Workers’ Compensation Claims after a Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are complex conditions that can affect patients in many different ways. People who suffer concussions may need to rest for a week and then, they might be back to normal. On the other hand, a severe brain injury can cause permanent and debilitating disabilities or even a prolonged coma. In any event, any blow to the head requires medical attention to ensure a brain injury gets properly diagnosed and treated. If your brain injury happened on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should provide benefits for your medical expenses and lost income.
Workplace Accidents and Head Trauma
Many types of accidents can result in TBIs. When your head suffers direct trauma or you experience a violent jolt of your head, your brain can hit the inside of your skull, causing damage to your brain tissue. The following are only some examples of work-related accidents that can cause this to occur:
- Falls from high places
- Getting hit by an object in the head
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Explosions
- Workplace violence
These incidents are more common than you might think, and you may find yourself with a brain injury diagnosis and facing a long road to recovery.
The Effects of a Brain Injury
Brain injuries will be different for each patient, and the effects will depend on what part of the brain sustained damage and the severity of the damage. Brain injury victims may need different degrees of medical treatment, which may include:
- An emergency room visit for a prompt diagnosis
- Medication and rest for concussion victims
- Hospitalization or intensive care for victims in a coma from a
- Surgery due to increased intracranial pressure
- Rehabilitative therapy
A concussion may require you to miss work or refrain from certain job-related activities to reduce the risk of another concussion. Moderate to severe TBIs can have serious effects that can persist for months or that may be permanent. Some of these effects include:
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Slurred speech
- Communication deficiencies
- Problems with basic cognitive processing
- Behavior and emotional issues
Again, the effects will differ from case to case, and some people may not be able to return to their previous jobs for awhile - or possibly, ever again.
Protecting Your Rights
Because brain injuries are complicated and the effects can vary, getting the workers’ compensation benefits you need can be a challenging process. Many insurers may challenge your symptoms or impairments stemming from your TBI to try to limit your disability benefits. With an injury like this, it is critical to seek legal help as soon as possible to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Springfield and Joplin, MO Today
The Missouri workers’ compensation attorneys of The Law Firm of Webster & Carlton take on tough cases to protect the rights of workers with TBIs and other life-changing injuries. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please contact us online or call us directly at (417) 545-3775 in Springfield and (417) 545-3775 in Joplin. Consultations are always free with no obligation.