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Work injuries and accidents are leading causes of disability in the U.S. Oftentimes, injuries which lead to work related disability include:
- spinal injuries,
- brain or head injuries, and
- crush/amputation injuries.
Below are several questions and answers to brain-head injuries in work accidents.
1. What are common types of workplace accident injuries which lead to brain-head injuries?
Brain and head injuries are very common after workplace fall accidents which include:
In addition, workplace slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can lead to brain or head injuries.
Related: Recovering for Injuries in a Slip and Fall Accident on a Pennsylvania Construction Site
2. Do you have a brain-head injury from your work accident?
Only a medical doctor can diagnose a brain or head injury. Therefore, if you were injured in a work accident and suspect you have a head injury, you must seek medical advice immediately. Click here to learn about the symptoms of brain or head injuries.
Unless there is noticeable, major trauma to the head, such as an open head wound, brain and head injuries may be difficult to diagnose, especially in serious accident situations. That’s because in these situations, the immediate injuries, such as internal organ damage, spinal injuries, and broken bones take front and center. Between multiple surgeries, consultations with different specialists, and rehabilitative therapy, the symptoms of a brain and head injury may go undetected for a considerable period of time.
For example, a carpenter falls from a second floor scaffold and suffers major injuries including a broken arm, broken hip, and serious internal injuries which require surgical repair. There was no major head trauma, although he did lose consciousness. He must undergo weeks of physical therapy in order to walk. During the entire time, the worker experiences classic symptoms of a head injury, including headaches, personality changes and memory loss. However, at the hospital, the majority of his treatment is related to his surgeries and physical therapy. Over the course of the next few weeks, his head injury symptoms continue and do not abate. By this time, over a month has passed since the accident happened. Finally, he is diagnosed with a head injury and gets treatment.
3. What should you do if you suspect a brain-head injury?
The first and most important thing to do is speak to a medical professional about the symptoms and treatment available. While most brain and head injuries resolve on their own with rest, some do not, and the symptoms may become permanent.
Treatment often includes medications to treat headaches and in some cases, cognitive therapy to help with other symptoms such as memory loss and word retrieval difficulties (inability to recall words/language in conversation or in writing).
4. Can you obtain financial compensation for your brain-head injury?
Under the laws of Pennsylvania, negligent parties who cause injury to others may be ordered to pay fair and just financial compensation. That includes financial compensation for the physical injuries (pain and suffering) and financial injuries (medical bills, lost wages, etc.).
Brain and head injuries can absolutely be compensable. The key is proving that the accident caused the injury, especially in a case where diagnosis is delayed. In addition, it is important to prove how the brain injury impacts the injured worker’s life, employment, hobbies, etc.
More: Lawsuit Claims in Brain-Head Injury Cases in Pennsylvania & New Jersey (Pain & Suffering)
Workplace Accident Lawyers in PA & NJ
Our work accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure full financial compensation for your injuries. Please call us for a free case review. Click To Call
DISCLAIMER: Since each case is unique, discussion of prior outcomes and settlements in past cases is no guarantee of a similar outcome in current or future cases. This website does not create any attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice. Read full disclaimer below.
