When people think of head injuries they may first consider jobs like construction workers where there are lots of heavy materials moving high in the air. Other jobs may include a roofer, building window cleaner, or stock worker. They tend to be at risk for more head injuries as, like the construction worker, they are working around places where there are opportunities of falling from heights or having something fall onto their heads. Even though those occupations are higher in risk, there are other occupations that can result in head injuries like dancers, office workers, retail and service industry workers, or educators.
Head injuries can be some of the most devastating and life-changing injuries. It is only when another person is to blame for the head or brain injury that the victim is entitled to compensation.
Brain injuries in the workplace can be caused due to reasons like defective products, slip and falls, premises liability accidents, and medical malpractices. More times than not, these situations involve another individual’s negligence or carelessness. When that happens, victims can file a lawsuit.
A head injury can be categorized as any blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Depending on the severity, the injury can also be categorized as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A traumatic brain injury is life-changing in the sense that it can cause permanent injury, short and long-term disability, and death. It results from violent blows or jolts to the head. Objects that go through brain tissue like bullets or shattered pieces of the skull can also cause traumatic brain injury. Scenarios that are known for causing traumatic brain injuries are falls, vehicle collisions, violence, sports injuries, and explosive blasts in combat.
Concussions are the most common kind of head injury that usually happens from slips and falls or objects falling onto a person’s head.
Concussions are typically talked about in the sports community, but anyone who deals with some head trauma can have a concussion. For example, if you were to slip and fall onto your back, your head can bounce off the floor. If you were walking and there was something on the floor then you could slip easily. In an office that can be as simple as slipping on a pen that was left negligently on the floor. Or it can be as severe as a dancer slipping on stage due to moisture on the floor because there is sufficient air conditioning. Regardless of how the accident occurred, if it happened in the workplace then there are certain benefits that are you are entitled to and which your company, employer, or insurance company may not be completely honest with you about.
Symptoms to be on the lookout for serious head injuries or traumatic brain injuries are loss of consciousness, a dazed, confused, or disoriented state, headaches, nausea, with or without vomiting, fatigue, speech issues, problems with sleeping- either not enough or too much, coordination and balance issues, sensory issues like ears ringing, blurry vision, changes in tastes and the ability to smell, sensitivity to light and noise, concentration problems, mood changes and feelings of depression and anxiety. Whenever a person exhibits one or more of these symptoms it is vital to seek medical attention immediately.
Certain head or brain injuries like concussions are treatable with rest. In other extreme cases, there are other treatment options that involve professional help such as removing clotted blood, relieving skull fractures, repairing skull fractures, anti-anxiety medications, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy. Surgery is sometimes a necessary option like when removing blood clots but is assessed on a case by case basis. Not everyone will have to undergo surgery.
Being a part of a lawsuit isn’t exactly a widespread goal for people. So, the workplace can enforce tactics, protocols, guidelines, and rules to prevent the risk of head and brain injuries. For driving, always make sure you wear a seatbelt and utilize the vehicle’s airbags. Prohibit the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace, mandate employees wear helmets when operating heavy machinery and equipment, and encourage everyone to pay attention to their surroundings. Distractions like using your phone or smart device while walking will prevent you from seeing what is ahead which will lead to accidents and falls.
No matter what type of head or brain injury you sustained in a workplace accident, always remember to seek medical assistance right away. Caring for the injury is the best route for recovery and the sooner you begin treatment the better.
Traumatic brain injuries are unlike any other injury. Detection isn’t always easy and clear-cut, which makes them even more dangerous. If a severe head injury goes untreated for too long the consequences could be dire. You need to contact a professional attorney for the optimum representation to put you on the right path for as much of a comfortable life after the accident.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a head injury that resulted in the workplace then you need to consider contacting your local workers’ compensation attorney. Hiring attorneys can be the difference between getting adequate financial support or getting further in debt due to medical bills or traveling for medical expenses. Our Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys at JML Law, a Professional Law Corporation, can ensure that you are begin taken care of.
Like any business, insurance companies are for profit. They stand to make money off of everyone every year who does need to utilize their benefits. Therefore, when someone comes along and needs to use the benefits they will scrutinize and make things harder. You don’t need that stress and you certainly don’t need another headache. Our Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys at JML Law, a Professional Law Corporation have a successful track record for getting our clients the coverage necessary to settle their medical debts. Call 818-610-8800 or click here to discuss how we can help you heal today.
Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you have been injured in a work-related accident,