Workplace accidents and traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens as a result of a workplace accident can lead to permanent disability and even death. There’s no question that brain injuries are among the most serious workplace injuries.
Accidents involving head injuries happen every day in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency reports that TBI-related accidents result in 61,000 deaths each year, and certain occupations have a higher risk of brain injury than others. They include construction, transportation, forestry, fishing, agriculture, and emergency medical services workers.
What are the symptoms of a brain injury?
A worker might get struck in the head by an object or strike their head against an object, which could result in a brain injury. The symptoms of a TBI might not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident, which is why it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.
The following are symptoms of a brain injury:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of pupils
- Difficulty in waking up from sleep
Other symptoms to be aware of include:
- Confusion
- Agitation or unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
What are common workplace accidents that cause TBIs?
On a job site, a worker might strike his or her head after a fall from a ladder, a roof, or scaffolding. Some brain injuries are sustained as a result of being hit in the head by a moving object. In other cases, someone might slip, fall, and hit their head after walking on a slick surface or navigating a cluttered workspace.
How can employers prevent TBI accidents?
Most on-the-job accidents are preventable when safety measures are in place. In certain situations, an employer may need to require the wearing of hardhats or the use of harnesses on the job site. The employer may need to install guardrails and post signs warning of hazards. Proper footwear, including shoes or boots with adequate traction, may also need to be required.
Work-related car accidents are a common cause of brain injuries. As such, employers who ask workers to use vehicles should encourage the wearing of seatbelts and other safe driving practices, such as:
- Avoiding distractions behind the wheel
- Observing the speed limit
- Always driving sober
- Slowing down for inclement weather
- Monitoring road signs
After a head injury at work, trust Tabor Law Firm to fight for you
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident at work. A head injury may result in bleeding or other damage to the brain that is not apparent immediately after the accident.
Report the injury to a supervisor. You may need to file a workers’ compensation claim, which can help you cover the cost of your lost wages, medical bills, and disability, among other potential benefits.
An accident at work that causes a brain injury may also be the result of negligence by an individual or entity other than your employer. In such cases, you may need to pursue a claim against a third party. An attorney can help you explore your options, which may include filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Workplace accidents can be devastating. Not only are you trying to recover from a serious injury, but you're also facing the challenges that come with a complex claim.
You don’t need to face this ordeal on your own. Let an experienced attorney from Tabor Law Firm, P.A. in Mississippi represent you. We can put in the hard work on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. Proudly serving clients throughout the Jackson area and statewide, our office is located in Ridgeland, MS.