Head injuries can be dangerous as they may result in temporary or permanent brain damage. They can also have a lasting and often permanent impact on your health, life and wellbeing. Unfortunately, suffering from a head injury at work is much more common than you would think.
Fortunately, NSW workplace safety laws may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, and suffering if you are suffering from a work-related head injury. Keep reading to find out how workers compensation works in relation to head injuries, how to pursue a head injury compensation claim, as well as what is considered a head injury. And if you have any additional questions, please get in touch with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.
Overview:
- Common causes of head injuries at work
- Signs and symptoms of head injuries
- How serious Is concussion?
- How to start a head injury compensation claim
- How much compensation can you claim for a head injury?
Some common causes of serious head injuries could include:
Slipping, tripping and falling
Walking into solid objects like walls, cabinets or glass windows may lead to severe head injuries. Falling off a ladder or roof or tumbling downstairs can also cause severe brain trauma.
Falling or moving objects
A head injury at work can be caused by falling or moving objects which may strike the person in the head area. Construction workers often suffer head injuries from falling objects.
Explosions
Industries like mining or construction often involve the use of explosives. Explosions can often result in serious – and sometimes fatal – head injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of Head Injuries
A severe head injury may damage the brain, scalp, or skull and be potentially risky or even life-threatening. Head injuries can be both internal or external.
External head injuries include:
- Cuts
- Lacerations
- Fractures on the scalp
Internal head injuries could result in:
- Blood clots, wounds and fractures inside the skull
- Internal bleeding
Head injuries may be indicated by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Persistent headaches
- Disorientation
- Loss of memory or balance
- Difficulty in speaking and walking
- Unresponsiveness
- Vomiting episodes
- Seizures
- Unequal pupil sizes
Head injuries can change your life forever, and you and your family may need ongoing support and care. You may be able to start a head injury compensation claim to help take care of added medical expenses and any other needs.
If you have suffered a brain or head injury at work, expert worker’s compensation lawyers can help you file damages.
How serious is concussion?
Many people believe that a concussion is not a severe injury as it frequently happens in sporting events. However, a concussion can be extremely serious and the person may develop PCS or Post-Concussion Syndrome. PCS involves the manifestation of symptoms weeks or even months after the episode or accident.
Common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Ringing in the ears
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
Severe symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Amnesia
- Delayed responses
- Slurred speech
- Sensitivity to light and noise
How to start a head injury compensation claim
When applying for compensation for a head injury, it’s important to undergo comprehensive medical testing to be able to support your claim. If the brain injury occurred in the workplace and could have been reasonably prevented, you can file for monetary claim.
The success of your head injury compensation claim will depend upon your ability to prove negligence or lack of safety measures. Filing a properly drafted brain injury compensation claim can help you receive the payout you deserve.
We recommend seeking competent legal services from an experienced lawyer. You may want to hire a law firm that specialises in common law claims like Owen Hodge Lawyers.
How much compensation can you claim for a head injury?
It’s important to seek legal assistance early, as undiagnosed brain injuries can have a devastating effect on your life. The compensation for a head injury at work will depend on a number of factors such as:
- The extent of the injury
- The extent of negligence (lack of PPE, lack of medical facilities onsite, inadequate safety training for workers and so on)
- Recovery time
- Rehabilitation needed
- Whether ongoing medical care is needed (especially in the case of serious injury after a concussion) and the cost of present and future medical treatment
Depending on your case, you may also be entitled to special damages, including physiotherapy, travel expenses, loss of income, bonuses and leave pay, and any adaptations to your home that may be necessary.
Trust the lawyers at Owen Hodge…
At Owen Hodge Lawyers, we can help you or your loved ones seek the rightful compensation if you have suffered a serious head injury at work. Concussions and brain injuries can be traumatic and upsetting, and we do everything we can to help you claim monetary compensation.
We can arrange for expert medical advice and opinions to support your claim, and our lawyers will help you with the entire process. Please call one of our trained personal law lawyers on 1800 770 780.
Related information: RSI Compensation Claims | Stress-Related Workers Compensation | Eye Injury Compensation Claims | Asbestos Injury Compensation