What You Should Know About Work-Related Brain Injury

Falls are the leading cause of work-related head injuries in California. Most fall-related injuries eventually heal, at least to some extent. But fall-related head injuries are permanent. Dead brain cells don’t regenerate.

The permanent and degenerative nature of these wounds makes brain injuries one of the most serious personal injuries. Each year, head injuries kill over 50,000 Americans. The survivors must usually deal with permanent loss of function. As a result, most head injuries are debilitating in every sense of the word.

For victims, the good news is that workers’ compensation benefits are usually available in these cases. These benefits replace lost wages and pay medical bills, so job injury victims can get back to work faster. More on that below.

A Carlsbad personal injury lawyer is an important partner in the work-related injury recovery process. Attorneys connect victims with doctors who properly diagnose and treat their injuries. More importantly, a legal team advocates for victims.

What Causes Head Injuries?

Many people assume that trauma impacts cause Traumatic Brain Injuries. But the T-word refers to the effect, not the cause. Motion and noise cause most work-related head injuries.

Many people also erroneously believe that the brain fits into the skull like a head into a football helmet. However, the brain isn’t much bigger than a coffee mug. So, when victims fall, the effect is almost like dribbling a basketball. Their brains slam violently and repeatedly against their skulls.

Additionally, a TBI could be a non-contact injury. Sudden loud noises, like explosions or crashes, could also cause brain injuries. These noises generate shock waves that disrupt brain functions.

These invisible injuries are inherently difficult to diagnose and treat. Emergency responders and doctors cannot treat what they cannot see. Furthermore, many victims tell their doctors they “feel fine.” The brain conceals its own injuries. As a result, doctors don’t run proper diagnostic tests.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California

Workers’ compensation benefits in California provide essential financial and medical support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. California’s workers’ compensation system ensures that qualified workers receive the care and benefits they need while recovering, regardless of fault for the accident.

The primary workers’ compensation benefits in California include medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, and death benefits for eligible survivors.

Medical benefits cover doctor visits, hospital care, medications, rehabilitation, and other reasonably necessary treatments related to the workplace injury. These benefits also cover prescription drugs and other ancillary costs.

If an employee cannot work during recovery, temporary disability benefits replace a portion of lost wages until they can return to work. When an injury results in lasting limitations, permanent disability benefits may be available based on the severity of the impairment. Workers who cannot return to their previous job may also qualify for a supplemental job displacement voucher to help pay for retraining or education.

To receive these benefits, injured employees should report the injury to their employers as soon as possible and file workers’ compensation claims. Prompt reporting helps avoid delays and protects the worker’s right to benefits.

Generally, Claims Examiners initially deny workers’ compensation claims, at least in part. Do not get discouraged. A Carlsbad personal injury lawyer can file an appeal and obtain benefits for brain injuries and other work-related injuries.

Reach Out to a Thorough San Diego County Lawyer

Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Carlsbad, contact the Pursley Law Firm. We routinely handle matters throughout the Golden State.

Source:

cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/index.html