Head Injuries

Head injuries are some of the most serious and life-changing injuries that can happen on the job. Whether caused by a fall, a strike or blow from equipment, or other type of accident on a worksite, head trauma can affect every aspect of a worker’s life.

Unlike some other injuries, the symptoms of head injuries aren’t always visible. Memory problems and mood changes can become debilitating. Difficulty concentrating can make it impossible for you to do your job, yet harder to prove to an insurance company.

If you’ve suffered a workplace head injury, you need immediate medical care and strong legal support. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover the treatment you need, but insurers often dispute these claims, especially when symptoms appear subtle or delayed. That’s when it’s time to call an experienced lawyer at Pond Lehocky.

Common Types of Workplace Head Injuries

The brain is one of the most delicate and vital organs in the body. Even a relatively “mild” injury can have long-lasting effects. Common types of workplace head injuries include:

• Concussions (mild TBI). A concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), can occur from a blow to the head or sudden jolt. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, or trouble concentrating. While some people recover in days, others experience symptoms for weeks or months.
• Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These can result from serious accidents such as falls from heights, vehicle collisions, or being struck by heavy objects. TBIs may cause memory loss, impaired motor skills, mood changes, and even permanent disability.
• Skull fractures. A direct blow can fracture the skull, often leading to bleeding and swelling. Skull fractures also carry a risk of brain damage. These injuries typically require immediate hospitalization and may involve surgery.
• Lacerations and contusions. Cuts and bruises to the head may seem less serious, but they can still lead to complications such as infection or internal bleeding.
• Secondary complications. When you experience head trauma, secondary complications like swelling and internal bleeding may not develop for days. For this reason, it is important to continue medical monitoring for several weeks after your injury.

No matter the severity, head injuries should always be taken seriously. Even a “mild” injury can have life-altering consequences if left untreated.

How Head Injuries Affect Daily Life and Work

Head injuries impact physical health and a person’s ability to live daily life. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Cognitive difficulties. Brain injuries may cause trouble with memory and concentration. Problem-solving and information processing may feel delayed, making it difficult to perform job duties, especially in fast-paced or detail-oriented roles.
• Motor skill impairment. Loss of balance, coordination, or fine motor skills may prevent workers from safely returning to physical tasks and operating machinery.
• Emotional and behavioral changes. Many people with head injuries experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability. These changes can strain relationships and make returning to the workplace difficult.
• Long-term disability. Some workers never fully recover. A severe TBI may prevent someone from working or living independently.

The impact of a workplace head injury often extends far beyond the job site. Families may face financial strain as medical bills pile up and income decreases, all while adjusting to a loved one’s new challenges.

Workers’ Comp for Head and Brain Injuries

Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees when injuries happen on the job. If you suffer a head injury at work, benefits may include:

• Medical coverage. Hospitalization, emergency treatment, neurological care, imaging (like CT or MRI scans), surgery, medications, and follow-up appointments.
• Rehabilitation services. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation for brain function.
• Ongoing monitoring. Head injuries often require months or even years of follow-up care to track recovery and detect complications.
• Wage-loss benefits. Partial wage replacement while you’re unable to work.
• Long-term disability benefits. If your injury prevents you from ever returning to your job or significantly limits your earning ability.

These benefits are important for injured workers, but actually receiving them is not always straightforward.

Why Workers’ Comp Claims Get Disputed

Unlike a broken bone, which can be seen on an X-ray, the effects of a brain injury aren’t always visible. This makes it easier for employers and insurers to minimize or deny claims. Some common reasons for disputes include:

• Subtle or delayed symptoms. Insurers may argue that headaches, dizziness, or memory issues are unrelated or exaggerated, even though they impact how the person is able to work.
• Questioning severity. They may accept a concussion diagnosis but deny the need for extended therapy or rehabilitation.
• Blaming other causes. Employers may claim the injury happened outside of work or that pre-existing conditions are responsible.
• Disputing long-term care. Insurers often push back on the need for counseling, cognitive rehab, or disability benefits.

These tactics can leave injured workers without the care they need, even when their lives have been turned upside down by a workplace accident.

A Lawyer Can Help Your Case

When your claim for workers’ comp doesn’t go as easily as you expect, it’s time to call an experienced workplace head injury attorney. A workers’ compensation lawyer can:

• Collect and present medical records, neurological evaluations, and expert testimony to prove the seriousness of your injury.
• Link the injury directly to your workplace accident, even if symptoms developed later.
• Push back against insurers who try to minimize cognitive or emotional symptoms.
• Fight for full coverage of hospital care, rehab, counseling, and wage-loss benefits.
• Pursue permanent disability benefits if the injury prevents you from returning to work.

For example, if an insurance company accepts your concussion diagnosis but refuses to cover months of therapy for lingering memory issues, a TBI workers’ comp attorney can appeal and push for full benefits. At Pond Lehocky, our team has seen firsthand how devastating head injuries can be, and we know how to fight back when insurers try to cut corners on your recovery.

Get Help After a Workplace Head Injury

A workplace head injury can change your life in an instant. Don’t go through the recovery process and workers’ comp system alone. The attorneys at Pond Lehocky have extensive experience helping injured workers get the medical care and financial support they need after concussions, TBIs, and other serious head injuries.

Call Pond Lehocky today to speak with a dedicated workplace head injury attorney. No matter where you are in the claims process, we’ll take over and help you get the compensation you need so you can focus on healing.