care specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, and trauma specialists. Sadly, while any parent would want their child to receive the best care, many parents have to ask themselves the question of how they can pay for it. Traumatic brain injury treatment can be a lengthy process that incurs significant bills that may or may not be covered by insurance.
Careful consideration should always be given to how a brain injury was sustained. If the injury was in any way the result of negligence, parents should contact an attorney to explore legal rights and options for compensation from the negligent party. The child’s treatment and recovery are of paramount importance after a brain injury, and adequate compensation can help ensure the child gets the best treatment possible and increases their chances for a longer, fuller life.
