Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
According to data collected by District 97 schools, 106 head injuries were experienced by area students while at school in 2011. Of those, the district classified only six injuries as one that required further medical treatment or evaluation. Most student injuries reportedly occurred in school gymnasiums, on playgrounds, and in cafeterias. The report was compiled in response to head injury concerns voiced by a group of parents whose children attend Irving school.
Last May, a group of parents reportedly gathered information from nurses who worked at the school using a Freedom of Information Act request. After compiling the data, the parents reported their findings to the District 97 school board. According to the parents, 7.5 out every 100 students at Irving Elementary School suffered a head injury while on the property. Most of the injuries allegedly occurred on an asphalt surface the Parent Teacher Organization has reportedly attempted to have removed for many years.
In response, District 97 Superintendent Albert Roberts stated he would investigate student head injuries obtained while at school. Although the school’s data is allegedly similar to that prepared by the group of parents, Roberts said most of the head injuries reported were minor and the vast majority of District 97 students have not suffered a head injury while at school. Still, he maintained that even one avoidable child injury is too many.
The District 97 school board is reportedly considering the removal of much of the asphalt on the Irving playground. A proposed soccer field will reportedly be installed in its place. At this time, the playground at another school, Longfellow Elementary, is scheduled to receive a renovation at the end of the current school year. According to the district’s report, Longfellow had the highest rate of child head injuries sustained while on the playground in the 5,800 student school district.
Since 2011, all school boards in Illinois are required to adopt a concussion policy in compliance with Illinois High School Association (IHSA) guidelines. In addition, the IHSA must provide all school districts, including elementary schools, with educational materials regarding the risks associated with youth head injuries. A school board’s head injury policy must also be provided in written format and signed by both parents and student athletes prior to participation in a school sporting event.
Even a seemingly mild concussion can be devastating and should always be taken seriously. Traumatic brain injuries in minors are often caused by pedestrian, car, and bicycle accidents as well as sporting events. Head injuries may cause dizziness, confusion, headaches, double vision, and mood swings. The victim of a traumatic brain injury that was caused by someone else may be eligible to recover compensation for any resulting disability, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages. If your child received any type of preventable head injury, you should discuss your rights with a qualified personal injury lawyer.
If your child or other loved one was the victim of an unexpected injury, please give the hardworking attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596. Our experienced Chicago Metro child injury lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury case. For a free consultation with a skilled attorney, do not hesitate to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Bicyclist Killed by Semi-Truck While Attempting to Avoid Car Door in North Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 28, 2012
Estate of Blue Island Teenager Who Died Following Root Canal Procedure Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Cook County, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, November 23, 2012
Additional Resources:
106 mostly minor head injuries suffered by kids in District 97, by Terry Dean, oakpark.com