If you suffered a fall on the job and hit or head, or if you were struck on the head by an object or piece of equipment at a construction site, you may suffer a concussion. Under California law, workers who are injured on the job have the right to pursue workers' compensation benefits. If you have suffered a head injury or a concussion on the job, it is important that you inform your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention right away.
In addition to workers' compensation, you may also be able to file a third-party claim and seek fair and full compensation for all your losses. The experienced Los Angeles traumatic brain injury attorneys at Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC have a long and successful track record of representing the rights of injured workers and their families. Call us to find out how we can help.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or as the result of a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull triggering chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. While concussions are described as "mild traumatic brain injuries," they can lead to long-term side effects and consequences. If you hit your head at work or suspect you may have suffered a concussion, it is critical to get medical attention right away.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?
Victims of head injuries may experience symptoms that affect them in the short or long term. Some of the common short-term symptoms include headaches, bleeding and pain from the head wound. Some of the long-term symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Physical symptoms such as headache, nausea, exhaustion and vision problems. Brain injury victims could also suffer loss of hearing, partial blindness and a diminished sense of taste and smell.
- Victims may also experience emotional symptoms. In many cases, brain injuries could have an impact on a person's emotions, behavior and even personality. In the aftermath of the injury, victims could show symptoms such as anxiety, irrational or impulsive behavior, anger and depression.
- Traumatic brain injuries may also affect a person's cognitive abilities. This could manifest in the form of trouble focusing, diminished motor skills, language issues, slurred speech, confusion or loss of memory.
It is important to note that concussion symptoms often manifest hours or even days after the impact. Even a small jolt or bump to the head could end up in long-term side effects. If you have been hit on the head at work, it is crucial that you report it to your employer and go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Average Workers' Compensation Settlement for Concussion
It can be challenging to calculate the average settlement for a concussion. The value of a concussion settlement often depends on the nature and severity of the head injury. It is no surprise that the average insurance claim for a concussion varies significantly. Some of the other factors that could affect a workers' compensation concussion settlement include the worker's average weekly wage, the medical treatment involved and whether the injuries are long-term or permanent. An experienced Los Angeles work injury lawyer who has experience handling head injury and concussion cases might be able to give you a good idea of the type of settlement you can expect in your case.
Do I Need a Concussion Injury Attorney?
While it may be possible for you to move forward without hiring a work injury lawyer, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of a work injury attorney who has experience handling head injury and concussion cases. Such a lawyer will have the tools and resources necessary to help you secure fair compensation for your losses. The best time to hire a work injury lawyer is as early in the process as possible. There are a number of challenges in a work injury case.
A knowledgeable lawyer will also be able to determine whether you may have a third party claim. If your on-the-job concussion was caused by a party other than your employer, you may be able to sue that individual or entity for damages. For example, if you were struck by a negligent driver when you were on the job, in addition to seeking workers' comp benefits, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. Third-party claims are worth significantly more than workers' comp benefits.
Contact a Los Angeles Concussion Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a concussion at work, contact the Los Angeles work injury lawyers at Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC can help you secure a fair settlement for your damages including medical expenses, lost income, permanent injuries, disabilities and other injury-related costs. Call us today to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
