Did You Suffer a Head Injury at Work?

Q: What Are the Most Common Ways Head Injuries Occur in Philadelphia Workplaces?

Among some of the most common ways workers are injured are:nFalling from any height: Although frequent among trade workers, such as carpenters, roofers, electricians, and mechanics who typically are required to climb scaffolding, trailers, and unfinished buildings, falling can occur from any height and have catastrophic consequences.nnFalling objects: Tools falling from above and striking individuals in the head are also common on construction scenes, warehouses, and cranes. Unsecured items like hand tools and power tools can cause bruising, concussions, and even broken bones.nnSlip and fall accidents: Those who load and unload cargo, handle patients, and even those in the food service industry may find themselves in situations where wet floors or unmaintained workspaces can cause tripping or slipping hazards that can lead to concussions and broken bones.

Any workplace bump, blow, or jolt to the head can be potentially life-altering. An individual could suffer problems in learning, memory, concentration, and problem-solving. As a result, they may never be able to return to their occupation if an injury is severe enough. Therefore, it is important to evaluate a head injury for both its severity as well as the impact it may have on your long-term health.

While the construction industry leads the national statistics for the highest incidence of head-related injuries at work, a traumatic incident can occur in any industry. However, there are still some industries that rank as some of the highest in head injuries, including agriculture, logging, healthcare, manufacturing, and warehouse workers.

What Are the Most Common Ways Head Injuries Occur in Philadelphia Workplaces?

Among some of the most common ways workers are injured are:

Falling from any height: Although frequent among trade workers, such as carpenters, roofers, electricians, and mechanics who typically are required to climb scaffolding, trailers, and unfinished buildings, falling can occur from any height and have catastrophic consequences.
Falling objects: Tools falling from above and striking individuals in the head are also common on construction scenes, warehouses, and cranes. Unsecured items like hand tools and power tools can cause bruising, concussions, and even broken bones.
Slip and fall accidents: Those who load and unload cargo, handle patients, and even those in the food service industry may find themselves in situations where wet floors or unmaintained workspaces can cause tripping or slipping hazards that can lead to concussions and broken bones.
Vehicle accidents: Whether on the road or working around heavy machinery, such as tractors, front-end loaders, and cranes, the potential exists for a collision that involves an unrecoverable head injury.
Overexertion: Anyone who pushes the limits on how much work they can do physically has the potential to pass out and hit their head before coming to rest on the floor.

What Should I Do if I Suffer a Head Injury?

While you might be inclined to sweep a head injury under the rug for fear of punishment or out of embarrassment, you may want to think twice before doing so. In fact, filing a Workers’ Compensation claim does not require anyone to admit fault or wrongdoing in an accident so long as the injury occurs at work. Of course, there are exceptions to this, such as if someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but if your injury is the result of a typical day’s work, you have a right to file Workers’ Compensation.

First, you will want to seek medical attention as soon as possible to assist in diagnosing the severity of your condition. Next, you must report your injury to your employer within 120 days of the accident. Your employer must then report your injury to their insurance company as well as your state Workers’ Compensation bureau.

In the meantime, you will begin collecting any type of documentation to help support your claim, such as medical bills, prescription information, diagnoses, test results, treatment, and therapy. You will find out within 21 days whether your claim is approved or denied. If it is denied, you have the right to appeal.

During any stage, if you are met with resistance, either from your employer, the insurance company, or Workers’ Compensation, you have the right to consult with a lawyer who likely has more experience dealing with these situations. In the course of a consultation, you can ask questions, provide the specifics of your case, and point out any significant factors you feel entitle you to compensation. In return, a lawyer can provide advice on what information to gather as well as determine the highest amount of money that you may be entitled to that you may not even be aware of. Insurance companies are notorious for providing low-ball offers as settlements, but it does not mean that you must accept them.

Examine All the Facts of Your Case With the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C.

Let the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Freedman & Lorry, P.C. help guide you to the compensation that makes the most financial sense. For a free consultation, call today at 888-999-1962 or contact us online. With office locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.