Millions of people suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 2.5 million cases of TBIs each year. The causes vary from sports injuries, car collisions, premises accidents, and work related injuries, which can be comprised of falls, injuries from machinery, transportation accidents, precariously stacked merchandise, and a plethora of other mishaps. Traumatic brain injuries make up just under one third of injury-related deaths. They are a serious injury no matter how mild or severe, because no one is ever sure how well a particular brain will heal itself from a given injury. That is why it is crucial to report every work- related TBI, receive medical attention, and seek legal council to ensure financial recovery is taken care of as well.
You May be Able to Receive Damages to Pay for Your Medical Bills and Lost Wages
All employers are obligated to a duty of care when it comes to how their businesses are run and the safety of the premises for their employees. If they are found negligent by foregoing this duty, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. If everything was to code and the duty of care was not breached, you still may be able to file for workers’ compensation. To find out, contact an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina, workers’ compensation attorney today.
Injury Variations
A TBI is comprised of swelling, bleeding, or a rupture of the brain tissue. Injuries vary in severity from mild concussions and serious swelling of the brain that can cause permanent impairment, coma, or death. Not all TBIs happen the same way, however. The Brain Injury Association of America lists the following types of injuries that result in TBIs:
Internal Loading Injuries – Certain types of TBIs occur when no external object comes in contact with the head. The force alone, caused by a sudden acceleration or deceleration, causes the brain to slosh backwards, forwards, or to the side and hit the inside of the skull. An internal loading injury can happen in a transportation work accident.
Impact Loading Injuries – An internal loading injury occurs when an object impacts the skull, causing injury at the site of contact. This type of injury can result in a workplace slip and fall or result from falling merchandise.
Coup-Contrecoup Injuries – A coup-contrecoup injury is the combination of an impact loaded injury and an internally loaded injury. The brain is injured at two sites: at the point of contact and at the opposite end of the brain when it gets sent backwards into the skull. These types of injuries can be very severe.
Penetration Injuries – When a foreign object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue, death is often a likely outcome. This type of injury can occur at work from machinery.
If you were injured at work and are suffering from a traumatic brain injury, it is crucial to contact an attorney to discuss what type of compensation you may be owed. Call an experienced Charlotte, North Carolina, workers’ compensation attorney today to find out more.
