A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious injury that is commonly sustained in workplace accidents. A TBI can occur anytime the brain hits the inside of the skull, causing damage to the delicate brain tissue and disrupting the normal functioning of the brain. Such damage can occur from a direct blow to the head or even from a jolt or vibration that causes the brain to shake inside the skull.
TBIs can range from relatively minor concussions to severe injuries that leave victims unconscious for an extended period of time or struggling with permanent impairments.
No matter what degree of brain injury you suffered on the job, you deserve to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your medical care and time off work while you recover. Some of the most common workplace accidents or conditions that can lead to TBI include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls from heights
- Getting hit by flying or falling objects
- Explosions or blasts
- Violent assaults
- Equipment malfunctions
No matter what type of incident occurred, you should always seek immediate medical attention if you hit your head or were near an explosion. A timely diagnosis of TBI will allow you to receive the proper treatment plan, which often involves physical and mental rest while your brain heals. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover your medical treatment and income replacement if your doctor suggests you wait to return to work.
TBI can have Long-Lasting Consequences
There are many symptoms of a TBI that can heal with time and rest. However, in cases of moderate to severe brain injuries, victims can experience symptoms indefinitely and sometimes have permanent disabilities. Some long-term effects of a serious workplace TBI can include:
- Challenges with written or spoken communication
- Difficulty processing information
- Trouble focusing or concentrating
- Inability to follow instructions
- Memory lapses
- Additional cognitive impairments
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sensory deficiencies
- Chronic headaches
- Emotional instability
- Angry outbursts
- Lack of inhibition
- Depression or anxiety
Some of the long-term effects of severe TBI can prevent a victim from ever returning to work or from engaging in their past activities.
In addition to the symptoms that can affect everyday life, individuals who receive multiple brain injuries on the job can face even more severe consequences. For example, if a worker is exposed to blasts repeatedly over the course of their career, they may sustain many different brain injuries whether they realize it or not. Repeated brain injuries can result in serious degenerative mental conditions such as early onset dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Unfortunately, many of these conditions may not be discovered until years after the injuries occurred, so if you believe you are suffering from serious conditions because of repeated workplace TBIs, you should discuss your rights with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Consult with a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help
If you have sustained a brain injury on the job, you should not hesitate to call the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at the Wilton Law Firm for assistance. We can help you through all stages of your claim, so please call us at 732-275-9555 today.
