Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Traumatic Brain Injuries?
When people hear of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), they often think of high-impact motor vehicle accidents or football players who spend a lot of time banging their heads against other players. However, TBIs can also happen as work-related injuries. In fact, a shockingly high number of workers sustain serious traumatic brain injuries every year in the United States of America. A high number of employees die from TBIs in the U.S. each year.
After suffering a traumatic brain injury in a work accident, most employees usually wonder if traumatic brain injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. So, does workers’ compensation cover traumatic brain injuries? Yes, workers’ compensation covers traumatic brain injuries. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury at work or while performing work duties, you are eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers’ compensation claims involving traumatic brain injuries can be complex. It can be challenging to assess the full extent of a TBI. Also, traumatic brain injuries can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be difficult to prove. It is crucial that you seek immediate medical attention if you suffered a TBI in a work-related accident. It is also vital that you contact a qualified workers’ compensation attorney.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
According to Mayo Clinic, a TBI occurs when a person suffers a violent jolt or blow to the head. You can also end up with a traumatic brain injury if something penetrates your brain tissue. For example, if you fall and hit your head, you may suffer a TBI because of a shattered piece of skull penetrating your brain tissue.
A traumatic brain injury can be mild, moderate, or severe. Even a mild TBI can have a significant effect on a worker. A mild TBI is still a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention and an accurate diagnosis. More serious traumatic brain injuries can cause physical damage to your brain. For example, a more-serious TBI can cause things such as torn tissues, bruising, and bleeding.
Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can have life-threatening and long-lasting consequences for workers. Returning to work after suffering a TBI can be challenging for an employee. Depending on the severity of the injury, a worker may need rehabilitation therapy to relearn work-related and everyday activities, such as cleaning and cooking.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
At times, symptoms of a TBI may take time to appear. Also, symptoms will depend on whether it is a mild, moderate, or severe TBI.
That said, common TBI symptoms include the following;
- Headache
- Nausea
- Speech problems
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Memory or concentration problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of pupils
- Profound confusion
- Slurred speech
- Weakness/numbness in fingers and toes
These symptoms can make it challenging to work. You may need to miss work for some time, leaving you with no income. Fortunately, you can recover part of your lost wages through a workers’ compensation claim.
Steps To Take To Recover Compensation
The following are some steps to take after suffering a TBI in a work-related accident that can enable you to protect your right to workers’ compensation benefits;
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report your injury as soon as possible
- Follow your doctor’s order
- Hire an attorney
- Cooperate with your attorney
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Have you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a work-related accident and need help filing a workers’ compensation claim? Contact our skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC.
