What causes workplace head injuries?
There are 3 main causes of concussions and other head injuries that occur in the workplace.
These causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Being struck by an object
People who work in industries that require the use of heavy equipment or frequently work from extreme heights (such as tree trimmers, landscapers, loggers, and construction workers) are most at risk for suffering an occupational head or brain injury.
In addition, emergency responders and factory employees are at increased risk for these types of injuries. However, even someone who works in an office could experience a blow to the head after a slip and fall accident.
Being aware of the dangers in your workplace gives you the best opportunity for preventing a head or brain injury.
What are the most common types of work-related head and brain injuries?
There are several different types of head injuries that you can experience, no matter where you work.
- Concussions are fairly common after a blow to the head. If a concussion is not properly treated, a person could suffer second-impact syndrome.
- Skull fractures can cause seizures, infections, and leaking cerebrospinal fluid.
- A hematoma or cerebral contusion is bleeding in the brain.
Does workers’ comp cover head injuries in North Carolina?
Workers’ compensation covers many different types of workplace injuries, including those that affect your head and brain. If you are wondering how much compensation you might be owed for a head injury at work, then you should consult with an attorney near you to discuss your individual situation.
Generally, you can expect workers’ compensation to cover your medical care, along with around two-thirds of the wages that you are losing during your recovery. Keep in mind that your settlement might also need to include compensation for future health care treatments or the earnings that you’ll lose if you can never return to your job.
With mild head or brain injuries (with lower costs), you might not receive much pushback on your claim from the workers’ compensation insurance company. However, in severe cases with large claim amounts, insurers commonly dispute or deny injured workers’ claims. For this reason, you may need assistance making sure that you get all of the benefits that you are entitled to if you suffered a serious head injury that caused a disability or requires long-term treatment.
In some cases, you can work with your North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer to help you file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. This might occur in cases where there was another driver of a vehicle involved in a collision that happened while you were working, or a manufacturer might be to blame for faulty equipment that contributed to your accident.
What should you do after a workplace head injury?
The most important thing to do after a head or brain injury at work is to seek medical attention immediately. Time is of the essence with these injuries, and prompt medical care increases your chances of a successful recovery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice about returning to work and any precautions that you need to take as you resume your position.
You will also need to notify your supervisor immediately and complete the necessary paperwork to begin filing your workers’ compensation claim.
Finally, consulting with a work injury lawyer early in the process of filing your claim helps you to navigate through a difficult time. Receiving a head injury at work can leave you feeling confused and disoriented, but it is critical to take steps to protect your rights immediately. North Carolina has certain protections in place for employees who sustain a head injury at work, but the process of filing for workers’ compensation is complicated.
After seeking medical attention and reporting your injury, reach out to a North Carolina work injury lawyer at the Wilder Law Group to make sure that you receive the benefits that you need to manage your health and improve your outlook for a strong financial future.
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