If an on-the-job accident led to a concussion, you are eligible to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a special insurance program that most employers must maintain to protect themselves and their workers in the event of a workplace accident. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. There are different levels of severity for concussions, but they can lead to a change in the accident victim’s mental state and can result in a loss of consciousness. A concussion can result from a hard blow to the body or the head. A concussion can affect you for a few days to a few weeks or even months. The Symptoms You Might Suffer and Workers’ Compensation with a Concussion The symptoms experienced when you suffer a concussion can vary significantly. While concussions are not life-threatening, they can have a significant impact on the individual. You might suffer temporary amnesia, headaches, dizziness, confusion, problems with balance, vision problems, and even brain damage. If you have been in a work-related accident and the physician diagnoses you with a concussion, you will be ordered to rest for a while before you can return to work. You will at least miss a few days of work before you can return, but sometimes the accident victim is out of work for several months. Workers’ compensation should cover the costs of your medical bills and will cover about two-thirds of your lost wages, up to the state maximum allowable amount. How Workers’ Compensation with a Concussion Might Help You after Your Accident As an example, you might be working in a warehouse when you slip and fall on a concrete floor, hitting your head on metal shelving on the way down. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault program. There are several different benefit levels that might result from a concussion. Here are some of those benefits: Temporary Partial Disability – These payments are common with a concussion. This is during your recovery while you are unable to take on work-related tasks. Permanent Partial Disability – These payments are not common with a concussion since they are made when you are able to return to work, but you have disabilities. This would be payable with a serious traumatic brain injury. Temporary Total Disability – You will be eligible to receive these benefits while you are unable to perform your regular work duties because of a concussion. Permanent Total Disability –This is rare with a concussion since these benefits are payable when you are unable to ever return to your job. Proving You Were Injured Try to remember as many details as possible about your accident. Also, notify a manager or supervisor right away. Any witnesses will need to give an account of what they saw. Even if you were at fault for the accident, you can still file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. If you have suffered an injury while on the job, consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. A lawyer can provide you with tips for applying for workers’ compensation with a concussion. Additional Resources Concussions and Workers' Compensation Claims How Can I Start a Workers' Compensation Claim?
