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Brain and Head Injuries at Work

Head Injuries at Work

In Pennsylvania, head injuries at work are among the most serious on-the-job injuries. According to the PA Department of Labor and Industry, head injuries made up 12% of all reported injuries in 2019. That’s more than 20,000 incidents over the course of a year.

Workplace head injuries are among the most severe work-related injuries. Because of the danger of brain damage and a traumatic brain injury, injuries to the head can be life-altering or even life-threatening.

From slips and falls to being struck by an object, when a head injury occurs at work, it’s important to understand how workers’ compensation can ensure you or your loved one are properly compensated and cared for. Hospital bills can quickly add up and a workers’ compensation claim can help relieve an injured worker’s financial burden after an accident.

Let’s take a look at the most common causes of work-related head injuries, the consequences of a head injury accident, and the average workers’ comp settlements for a head injury claim.

Most Common Causes of Work-Related Head Injury

Head injuries are not uncommon for workers. While injuries and illness can occur in almost any industry, construction workers, warehouse workers, and first responders are at a higher risk of such injuries. Common causes of work-related head injuries include:

  • Slip and Fall: Almost any job site can have a slip and fall hazard – icy sidewalks, cluttered floors, torn carpeting, and spills, to name a few. A slip and fall can result in a minor or severe head injury.
  • Falling Objects: Warehouse workers are at a particularly high risk of being injured by a falling object. Objects can be dislodged from shelves by forklifts or just by a worker attempting to remove an object.
  • Car Accidents: Workers who are required to operate a motor vehicle for their job can be at risk for a car accident and subsequent head injury. Delivery drivers, sales professionals, cleaning crews, home improvement and repair personnel, and truck drivers are a few careers where driving is a part of the job. Unfortunately, car accidents can result in work-related injuries.
  • Explosions: Hazardous materials and substances, such as those found on construction and factory sites, could explode and throw debris. The aftermath of an explosion can cause a head injury to an employee.
  • Malfunctioning Equipment: When workplace safety measures are not in place and equipment is not maintained properly, the equipment can malfunction and cause injuries. Workers who are hurt by malfunctioning equipment may be able to pursue a claim not only against their employer but also against the manufacturer of the equipment.

If you’ve suffered a head or traumatic brain injury at work because of a slip and fall, falling object, car accident, explosion, equipment failure or any other reason, you are entitled to seek compensation through your company under the Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law.

Your employers’ workers’ compensation insurance company may initially deny your claim, so it’s important to work with a seasoned, experienced workers’ comp attorney to understand your rights, PA state laws, and the entire workers’ comp process. The consequences of a head injury can be life-changing – talk to an attorney as soon as possible after seeking medical care.

Consequences of Head Injuries at Work

When a worker suffers a blow to the head on the job, the consequences can range from minor to severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Workers who are injured should seek the attention of a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible to begin treatment and recovery.

Work-related head injuries include:

  • Concussion: A concussion is caused by a bump or blow to the head and is a type of brain injury called a mild traumatic brain injury, or MTBI. Symptoms of a concussion include headache, confusion, nausea, memory loss, dizziness, and fatigue.
  • Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, usually results from a violent jolt or blow to the head. TBIs can happen in a car accident or when an object hits a person’s head with extreme force. Symptoms can be immediate or delayed and include confusion, blurry vision, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a break in the skull bone. Mild skull fractures can heal over time, but severe fractures can lead to complications such as brain damage, bleeding, infection, seizures, and leaking of spinal fluid.
  • Subdural hematoma: A subdural hematoma can be a medical emergency. This occurs when head trauma causes burst blood vessels and the blood pools and pushes on the brain. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, and in extreme cases, some accident victims may end up in a coma.

These are just a few of the consequences head injuries at work. If you had an accident at work and are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may be entitled to compensation through the workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania. Be sure to inform your employer of your accident to start the claims process, and of course, seek medical attention as soon as possible. To increase your chances of your claim being approved, consult with a workers’ comp attorney.

Average Workers Comp Settlement for a Head Injury

According to the National Safety Council, the most-costly workers’ compensation claims involve injuries to the head or central nervous system. In 2019 and 2020, the average claim for a head injury was $93,942 in lost wages and medical expenses.

Claim amounts vary depending on the type and severity of the head injury, the injured employee’s average weekly wage, the amount of time the injured worker missed from the job due to the injury, and other factors.

The workers’ comp claims process can be overwhelming for workers, especially if they are recovering from head trauma. If you have a head injury caused by an accident at work, you should focus on your recovery without the added stress of fighting for compensation through the workers’ comp process. Consult with the best work injury law firm to help you receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.

Workers Compensation Attorneys in Lancaster, Pa.

Head injuries are one of the most serious and debilitating injuries someone can experience on the job. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we understand how hard it can be to recover after a head injury, and we work with our clients to help them receive the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. Our experienced and devoted team of attorneys and paralegals have a thorough understanding of how the claims process works, how employees can protect their rights, and how to handle a denied claim.

Head and brain injuries can affect a victim for days, weeks, months, years – or even forever. If you’ve experienced a head injury, workers’ comp benefits can help relieve the financial stress for you and your family. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation free consultation.

Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW or connect with us online. When you’ve been hurt on the job, you need to focus on recovery, not on legal paperwork or proceedings. Let us be your loyal and powerful advocate! We never charge a fee unless we win money for you…

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