Head injuries are some of the most severe workplace injuries one can sustain. They are severe in most cases and could even be fatal in some cases. For example, in 2012, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Florida were related to 3,798 deaths. Research also shows that work-related traumatic brain injury comprises up to 24% of TBIs.

This article explores what work-related head injuries are and what causes them. It also helps you understand what benefits you can expect when you sustain a head injury at work. Contact a Miami workers’ compensation attorney today to learn more about workers’ compensation for head injuries.

What Are Head Injuries?

Head injuries occur when one has a severe hit to the head, which could cause injuries to the brain. Severe head injuries may cause damages to your brain or scalp. In fact, they could also change the trajectory of one’s life forever. External head injuries include cuts, lacerations, and fractures. Internal head injuries could result in blood clots and wounds inside the skull.

The following symptoms are some of the indicators of head injuries:

• Dizziness and confusion
• Persistent headaches
• Disorientation
• Loss of memory or balance
• Difficulty in speaking and walking
• Unresponsiveness
• Vomiting episodes
• Seizures
• Unequal pupil sizes

Common Causes of Workplace Head Injuries

While the human skull is strong enough to protect the brain, one could still sustain injuries that could affect the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain inside the skull because the brain consists of soft tissue that could sustain injuries. A blow to the head causes your brain to slam against the inside of your skull.  When the impact is strong enough, your brain can begin to swell or bleed, resulting in traumatic brain injury.

The following are some of the injuries that can cause injuries to the skull.

• Slipping, Tripping, and Falling

Several accidents could occur in the workplace that could lead to head injuries. For example, if you trip, slip, and fall, you might hit your head on the floor or against hard objects. This could cause a severe head injury. In addition, walking into walls or falling off high places like ladders or construction beams can also cause severe brain trauma.

• Falling or Moving Objects

If you are working in a high-risk environment, you stand the risk of falling objects hitting you on your head. For example, even with their hard hats, construction workers suffer severe head injuries from falling objects.

• Explosions

If you work in an industry such as construction or mining, you understand that companies use explosives a lot. Sometimes, these explosives could cause explosions that could lead to severe head injuries.

Occupations with the highest risk for head injuries include:

• Emergency first responders
• Athletic professionals
• Driving for a trucking company
• Security personnel such as police officers
• Construction workers
• Loading dockworkers
• Delivery personnel

What Benefits Can You Get for a Head Injury?

For most workers’ compensations, you can get many benefits when you sustain a head injury while at work. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical Benefits

If you sustain a head injury at work, you are eligible for medical benefits. With these benefits, you can pay your medical bills, medication, and physical therapy.

• Disability Wage Replacement

If your injuries are severe enough to cause a disability, you are eligible for disability wage replacement. These benefits are categorized as Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), and Permanent Total Disability (PTD).

• Disability Lump-Sum

If your head injury caused you to suffer a permanent loss of use of a body function, you should get a lump sum for the disability. This sum is usually set when the doctor determines the level of your impairment.

• Vocational Training 

Sometimes, the injuries are so severe that you cannot go back to work after recovery. In such cases, your employer’s insurance carriers should provide you with vocational training to help you get back to work in another job.

• Death Benefits

Unfortunately, some head injuries are fatal. When these occur, the deceased’s family are entitled to financial benefits to help with burial expenses. Some of these benefits also help with replacing the dead person’s wages.

Speak to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today!

Suppose you or any of your loved ones sustain a head injury while in a work accident. You should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. Our experienced workers’ attorneys at Miami Lawyers 360 will ensure that you get the proper compensation for your injuries. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.