Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover the cost of treating a traumatic brain injury while you recover from your workplace accident.
Summary
- Employees who were harmed in workplace accidents risk missing out on the benefits they are entitled to without the guidance of a brain trauma workers’ compensation lawyer.
- Traumatic brain injuries can potentially cause severe disruptions in your life, both now and in the future.
- Many workplace accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries.
- Workers’ compensation laws protect injured workers from financial burdens, but employers and insurance companies aren’t always cooperative.
- An experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
Sustaining a brain injury can be a life-altering event, with profound effects on your physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. When such an injury occurs in the workplace, it complicates not just your health, but your financial security and professional future as well.
Here at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we understand the unique difficulties faced by workers with brain injuries. Our team is committed to using our skills and experience to help you secure the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. Give us a call at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, like a blow to the head. Most TBIs can be divided into two categories.
- Mild TBI: More commonly known as concussion injuries, mild traumatic brain injuries cause only a temporary disruption of normal brain function. Most individual concussions are minor, but repeated concussions can cause severe and permanent damage.
- Moderate to severe TBI: These traumatic brain injuries are much more dramatic, usually causing immediate unconsciousness. Moderate to severe TBIs can cause permanent, life-altering damage, and will usually require hospitalization. These types of TBIs are considered catastrophic injuries.
The brain keeps everything else functioning in your body, so any disruption or injury to your brain can have widespread consequences.
Symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Speech and language difficulties
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury can involve imaging tests–like CT scans or MRIs–along with neurological exams to assess cognitive function.
Brain Trauma Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help in TBI Evaluation
The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury can be significant and life-altering. These may include:
- Physical impairments: Difficulty with balance, coordination, or mobility.
- Sensory issues: Problems with vision, hearing, or taste.
- Cognitive difficulties: Memory loss, trouble thinking, or problems with problem-solving.
- Emotional and psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, personality changes.
- Impact on work and daily life: Difficulty returning to work, managing daily tasks, or maintaining relationships.
In addition to these symptoms, the CDC reports that sufferers of TBIs have a greatly reduced life expectancy.
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention after any blow to the head. It is possible to have brain trauma but not notice symptoms right away. Additionally, prompt medical treatment will be crucial for your long-term health.
Common Causes of TBIs in the Workplace
Many situations in the Florida workplace can lead to a traumatic brain injury. This is particularly true in high-risk jobs or if management has failed to implement adequate safety measures. However, even jobs not traditionally considered dangerous can put employees at risk of a TBI.
Common causes of traumatic brain injuries in the workplace include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: This is a leading cause of TBIs, especially falls from heights or on uneven surfaces.
- Construction accidents: Falling objects, tool injuries, and scaffolding accidents can all cause head trauma.
- Motor vehicle accidents: If your job involves driving or traveling for work, a car accident can result in a TBI.
- Assaults and violence: In some professions, such as security or healthcare, workers may be at risk of violence that can cause a head injury.
- Repetitive head trauma: Certain occupations, like construction or roofing, may involve a risk of repeated blows to the head, increasing the risk of TBI.
Many of these accident types can also cause other injuries, like spinal cord injuries, which makes seeking medical attention even more important.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Brain Trauma
If you receive an injury at work, your first line of defense against medical bills and lost wages is the workers’ compensation system. Florida workers’ compensation law dictates that most kinds of employers are required to carry insurance that protects their employees in the event of a workplace accident.
Workers injured on the job may be entitled to compensation for the following costs.
- Medical coverage: This covers the costs of treatment and rehabilitation for your TBI.
- Lost wages: You may receive compensation for wages lost while recovering from your injury.
- Vocational retraining: If you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your TBI, benefits may cover retraining for a new career.
- Permanent disability benefits: In severe cases, permanent disability benefits may be available to help you manage the long-term effects of your injury.
While the workers’ compensation system makes it easier for you to access these benefits, it also may protect your employer from personal injury lawsuits for additional damages. However, there are some situations in which you may be able to pursue benefits outside of the workers’ compensation system. Consult with an experienced brain trauma attorney for information specific to your case.
The Advantages of Having a Brain Trauma Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The brain is the most complicated organ in your body, as well as the most important. Brain injury cases are inherently complex, and pursuing a claim for compensation can involve intricate medical evidence and challenging negotiations with insurance companies.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the system and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to. Here at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we can:
- Help you understand the complexities of brain injury cases and medical evidence.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
- Ensure all your benefits are covered under workers’ compensation.
- Fight denials of your claim and guide your claim through the trial process if necessary.
- Give you peace of mind to focus on recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Call WHG for Backup in Your Brain Trauma Workers’ Compensation Case
After suffering a brain injury in the workplace, you may be unsure whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation. Meanwhile, your traumatic brain injury is costing you financially, disrupting your career, and interfering with your daily life.
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia is here for you. Our brain trauma workers’ compensation lawyers can offer you legal support that increases your chances of maximizing your benefits. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-HELP to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suffer a brain injury at work?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel injured. Report the injury to your employer, and keep careful notes on everything that happened to you. After that, consult with a brain trauma workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What evidence do I need to support my brain trauma workers’ compensation claim?
Medical records, witness statements, and accident reports can all be helpful evidence. A Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can advise you on gathering the specific documentation needed for your case.
What happens if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
More than half of workers’ compensation claims in Florida are initially denied. If this happens to you, don’t panic–you have the right to appeal the decision. A brain injury lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation can guide you through the appeals process and help you fight for your rights.
