According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injuries – or TBIs – constitute a large fraction of workers’ compensation claims—and more than 50% of TBIs result from falls and car accidents.
If you have suffered a TBI or any other brain injury because of your time or activities at work, you may be able to pursue compensation and benefits.
The Most Common Causes of TBIs
While workers across a broad spectrum of industries may be in danger of contracting a TBI, those whose tasks require working with vehicles or place them in danger of falling tend to be more at risk. Employment-related motor vehicle accidents tend to affect the following professions:
- Utility workers
- Construction workers
- Taxicab drivers
- Bus drivers
- Delivery drivers
In terms of risk for TBIs resulting from falls, workers tend to suffer injuries after falling from:
- Scaffolds
- Poorly-maintained stairways
- Ladders
- Boom, mast, or scissor lifts
However, the potential for a life-changing TBI exists in many different fields and industries, not just those with the highest risk. Regardless of the specific cause of a victim’s TBI, the ramifications can be severe.
What Is a TBI – and What Happens After Sustaining One?
The CDC notes that a TBI results from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head – or any other penetrating head injury – that disrupts the way the brain normally works. There are other ways of causing a TBI that are less dramatic and clear; for example, any event that disrupts oxygen flow to the brain can cause a TBI.
A TBI may cause effects ranging from a brief change in mental state to an extended period of amnesia or even unconsciousness. Healing a TBI is a multi-factor process that can be very personal – and could last years.
Common types of TBIs include:
- Concussions
- Cerebral Contusions
- Penetrating-Head (or Open-Head) Injuries
- Anoxic Brain Injuries
Barring open-head injuries, it can be difficult to diagnose or even notice a TBI unless you’re looking out for the signs. Possible symptoms include:
- Difficulty communicating
- Impaired judgment
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Impaired senses (such as sight or smell)
- Sleep disorders
- Changes in personality
If you notice any of these or other symptoms following a head injury at work, speak with your doctor. They will be able to help you learn more about the nature of your condition.
Southern California TBI Work Comp Experts Are Ready to Protect Your Future
A TBI, even a minor one, could impact the way you work for years to come. Without adequate benefits resulting from this injury, you and your family could be at risk. Don’t let this happen; work with a skilled workers’ comp team today to achieve security for your future.
The Accident Defenders can work to analyze your medical records, identify the at-fault party, calculate the fair value of your suffering and losses, and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
Joshua R. Kohanbash, Esq., and the team at Accident Defenders are ready to help you connect your TBI to your workplace conditions and help you achieve maximum compensation. Call our team today at 323.818.HURT or fill out our brief online form to learn more about how we can serve you.