What To Do If You’re A Victim Of A Work-Related Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by injury to the head. This may include sharp objects, hard surfaces, physical assault, or the inhalation of toxic chemicals. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, each year roughly 1.1 million people will be taken to an emergency department for a head injury, 235,000 of those will be released, and eventually, 50,000 of that group will die. A large reason behind the high volume of deaths is a failure to properly and promptly treat cases of TBIs.
Work-related injuries are often a contributor to TBIs as employees become victims of vehicle accidents, toxic industrial product accidents, or are hit by falling objects. If you’re a victim of this type of work accident, you should seek immediate legal assistance. The results of TBI accidents can be life-altering and hinder your ability to live a comfortable life, as well as affect your ability to return to work. To secure your health and well-being, you need to take legal action against your employer. At the Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C., we will ensure your case is handled quickly and effectively because we are aware of the repercussions.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Effects
A brain injury refers to various types of injuries that may affect your brain, skull, and/or scalp. Complications with injuries range from temporary to permanent damage. Despite the varying symptoms and different levels of pain, each type should be treated with attentive care and consideration.
These are the four common types of TBIs:
- Anoxic Brain Injury. This type of injury tends to be a result of poisoning, suffocation, inhalation of carbon monoxide, or drowning. The result can be a blood clot, stroke, trauma, or heart attack.
- Concussions. Concussions are often caused by whiplash, shaking, an impact to the head, or rapid movement. Initial signs include headaches, memory loss, disorientation, and problems with concentration.
- Contusion. Similar to a bruise on the skin, the brain can become bruised due to an impact to the head. Car accidents, falling, or hitting your head with an object are results of contusions, which range from minor to severe and result in a loss of consciousness, confusion, agitation, and tiredness.
- Penetrating injury. When objects break through the skull and come in contact with the brain, the result is often permanent disability or death. Many times objects will pass through the head and result in an exit wound. An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary to study the impact.
Common Symptoms as a Result of Brain Injuries
Not all brain injuries are easily noticeable. Signs can become apparent gradually, at times months after an accident. In some cases such as the inhalation of toxic chemicals, an individual may begin to show symptoms that come and go. This may include slurred speech or feeling fatigue some days more than others.
It’s important to note that if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately:
- Chronic pain in the head or neck
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Inability to speak or slurred speech
- Loss of hand/eye coordination
- Changes in mood or personality
- Paralysis of the body
- Uncontrollable sleepiness
- Weakness or inability to move certain parts of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of hearing or consistent ringing in the ears
Compensations You are Entitled to After a Brain Injury
Your injury may affect different aspects of your life. As your designated attorney, we will fight for the compensation that will help cover damages and address your health needs. The CDC estimates that roughly 5.3 million people are living with TBIs and currently need assistance. Our goal is to combat these statistics.
Some of the damages we may help you claim include:
It’s important to note that if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Life-care
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
- Impairment of Earning Capacity
Choose A Brain Injury Lawyer Who Will Fight For You
The Law Office of Javier Martinez, Jr., P.C. is committed to assisting you following a brain injury. We represent workers in El Paso, TX and surrounding areas, as well as New Mexico. If you have initial questions on how to get started, please contact us today.
