Traumatic Brain Injury and Workers’ Compensation

 Posted on November 24, 2021 in Workers' Compensation

Any serious bodily injury has the potential to impact a person’s quality of life, but the implications of a brain injury are often especially severe. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is struck with a force that causes the brain to bruise, bleed, or suffer damage.

Common traumatic brain injuries include:

• Concussions: A blow to the head that shakes the brain. Symptoms vary considerably, ranging from mild headaches to long-term memory loss. Concussions usually heal over time.
• Brain Contusions: A bruise on the brain with concussion-like symptoms. If the bleeding subsists, surgery may be required to remove the bruised area.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries: A serious injury that occurs when the brain is impacted so forcefully that the tissue connecting the brain to the brain stem begins to tear. It can be fatal in severe cases.  
• Penetrating Injury: An object literally fractures the skull and penetrates the brain. A gunshot to the head is the most common example.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer traumatic brain injuries every year. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with nearly 61,000 people succumbing to TBI annually.

TBI is a common workplace injury. Certain professions are more at risk, including construction workers, forestry, and home repair workers.

TBI and Workers’ Compensation

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can make it challenging to work. Victims may have difficulty recalling information, performing analytical tasks, and using their extremities. Thankfully, workers with TBI are eligible for workers’ compensation. To qualify, they must demonstrate that the injury was work-related and renders them unable to perform their job duties. If the application is approved, the applicant may receive a benefits package that covers medical costs and pays out a portion of their weekly wages.

Contact a Joliet Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Vindicating your rights as an injured worker starts with hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. A lawyer can prepare your application to give you the best chances of approval. They can also file an appeal if your application is denied.

McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC has a team of dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers with experience handling all types of claims. They appreciate the circumstances facing their clients, offering candid advice and an empathetic voice throughout the process.  

If you need an experienced Joliet workers’ compensation lawyer, call McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC today at 815-727-0100 to set up a free initial consultation.

Source: 

https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html