What Is A Concussion Worth In A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you sustain a concussion within the normal course of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Below, the experienced Cincinnati workers’ compensation attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy explain what a concussion is, some of the ways it can occur at work, and the types of workers’ compensation benefits that might be available.

Our attorneys have helped countless injured workers recover workers’ compensation benefits after sustaining workplace injuries. You can discuss your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation with one of the attorneys from our firm.

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is often caused by a sudden blow to the head. If the blow to the head is hard enough, it can cause your brain to push through the layer of fluid between your skull and brain, causing a concussion.

While most concussions are temporary injuries, some can lead to long-term side effects, including:

These side effects often prevent injured workers from being able to return to work promptly.

If you get hit in the head at work and experience any of the symptoms below, you may have a concussion and should seek immediate medical help:

Common Causes Of Workplace Head Injuries

There are various causes of workplace concussions, including:

• Falls – Workers who fall from ladders or scaffolding are at risk of suffering concussions. While construction workers are particularly vulnerable to falls, workers who stock shelves in retail stores and fast food workers who encounter spills are also at risk.
• Falling objects – Tools or construction equipment could fall from above a worker and hit him or her in the head. Retail workers could also get hit in the head by an item that falls off a store shelf.
• Car accidents – This is one of the most common causes of head injuries for employees. Head injuries like concussions often occur when vehicle occupants hit their heads against the steering wheel or dashboard during a crash.
• Malfunctioning equipment – Defective equipment could cause accidents that result in falls or falling debris that hits workers in the head.

While any worker can suffer from a head injury while on the job, some occupations are more susceptible to brain injuries like concussions, including construction workers, emergency responders, delivery personnel and workers who stock store shelves.

Concussions And Workers’ Compensation

Various types of workers’ compensation benefits may be available if you have suffered a concussion on the job. The total value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury and the length of time it will cause you to be out of work.

Some of the Ohio workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive include:

Get Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you sustained an injury on the job, it is important to consider your legal rights. You have a limited amount of time to report your injury to your employer and to try to collect benefits.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Cincinnati can discuss your legal options with you and develop a legal strategy to help you recover all of the benefits that you are entitled to receive.