If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the job, you may be very concerned with how quickly it will heal and when you can get back to work. You just want life to go back to normal. When is that going to happen?
Every case is different
Above all else, the first thing you must realize is that no two cases are the same. One person may recover from their TBI relatively quickly, while another person with the exact same injury may have permanent symptoms that never heal. Do not assume that your experience will be like anyone else’s experience.
The 2-year mark
Medical experts have noted that most TBI healing will be completed by the time two years have gone by. This does not mean the person will be completely healed by that point. It just means that those two years are critical because most healing happens then, and any issues that the person still suffers from after two years are those they may have to deal with for life. This is an important consideration when thinking about benefits and compensation.
Understanding the severity
Severity significantly impacts healing times, though it is not an exact science even for those with the same injuries. For instance, a concussion is typically considered mild, and many people may see their symptoms fade in just a few days. A serious injury after a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain, on the other hand, may take months.
However, there are even cases of people dealing with concussion symptoms for weeks or months. This shows how important it is to take all brain injuries seriously. Even “mild” injuries can have a lasting impact.
Exploring your options
You certainly have a lot of questions after getting hurt at work, and healing times are just one part of the issue. They significantly factor into your ability to earn a living wage, however, and the medical bills you may face. Be sure you look into all of your options.