When an accident at work causes a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can cause permanent disability or even death. Brain injuries are, without a doubt, some of the worst injuries that can happen at work.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that accidents with head injuries happen every day in the United States (CDC). The agency says that accidents that cause TBI kill 61,000 people yearly and that some jobs have a higher risk of TBI than others. Among them are people who work in construction, transportation, forestry, fishing, farming, and emergency medical services. Many employees hire a traumatic brain injury attorney for their treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
A worker could get a brain injury if something hits them in the head or if they hit their head against something. The symptoms of a TBI may not show up for hours or even days after the accident. This is why it’s important to go to the hospital immediately.
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Vomiting or feeling sick
- Convulsions or seizures
- Pupils getting bigger
- Trouble getting out of bed in the morning
Other signs are:
- Confusion
- Unusual behavior or anger
- slurred speech
What Are Some Common Accidents at Work That Lead to TBIs
Workers might hit their heads on the job site if they fall from a ladder, roof, or scaffolding. Some brain injuries are caused by getting hit in the head by something moving. In other situations, someone could slip, fall, and hit their head after walking on a slippery surface or trying to get around in a crowded work area. In this case, employees need professional brain injury lawyers.
How Can Employers Avoid TBI Accidents
Some of the most important things an employer can do to keep a worker from getting a concussion or other types of traumatic brain injury at work are to ensure the worker has the proper training, is aware of the risks, and does regular maintenance.
For example, your boss can help keep you from slipping and falling by removing things that could trip you up and making sure the walkways are clear of clutter, cords, and slippery substances. Your boss can also ensure that the right safety measures are taken on the job site, like making sure everyone wears hard hats or uses harnesses. An employer can also make the workplace safer by ensuring workers wear shoes with enough grip, signs to warn them of dangers, and even putting up guardrails.
Similarly, because work-related car accidents are one of the leading causes of concussions and brain injuries, companies who require their employees to drive can enforce seat belt use and other safe driving habits, such as:
- Keeping your mind on the road while driving
- Keeping the speed limit in mind
- Always drive drunk
- Slowing down because of bad weather
- Keeping an eye on road signs
When you get a head injury at work, you can count on a good work injury lawyer to fight for you. After an accident at work, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A head injury could cause bleeding or other damage to the brain that doesn’t show up right away.
Tell a boss about the injury. You might need to file a workers’ compensation claim to help pay for lost wages, medical bills, and inability to work.
A brain injury at work could also be caused by someone or something other than your employer being careless. In these situations, you may need to file a claim against someone else. An attorney can help you consider your options, including filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Accidents at work can be very bad. You’re not only trying to get better from a severe injury but also dealing with the problems of a complicated claim. Make sure you hire a well-experienced work injury attorney that fights for you.