Workplace head injuries are the most expensive workers’ comp claims to employers and injured workers. In general, these injuries, including the ones to the face, skull, and eyes, are a result of the following things:

  • A falling object
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Heavy machinery accidents

Dangers associated with brain damage are critical, and so do injuries. They may have a life-threatening impact on the worker’s life. 

So, if you know someone who has suffered from a workplace head injury, understanding the types and causes is crucial. So, how does a worker qualify for worker’s comp benefits? And, more importantly, how will they file the claim? To receive the maximum amount of compensation, learn the most important details. 

Where Can Head Injuries at Work Occur?

A few industries are prone to head injuries. Those that need heavy equipment and machinery may have employees experiencing head injuries. On the other hand, employees working in physically demanding environments may experience head injuries.

In short, domains that involve physical contact will see head injuries from concussions and collisions. Here are the job profiles that have higher chances of meeting head injuries at work:

  • Firefighters & first responders
  • Law enforcement
  • Professional athletes or sportspersons
  • Construction employees and workers
  • Stock & material movers
  • Warehouse personnel & loading dock employees
  • Trucking and transportation employees
  • Nursing and Ambulatory Staff

Outlining the Common Causes of Workplace Head Injuries

Workers may encounter workplace accidents that result in severe injuries. Some of the common causes are:

  • Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall is another common cause of brain injuries. Honestly speaking, any job site might get addressed as the slip and fall hazard when spills, worn or torn carpet, and cracked flooring don’t get repaired.

  • Vehicle Crash

While driving a truck or car for work, workers are at risk of a crash. Some include trucking, construction, delivery services, residential & commercial cleaning, home health care, and home improvement & repair services. These accidents may cause minor or severe head injuries.

  • Work Equipment is Defective

An employee may get injured with faulty work equipment. That might result in a head injury. Those who encounter this type of accident may pursue a claim for deserving compensation against the equipment manufacturer and employers.

  • Construction Issues

Falls and getting stuck by objects are causes of death in construction sites. They are leading ways why construction workers may suffer severe head injuries.

  • Fire and Explosions

Construction and factory workers get exposed to hazardous substances. These dangerous substances may explode & cause a fire. Workers may suffer from a devastating brain injury when debris hits the head.

Minor and Severe Symptoms of Head Injuries

For a worker to file a claim for workplace head injury, being aware of these symptoms is important. The common symptoms of a minor head injury are:

  • Mild headache
  • Temporary ringing in ears
  • Lightheadedness
  • A spinning sensation
  • Nausea

Here is the severity of head injuries. They include:

  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Vomiting
  • Coordination problems or issues with balancing
  • Serious disorientation
  • Not being able to focus the eyes
  • Abnormal movements in eyes
  • Loss of muscle control
  • A worsening headache
  • Memory loss
  • Mood swings 
  • Clear fluid leaks from your nose or ear 

When employees experience these symptoms because of job-related accidents or injuries, it is a warning sign of brain trauma.

Head Injuries that Qualify for Workers Comp Benefits

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI or traumatic brain injury is a brain injury incurred after a sudden and external action. Workers comp covers medical treatments for TBI but under one condition. The brain injury must be a result of a work-related accident.

  • Hematoma

A hematoma is the collection or clotting of blood outside blood vessels. It might be serious when the hematoma occurs in the brain. Here, the clotting leads to pressure that builds up inside the skull. It may result in permanent brain damage. If the subdural hematoma symptoms stop you from working, you might qualify for the benefits.

  • Hemorrhage

A hemorrhage is uncontrolled bleeding, and there might be bleeding in spaces around the brain. It is the subarachnoid hemorrhage that often causes vomiting and headaches. The severity depends on how much bleeding happens. However, over time, blood may cause pressure buildup. A worker who suffers from intracerebral hemorrhage may qualify for benefits.

  • Concussion & Post-Concussion

A concussion is when the impact on one’s head is severe, resulting in a brain injury. Repeated concussions may result in permanent damage.

Persistent post-concussive symptoms, also known as post-concussion syndrome, occur when a concussion last beyond the expected recovery time. The usual healing period is weeks or months. The symptoms might include dizziness, headaches, or problems with memory and concentration.

The post-concussion syndrome may result in mild traumatic brain injury. And workers with this condition may apply for short-term and long-term benefits.

  • Edema

A brain injury may result in swelling or edema. Note that edema can qualify for worker’s comp. However, it is a common symptom of another condition. And the condition is the prime basis for the claim.

Edema might be a warning symptom of heart failure, kidney damage, or cirrhosis. But if the condition results from a workplace injury, your head injury attorney must prove it to win deserving worker’s comp benefits.

  • Skull fracture

Skull fractures are severe since skulls are difficult to break (because they don’t consist of the bone marrow). A broken skull heals over time but can result in serious problems such as:

  • Bleeding
  • Brain damage
  • Leaking of cerebrospinal fluid
  • Seizures
  • Infections

You can receive benefits if a workplace accident results in a fractured skull.

Note that those mentioned above are a few types of head injuries that may occur at the workplace. 

Steps to File a Head Injury Claim with Close Assistance of a Solicitor

When the employee meets with a head accident at work, immediate concussion treatment is mandatory. In this condition, filing the worker’s comp claim might seem bewildering. However, you need to ensure that the claim gets filed accurately. So, you need to follow the given steps as mentioned below:

Firstly, you must report the injury to your employer within 21 days. The benefits will get offered from the first date of notice

After this, it’s time to get immediate medical assistance. Inform your medical professional about the injury at your workplace to get healthcare compensation.

Next, it is time to appeal for worker’s compensation by filing a claim. Once your employer gets notified of the injury, they need to submit the report of the injury. It would be better if you consult an attorney during this stage to maximize your benefits.

Increase Your Chances for Maximum Workplace Compensation by Hiring an Attorney

Workplace head injuries are common. So, filing a claim would not do enough justice to your condition. That’s where the role of a meticulous and dutiful lawyer comes into being.

Collaborate with an experienced worker’s comp head injury attorney to ensure your eligibility & maximum benefits. Schedule an appointment with a solicitor to learn more about medical benefits, wage loss benefits, or other aspects of the workers’ compensation case.