Brain injury concerns in the workplace

May 09, 2013 (Press-News.org) Brain injury concerns in the workplace

Article provided by The Law Offices of Gary M. Kazin
Visit us at http://www.kazinlaw.com

While on the job, especially in a dangerous profession, workers have to tackle their occupations with caution. Even the most cautious worker, however, can be subjected to an injury. One of the most troubling injuries that could occur on the job is a brain injury.

The dangers of a brain injury

Every brain injury is different and it is extremely difficult for professionals to generalize as to what the outcome of a specific brain injury will be. An individual's physical, emotional, sensory, and cognitive areas may all be affected. Some effects of brain injuries are only short-term, but others can affect the individual for the rest of their life. The consequences of the brain injury vary greatly depending on the cause of the injury, the location where it occurred, and the severity of the incident or injury. Although not all brain injuries happen on the job, the ones that do require the same treatment and also give the injured worker a remedy for compensation.

Treatment for brain injuries

Because of the many variables associated with brain injuries, they are difficult to diagnose and treat. A proper and early diagnosis can be essential in preventing further trauma. Once a brain injury is diagnosed, the individual can receive therapy and rehabilitation, which can significantly improve an individual's quality of life. Any individual that suspects that they have suffered from a brain injury should seek the diagnosis of a physician as soon as possible. If the accident happens at work, it's important to contact the employer immediately and then see a medical professional immediately.

Brain injuries while on the job

When an employee sustains a head injury while on the job, they may be entitled to receiving worker's compensation for their injury. Generally, workers' compensation is a remedy that is given to an employee as an exclusive means of recovery for the worker, unless there's a third party who contributed to the injury. An exclusive remedy bars the individual from suing the employer in a subsequent lawsuit, but does ensure that the injured worker receives compensation for a workplace injury. For the injury to qualify under workers' compensation, it must be the result of an employee's action in furtherance of their job.

The first step for a worker who has suffered a head injury is to inform their employer of the accident and get immediate medical attention. Even in the event that an employee does not feel effected by the incident, reporting the occurrence may prove to be crucial. Brain injuries may not always be glaringly obvious immediately after the event.

Workers who sustain brain injuries on the job should seek an experienced worker's compensation attorney who can help the injured employee obtain the medical care and wage benefits they are entitled to.