The Dangers of Head Trauma Caused By Falls At Work

 Posted on May 31,2019 in Workplace Injury

A head injury can be one of the most dangerous and life-altering situations a person can face on the job. In regard to the workplace, most head injuries are the result of a fall. It is more common for physical laborers, such as construction workers, to suffer a fall as a result of working conditions, but it is possible for an office worker to fall and receive a head injury, too. Regardless of the circumstances, a traumatic brain injury can be devastating. If you sustain head trauma at work, you may be entitled to benefits for medical expenses or lost wages. 

Symptoms of Head Injuries

After falling and hitting your head, it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important to ensure that you receive workers’ compensation. A doctor will be able to verify the severity of your injury to report to your employer and workers’ compensation representative. This will allow you to be eligible for benefits such as compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Head injuries are also not always apparent right after a fall or accident. If the following symptoms appear after you fall, be sure to visit a doctor:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Change in vision
• Sudden personality changes
• Numb or tingling extremities

Types of Head Injuries

Head injuries, while all serious, can vary in severity and the amount of recovery time. A fall at work can cause the following conditions:

• Concussion: Sudden trauma will cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull. A concussion is not always apparent right away, but it can lead to a temporary loss of brain function. A person may not lose consciousness, but they may be very confused or lose motor function. This kind of brain injury can be mild and recoverable, but multiple concussions may cause permanent damage.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Moderate to severe brain injury, caused by a blow to the head or a physical intrusion, may be irreversible. The more severe an injury, the higher the chance the brain injury can lead to a coma, vegetative state, or brain death in a worker. Head trauma can also result in lifelong headaches, seizures, pain, changes in a person's personality, inability to function physically and socially, and disruptions in cognitive function.
• Skull Fracture: The damage a skull fracture can cause to the brain varies depending on the injury. A simple linear fracture will not affect the surrounding tissue, but if the fracture causes bleeding or swelling, the brain can be permanently damaged.  

Contact a Fort Collins Workers’ Compensation Attorney

A brain injury suffered on the job can leave you permanently disabled and unable to continue working to support yourself and your family. Contact a Larimer County workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you are fairly compensated by your employer’s insurance company. Call our office at 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322871.php

https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Concussion

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557