Returning to Work After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Returning to Work After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Workers in Irvine and across the state may suffer from a traumatic brain injury that they received as a result of a workplace accident. People who are employed in a number of different industries may become a victim of a slip-and-fall incident or have a falling object strike their head at any given moment. From mild concussions to severe brain damage, any type of traumatic brain injury can have serious, long-term consequences for workers. Depending on where the injury occurred, as well as the extent of the damage that was done, injured employees may be unable to return to their same position at work. In some cases, the worker may not be able to return to work at all. Contact our Orange County workers’ compensation attorneys for help bringing your claim.

EVALUATING THE DAMAGE

Brain trauma occurs when a forceful jolt or blow to the head causes brain bleeding, inflammation and/or bruising. While some employees may be able to recover from their injuries with physical and speech therapy, others may be stuck with long-term cognitive damage. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, traumatic brain injuries may cause a person to experience problems with:

• Writing, reading, understanding language
• Focusing on a task, as well as organizational and problem-solving skills
• Remembering times, events and activities
• Communicating with others
• Muscle coordination
• Fatigue

People who suffer with TBI may have reoccurring headaches, nausea, vomiting and other physical abnormalities. All of these symptoms can make it difficult for people to work in certain positions.

GETTING BACK TO WORK

Researchers evaluating information regarding Colorado workers who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury found that after one year of receiving an injury, at least half of TBI patients did not return to work. According to BrainLine.org, there are certain factors that may increase an employee’s likelihood of returning to work following an injury. Employers that offer counseling, on-the-job training, career placement services and have a workplace environment that eases the transition back into the workplace often show a higher rate of return.

CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

People who have been injured on-the-job may qualify for workers’ compensation. These benefits can help people with their medical expenses, as well as cover a portion of the wages they lost while out recovering from their injuries. An attorney who understands how workers’ compensation works in California may be able to help answer your questions. An Orange County personal injury lawyer may help you explore your legal options and walk you through the workers’ compensation process. During this stressful time, it can be helpful to have an injury attorney by your side.