Did a workplace fall cause a permanent brain injury?

Most workplace injuries only create temporary medical challenges. People with sprains or fractures can return to work after their conditions improve. Others may find that their work-related medical issues forever impede their ability to work.

Same-level falls are a workplace hazard in almost every profession. Those in any career are at risk of falling and getting hurt. In cases where they strike their heads, they may face complicated workers’ compensation claims, as their injuries may not allow them to return to the same profession or any gainful employment whatsoever.

Same-level falls can cause major injuries

A person does not need to fall from a rooftop, ladder or scaffolding to injure their brain. An abrupt fall caused by a slip or trip could be enough to trigger bleeding or inflammation inside the skull.

While mild brain injuries and concussions may heal without medical intervention, moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent symptoms. Emergency medical care may be necessary to prevent the injury from progressing, and the symptoms the worker has already developed may become permanent functional limitations.

An injury that causes changes to the structure of the brain can affect memory, personality and motor function. Professionals may not be able to perform the same job tasks effectively after suffering a TBI. The good news for those with catastrophic workplace injuries is that if they’re eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, these can pay for their treatment and help replace their lost wages.

Unfortunately, the claims process could be very complicated in scenarios involving a permanent loss of function. Partnering with a workers’ compensation attorney is often critical for those who need both medical treatment coverage and permanent disability benefits because of an on-the-job injury.