One of the most severe injuries an employee can sustain at work is a mild traumatic head injury, otherwise known as a concussion. If you suffer from post-concussion syndrome or some form of traumatic brain injury related to a workplace accident, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
What Is A Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs as the head and brain move violently back and forth due to a blow to the head or whiplash. A rapid movement may cause the brain to rock around or rotate in the skull, causing chemical changes in the brain and often destruction or deterioration of brain cells.
Common Causes of Workplace Head Injuries
Although any worker can sustain a head injury on the job, some are more vulnerable to brain injuries, such as those in the construction industry. Concussions in the workplace can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Being Underneath Falling Objects: When an object falls or is dropped from above, it has the potential to strike a worker in the head, resulting in injuries. When working over another person, a worker may bump a shelf and knock an item over, or a coworker may drop an object by mistake.
- Slip, Trips, or Falls: A worker can slip on a wet floor or trip over an item on the floor, resulting in a head injury. Accidents involving slipping and tripping are the second most frequent source of workplace injuries.
- Falling from Above: Falling off a roof, ladder, or tumbling down a flight of steps can be very dangerous. On their way down, a worker can hit their head, causing severe injuries.
- Car Accidents: This is one of the most common causes of head injuries for employees. When passengers of a car collide with the steering wheel or dashboard, concussions are often a result.
- Malfunctioning Equipment: Defective equipment can result in falls or falling debris striking staff in the head.
Concussion and Post-Concussion Symptoms
Most signs of a brain injury occur immediately after the injury, while others can take days or even weeks to appear. People with post-concussion syndrome experience symptoms that are similar to those they would have immediately following a concussion. The following are the most common concussion and post-concussion syndrome symptoms:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Dizziness
- Light sensitivity
- Noise sensitivity
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
Since the signs of post-concussion syndrome are common with many other disorders, it can be difficult to diagnose. There is no single psychological examination that can be ordered by a doctor to determine whether or not you have post-concussion syndrome. If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms after an accident, you may be suffering from post-concussion syndrome and may be entitled to compensation.
What Are The Challenges Of A Concussion Workers’ Comp Claim?
Concussion treatment can be difficult due to the wide variety of symptoms that accompany it. Multiple experts in the fields of neurology, orthopedics, and psychology may be involved. Cases get more difficult and expensive as a workers’ compensation lawsuit involving a concussion is litigated. Since certain concussion signs are subjective, determining the seriousness of the condition on one’s own can be difficult.
Keeping a daily account of your symptoms and habits, such as in a log or diary, is a good source of documentation for brain injury lawsuits. This record may need to be kept for you by your partner, family member, or a trusted friend. Every day, write down the date and anything noteworthy or new that you may be experiencing and include notes of negative changes in your everyday routines. To limit their payments on your injury, the insurance provider may challenge you every step of the way. However, sufficient documentation and the help of an experienced lawyer can help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
Need Help Filing A Workers’ Comp Claim in NC or SC? We’ve Got Your Back.
Don’t put your financial security in the hands of the workers’ compensation insurance provider. They may go to great lengths to refute your claim or limit your benefits. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, it is important that you know your legal options. You only have a certain amount of time to notify your employer of your injuries and apply for compensation.
The attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson have helped countless injured workers across North Carolina and South Carolina recover workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining workplace injuries. You can discuss your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys today by calling 800-533-6845 or by completing our free consultation form online.