Brains injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace. What do you need to know if you or a loved one suffers a brain injury at work?
Types of Brain Injuries
There are many different types of brain injuries that you can suffer in the workplace.
One common type of brain injury is contusion. This is when the brain bleeds or swells after a blow to the head. Contusions can be very serious and can lead to long-term problems such as seizures, paralysis, and even death.
Concussions can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The most serious concussions can cause loss of consciousness or even coma. Severe concussions and other head injuries can result in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
TBI is a type of brain damage that occurs when the head is suddenly and violently hit. A TBI can result in a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, sleepiness, and problems with thinking and memory.
People who experience brain injuries can suffer a variety of types of symptoms, including:
- Cognitive
- Perceptual
- Physical
What are the Long-Term Effects of Brain Injuries?
While the immediate effects of a brain injury can be serious and even life-threatening, the long-term effects can be just as debilitating. In fact, many people who survive a brain injury continue to struggle with physical, cognitive, and emotional issues for months or even years afterward.
Some of the most common long-term effects of a brain injury include:
- Chronic headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Problems with balance and coordination
The long-term effects of a brain injury can be physical, emotional, and behavioral. This is one of the reasons these types of injuries are so devastating. In many cases, the long-term effects are worse than the immediate damage.
Some people don’t even realize they are experiencing long-term effects. It can be difficult to make the connection between behavioral and emotional struggles years after the initial brain injury.
What Should I Do If I Suffer a Workplace Brain Injury?
If you suffer a brain injury at work, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If your injury is serious, you may need to be hospitalized. After being released from the hospital, you will likely need to take some time off work to recover. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor’s orders and get plenty of rest. You may also need to see a neurologist or other specialist to help you recover. If your injury is not severe, you may be able to return to work with some accommodations.
For example, you may need to take breaks more often or have someone else help you with certain tasks. If your brain injury affects your ability to do your job, you may need to find a new job. You may also be eligible for workers’ compensation and/or disability benefits.
If you’d like to speak to a work injury attorney about the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim or you have questions about whether or not your brain injury is covered, we can help. Contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.
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