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:- Loss of memory
- Problems concentrating
- Changes in personality
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Ringing in the ears
- Change in vision
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Slowed cognitive function
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.
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:- Temporary total benefits
- Permanent total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Scheduled loss
- Wage loss
- Working wage loss
- Non-working wage loss
- Living maintenance
- Living maintenance wage loss
- Facial disfigurement
- Change of occupation benefits
