Many different injuries can occur at work, and workers depend on workers’ compensation to cover their medical expenses and lost wages while they recover. However, some injuries are easier to understand than others, and minor head injuries are not always simple to explain or handle in the workplace.
If a worker has an accident on the job and sprains their ankle, their employer can easily see that they suffered an injury, if for no other reason than because of their sudden difficulty walking without crutches. On the other hand, if a worker suffers a head injury on the job, the extent of the injury is not always obvious, and employers may be skeptical about the severity of the injury and the path to recovery for the worker.
If you recently suffered a head injury at work, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to identify the state of the injury and begin treatment. These injuries may not cause any symptoms for several days or even a couple of weeks, and without a timely diagnosis, it is not always easy to connect the symptoms to a work-related injury.
Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury
Mild traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can produce a variety of symptoms, and no two victims may have exactly the same experience. However, some common symptoms cause major disruptions in the workplace, and can easily lead to a victim losing their job if their employer does not understand the severity of the injury.
Often, a victim may suddenly lose the ability to concentrate on anything for any length of time, making it difficult to perform their job. Even familiar tasks may suddenly seem impossible to complete, or a victim may find that they do not understand something they understood clearly before the injury.
In addition, mild TBIs often change the victim’s personality, causing them to react irrationally to frustrations, sometimes in surprising and destructive ways. If an employer does not understand their worker’s injury and accommodate them, this behavior may be grounds for firing.
Mild TBI victims also commonly misunderstand what they read, or misinterpret things they hear spoken. If the worker’s position involves a lot of communication with others, this can quickly create problems for the entire team, as well as others who depend on the worker.
Protecting your rights and your recovery
If you recently suffered a blow to the head while at work, you may have a mild TBI which can impact every aspect of your work life and your personal life. The sooner you file your workers’ compensation claim and begin treatment, the sooner you can begin working toward recovery.
A strong legal strategy helps keep your rights protected while you undergo treatment and work your way back to full physical and cognitive health.