Head injuries at work

Have you experienced a contusion or concussion while at work, or have you suffered a head injury without investigating the potential for injury?

Head and brain traumas are among the most serious injuries an employee can go through while at work. It is common for these injuries to have a lasting impact on an individual, but just as common for the extent of these injuries to be unapparent to employers, insurance providers, and even the injured employee. This makes it essential to immediately report and seek medical advice for any head injury.

Where Are Head Injuries Likely to Occur

There are certain industries that are particularly prone to head injuries. Industries that require the use of heavy machinery or equipment often have employees who experience head injuries. As well, employees who work in physically demanding environments also experience higher rates of head injuries. Finally, industries that involve physical contact will, more obviously, see head injuries from collisions and concussions. The jobs most likely to result in head injuries include:

• Law enforcement
• Firefighters and first responders
• Professional athletes
• Construction workers
• Warehouse personnel and loading dock employees, and
• Transportation or trucking employees.

The Law Office of Albert J. Talone regularly represents individuals from these professions, and across New Jersey these are the employees most likely to suffer a head injury at work. Although, other industries regularly see employees that trip, fall, collide with objects, or fall and suffer head minor or severe injuries.

Severity of Head Injuries

Head injuries are a unique type of work-related injury. Burns, scrapes, fractures, and punctures all have physical ramifications for employees, but a head injury can also affect the brain. The potential for disruption of cognitive ability, memory, and analytical skills are real concerns of a head injury. These negative effects and complications of a head injury can be last long after other physical symptoms subside.

Additionally, the exact injury or consequences from hitting your head may not be readily apparent. An employee may experience noticeable, but seemingly insignificant symptoms at the time of a head injury, such as:

• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Sleepiness, and
• Headaches.

While these initial symptoms may subside after a few minutes or an hour, they are clear indications of a more serious, unseen injury. Therefore, it is essential to report any head injury, even if the consequences seem minor.

Often, head injuries become complicated, debilitating pain. For example:

• Debilitating headaches
• Memory loss
• Irritability or mood swings,
• Difficulty sleeping on a regular basis, and
• Unsteadiness or lack of balance.

If an employee is experiencing these symptoms due to a job-related injury or accident, it is a sign of brain trauma and continued injury. Just as medical treatment and rehabilitation for outward physical injuries are compensable through workers’ compensation, so are these head and brain injuries.

Speak with a Qualified Lawyer

If you suffered a head or brain injury, but have not reported it to your employer or an insurance provider, you may need legal assistance with your claim. Similarly, if your request for workers’ compensation due to a head injury has been unfairly rejected, a New Jersey lawyer can help. Call the Law Office of Albert J. Talone at (856)-234-4023 to schedule a confidential consultation.