Head injuries involve damage to the brain, and are covered under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation laws. A physical injury to the brain from trauma is usually obvious and may result in changes in a person’s ability to think clearly, process information or even care for themselves. Likewise, an on-the-job stroke may have similar consequences. Medical treatment is payable for any reasonable treatment that is needed for a work-related brain injury. In some cases, this may include daily assistance, transportation, or vehicle and home modifications if needed depending on the severity of the injury.
Concussions occur commonly from a sudden blow to the head, and are also covered by Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation laws. This type of injury is often not verifiable by any objective tests that can actually “see” the concussion. For this reason, insurance companies often deny or try to limit concussion injuries. It is important to seek care from a physician who commonly treats concussions to document your history and signs in addition to getting the treatment needed to improve.
What Happens When You Get a Head Injury at Work?
The first thing you should do if you suspect you have a head injury is to tell your supervisor. You want to create a record of your injury to support your workers’ compensation claim, and reporting the possible injury starts the paper trail that you’ll need.
You should seek medical assistance immediately in the case of a possible head injury. You may undergo an MRI or CT scan. Some symptoms of head injuries include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks you usually perform with ease
- Balance issues
- Loss of basic motor functions
- Slurred speech
- Compromised vision
But you may not show any of these signs of head trauma. Brain injuries are difficult to prove and diagnose. In recent years, we’ve learned how detrimental they can be and how much of an impact they can have on your long-term health if you don’t receive treatment right away.
Workers’ Compensation for a Head Injury or Concussion
If your head injury or concussion occurred on the job, you may be eligible to collect workers’ compensation. These benefits will cover part of your lost wages and your medical bills while you recover from your injury and cannot work. You may worry about how you can support your family during this difficult time, but workers’ compensation is designed to put your mind at ease so that you can devote all your time to getting better.
Workers’ Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury Claims
You can also collect workers’ compensation for traumatic brain injuries. These injuries occur through several different means, including:
- Blunt force to the head
- Shaking the head
- Jarring the head
You might sustain a traumatic brain injury in a car accident while running a work-related errand, or you could get one in a fall. Those with traumatic brain injuries often develop post-injury stress disorders too, which can delay recovery. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Mood swings
Keep in mind that symptoms from a brain injury may take days to surface. You shouldn’t wait until you see signs of a concussion or brain trauma to seek treatment. Go to the doctor as soon as you sustain the injury. While they may not be able to rule out a brain injury, they can examine you and give you some precautionary tips.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Head Injury Attorneys
Suffering an on-the-job injury and missing work because of it can be a difficult experience, but Frommer D’Amico can help you through it. Our firm includes board-certified specialists in workers’ compensation who have assisted many people just like you who missed work due to a head or brain injury. Our lawyers care about your case and its outcome. They want to hear the unique details of your situation and aid you as you recover.
We offer low fees and will travel to your location for meetings. We take only workers’ comp cases, and we never represent employers — only employees. Contact us today to set up a free initial consultation. Call 717-400-1000 or get in touch online.