If you’re suffering from a brain injury due to an injury at work or a car accident, then you need to know what you’re facing. A brain injury can be temporary or a life-long ailment. Your brain controls everything from your digestion to the immune system, which is why an injury to your brain needs immediate care from a medical team.
Called the “silent epidemic,” brain injuries come in several forms. TBIs, or traumatic brain injuries, are defined as being caused by a blow to the head or by a penetrating head injury. This injury disrupts the functions of the brain. TBIs may be mild or severe and result in long- or short-term problems. An example of a TBI would be a mild concussion. An acquired brain injury is one that is not hereditary. That means you weren’t born with it or the genetic disposition to develop it. It can be caused by medical conditions such as a stroke or encephalitis, brain tumors or meningitis.
Most workplace accidents resulting in a brain injury would classify as TBIs. This injury affects you and everyone around you; it can make it hard to work your regular job, communicate, walk, talk or stand. Emotional and behavioral issues are also possible after a traumatic brain injury. The financial impact can also be massive, as treating brain injuries can require heavy medications, hospital stays and surgeries. Ongoing care is sometimes necessary, especially in cases where the brain injury has resulted in total disability.
When you’re hurt at work and suffer a brain injury, you need to speak up. You should receive workers’ compensation and any other compensation needed to care for yourself and your loved ones.
Source: Brain Injury Alliance, “About Brain Injuries” Jan. 08, 2015