Even with proper safeguards in place, accidents sometimes happen on the job. Suppose you fall from a ladder on a job site in Bakersfield, Oxnard, or Tarzana. You hit your head, and the doctor diagnoses you with a concussion and warns you against strenuous activity for a while. What steps should you take to ensure full recovery? How long should you avoid going back to work? What does worker’s compensation cover? And when should you contact a work injury attorney near Tarzana to get involved?
Is a Concussion a Mild Injury?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain shakes or jostles inside the skull. It can happen in any situation where the head strikes an object, but it’s most often caused by car accidents or falls (from a ladder, for example).
Concussions can indeed be mild, but not always—and there can be lingering effects, especially if not treated properly. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include any of the following:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Vision problems
- Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- Mood changes such as irritability and depression
Symptoms of a concussion don’t always appear immediately—sometimes, they show up hours or days after the initial impact. And while most symptoms subside within a few weeks with proper rest, sometimes they linger, creating a condition called “post-concussion syndrome,” from which it could take months to recover.
Recovering from a Concussion
Most concussions are treated with rest—namely, avoiding strenuous physical or mental activity while the brain tissues are healing. This means the doctor may advise you to stay home from work for a time. If you resume normal activities too quickly, your injuries could be aggravated, resulting in complications and longer recovery times.
Will Worker’s Compensation Cover My Concussion Injury?
Worker’s compensation benefits are meant to provide some financial relief in the event of an injury. It will generally cover costs associated with treatment, but it doesn’t replace lost wages entirely. Workers’ compensation is usually a foregone conclusion for on-the-job accidents, but workers’ comp insurance sometimes resists paying under certain circumstances. For example:
- If they deem that you were being particularly reckless
- If you were not “on the clock” when the accident occurred
- If you failed to file a claim within the prescribed time frame
- If you did not seek treatment in a timely fashion
- If you aggravate your injuries by ignoring doctor’s orders
If worker’s compensation doesn’t kick in as it should, you may need the help of an experienced attorney who knows how to protect your work injury rights. If your ladder accident occurred due to gross negligence on the part of your employer, a work injury attorney may be able to help you file an additional personal injury claim.
The workers’ comp attorneys at Accident Defenders can help you receive the full allowable benefits to cover your concussion accident. Call us at 323-591-2829 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.