All workers deserve a safe workplace, so employers must ensure that they provide all the protocols and equipment necessary to make that happen. Unfortunately, it’s still possible that workers will suffer injuries while they do their job.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the more serious injuries that can occur at work. Understanding a bit about these may be beneficial for injured workers who suspect they have a TBI.
TBIs can occur in a variety of circumstances
Many people associate TBIs with a blow to the head, but that’s not the only type of situation that can cause one. A worker who falls or is struck by something could end up with a TBI because of the violent motion of the head. This occurs when the brain slams into the skull, which can cause damage to the brain tissue.
Symptoms may not appear right away
Another challenging aspect of a TBI is that the symptoms might not be apparent at the time of the injury. Some injuries can take days or weeks before they produce noticeable injuries. Anyone who has a potential brain injury should be watchful for signs, such as persistent headaches, changes in vision, altered communication abilities and loss of consciousness, so they can seek medical attention.
Any worker who’s suffered an injury should ensure that they get medical care right away. This is covered by workers’ compensation, so the injured worker shouldn’t have to pay for that care. Other benefits, such as partial wage replacement and vocational rehabilitation, may also be possible through workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, workers are denied the full benefits they’re due, so it may be beneficial for anyone having difficulty getting benefits approved to seek legal guidance