Work-related injuries can be as minor as a sprain or as serious as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A slip and fall, falling objects and other accidents led to 48,166 TBI workers’ compensation claims between 2010 and 2019.
Out of these claims:
- 45.3% were mild
- 54.7% were moderate-to-severe
Brain injuries are unpredictable and can lead to life-long symptoms, weeks to years of not being able to work, and even disability in severe cases.
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know that for many workers, their injuries impact more than just themselves – they affect their families, too. If you’re injured on the job, the last thing you want to worry about is bills, housing and how you’re going to feed yourself or your family.
Workers’ compensation is meant for people who are just like you and provides benefits that allow you to recover without fear that you’ll fall into financial hardship in the process.
Contact us, and we’ll protect your rights when dealing with insurance companies that don’t want to pay out fair claims.
Claim Illustration
Jeff, a 28-year-old, works as a construction worker for a local builder. One day, as he was working, a tool fell from the second floor and struck him in the back, causing him to fall on his face. The accident was seen by everyone, and it was obvious that he had:
- A broken nose
- An eye injury
Doctors asked Jeff a few questions, treated him for his wounds and he felt lucky to not have more serious injuries. A week or two goes by, and he notices that he’s having headaches, which lead to blurred vision, fatigue and dizziness.
He didn’t experience any of these symptoms initially, but TBI symptoms may not present immediately.
Jeff didn’t report any of these issues after the accident, and he didn’t seek treatment initially because he didn’t connect the dots that his headaches were related to his accident. Workers’ compensation claims may be denied because:
- Lack of proof that the symptoms mentioned weeks later were connected.
- Proving that the injury happened at work or wasn’t made worse by not seeking medical attention will be challenging for Jeff.
Jeff should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about his options and next steps.
Types of TBI Injuries that Employees Suffer at Work
TBIs are injuries to the brain. The injury can be penetrating or from blunt force trauma, such as a falling hammer hitting your head or a fall, from impact of any kind, that led to your head hitting the ground.
Depending on the incident, you can suffer from:
- Mild TBI
- Moderate disability
- Severe disability
- Persistent vegetative state
TBIs can include:
- Concussions
- Brain hemorrhages
- Intracranial hematomas
- Coup-contrecoup brain injury
For example, in the case of a coup-contrecoup brain injury, a severe impact can cause the brain to hit the skull, causing the brain to “rebound” and hit the back of the skull. In effect, you’ll have two brain injuries, one to the front and one to the back of the brain.
You may suffer from headaches, dizziness, vomiting or other symptoms, but in more severe cases, you may need to go to:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
Cognitive therapy may also be necessary because of memory or attention-related impairments.
Brain injuries are serious because the cognitive effects can last your entire lifetime. You can suffer from confusion, memory loss, short attention span, judgment problems, paralysis, weakness, muscle spasticity, poor balance, hearing issues, loss of sensation, communication issues and so much more.
Functional and social difficulties are common in more severe TBIs, and any worker in any workplace can experience a TBI in an accident.
Workplace Accidents that Cause TBI Injuries
An estimated 24% of TBIs are work-related, and they can be caused by a variety of workplace accidents, including but not limited to:
- Slips and falls
- Being struck on the head with an object
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from height, such as from a ladder, scaffolding or a roof
- Explosions
Any accident that results in a sudden jolt, impact or penetration to the head can cause a TBI.
What Should I Do If I Get a TBI At Work?
If you are injured at work and suffer a TBI, your first steps should be to report the injury and file for workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation benefits will help cover the cost of your medical care, lost wages rehabilitation and other costs associated with your injuries.
Following your injury, make sure that you:
- Inform a supervisor or HR manager of your injury. Georgia law requires employees to report their injuries to their employers.
- Seek medical care from an authorized physician immediately. Traumatic brain injuries are serious. Waiting to get care can not only harm your health but also make it more difficult to prove that your injury was work-related. Your employer’s insurance company will have a list of providers you can choose from, typically six. Select one and seek medical care as soon as possible after the incident.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney. The insurance company may try to delay or even deny your claim. An attorney will help protect your rights and provide vital guidance during this time.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Make sure that you’re following all recommendations for treatments and avoid returning to work until you are cleared to do so. If your employer wants you to perform tasks that are against your doctor’s recommendations, contact your attorney to discuss your options.
How We Can Help with Your TBI Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation claims can be complex. When serious injuries are involved, like a TBI, there is no room for error. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you get the vital care you need and even assist with rehabilitation.
The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson have helped thousands of clients in Georgia get the benefits they deserve.
When you work with us, you’re not just another number – you’re our top priority.
We never back down from insurance companies and will fight zealously to protect your rights and secure the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.
Contact us today online or call us to schedule a consultation.
