If you get a concussion or other severe head injury at work, you may suffer from long term effects. During your recover time, you may not be able to work. Do you have enough in savings to cover your electric bill, car payment, groceries, and other monthly expenses? If you have health insurance, could you continue to pay your premium? What about expensive and unexpected medical expenses? It can be financially devastating if you can’t work. Thankfully, if you suffer from a concussion or other head injury while on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. What is Workers’ Compensation? Every state has a law in place that requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re hurt on the job, you have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp is provided at no cost to employees. It is an insurance policy that is designed to help workers cover the cost of medical expenses if they are hurt on the job. There are many other benefits provided by workers’ compensation that you may not be aware of. For instance, if you suffer from a severe concussion or a traumatic brain injury on the job, you may not be able to work for a temporary period of time. You may be eligible in that instance to receive a portion of your lost wages. Even if you could have prevented the accident, you should still be eligible for a claim. Your Chances of Getting Concussions If you slip and fall, you run the risk of hitting your head. It doesn’t really matter what line of work you’re in. There’s always a risk of a concussion or other head injury. All it takes is to hit your head on something, have something fall and hit you in the head, or even be involved in a car accident while you’re driving on behalf of your employer. Concussions may not sound serious, but they can be very serious. A concussion happens when you hit your head so hard on something that your brain actually hits your skull. It can cause brain swelling, memory loss, and is even attributed to permanent brain damage. Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to You If you suffer from a concussion during your shift, you should consider filing a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. You may be eligible for many different workers’ compensation damages including: Help with medical expenses. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you can get a list of doctors on the workers’ compensation policy that can see you at no charge. You may also get help for MRIs, emergency room visits, follow-up visits, medication, and other necessary medical treatments. Even if you have health insurance, this is important because you won’t have to meet a deductible. Lost wages. If you’re unable to work because of your head injury, you may be eligible to receive a portion of your lost wages either temporarily or permanently depending upon the severity and lasting effects of the injury. Job training assistance. If you are unable to continue working in your field because of your head injury, workers’ compensation may provide you with job training. This can help teach you new skills and help you get back into the workforce. Getting Answers About Workers’ Compensation If you are hurt at work, it’s likely that you have questions about whether you’re getting everything that you’re entitled to receive under workers’ compensation law. To get your questions answered, contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can explain your rights to you and help you protect them.
