Workers Compensation for Closed Head Injury

A closed head injury can cause significant damage to the brain. Long after the exterior wounds heal, a closed head injury can continue to create significant impairment. Our Workers Comp lawyers have helped hundreds of individuals with closed head injuries get the workers compensation they deserve. Our workers comp lawyers understand that, while you may look like you did before your injury, you may now be in considerable suffering & pain, and unable to function – even though you may “look fine” to the outside world.

Closed head injuries usually result from a blow to the head causing the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Many different types of work related accidents can result in a closed head injury: auto accidents, construction equipment failure, falls, falling material or equipment and more. A person with a closed head injury can develop cognitive problems, headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, seizures, and even personality changes. A person affected by a closed head injury might also find themselves experiencing other symptoms such as unexplained anger, depression and fatigue.

Closed head injuries often result in long-term health issues and significant medical expenses. Many of the after-effects of a closed head injury can make it impossible for an individual to return to work – which is why workers compensation benefits are so important to closed head injury patients. At Cantrell Green, we understand the complexities of these injuries and are committed to helping workers navigate the challenging process of obtaining fair compensation.

What is a Closed Head Injury?

A closed head injury occurs when the brain experiences trauma without an object penetrating the skull. These injuries typically result from a blow to the head or violent shaking, causing the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Unlike open head injuries, there may be no visible signs of trauma, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Closed head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of consciousness or coma

The effects of a closed head injury can be long-lasting and may not fully manifest immediately after the incident, making it crucial to seek proper medical attention and legal representation.

Common Workplace Causes of Closed Head Injuries

Understanding the common causes of closed head injuries in the workplace is essential for both prevention and establishing workers’ compensation claims. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following are the most frequent causes of work-related closed head injuries:

Falls: Falls from heights and same-level falls account for a significant portion of workplace head injuries. The BLS reports that in 2022, falls, slips, and trips resulted in 27% of all nonfatal occupational injuries involving days away from work.

Struck-by Incidents: Objects falling from above or swinging/flying objects striking a worker’s head are common causes. OSHA data indicates that struck-by injuries are one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of workplace fatalities in the construction industry.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: For workers who drive as part of their job, vehicle accidents pose a significant risk. The National Safety Council reports that in 2022, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of work-related deaths.

Walking into Objects: Collisions with stationary objects, often due to inattention or poorly designed workspaces, can lead to closed head injuries.
Machinery Accidents: Workers operating or working near heavy machinery are at risk of head injuries from moving parts or ejected materials.

Recent OSHA statistics show that in the construction industry alone, head injuries account for 6.1% of all nonfatal injuries resulting in days away from work. Across all industries, traumatic brain injuries contribute to about 30% of all injury deaths in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Workers Compensation Benefits for Closed Head Injuries

Workers compensation benefits for closed head injuries include:

• Unlimited medical care;
• All reasonable and necessary treatment paid without co-pays or deductibles;
• Attendant care to help with activities of daily living;
• Wage loss benefits (80% of the after-tax average weekly wage while the person was working)

Sadly, individuals with a closed head injury often find their workers compensation benefits denied. One reason for this may be that insurance companies understand that significant amounts of money must be paid for rehabilitation and treatment of a closed head injury.

Workers comp insurance companies frequently send people to what’s called an independent medical examination (IME). But the real truth is that these examinations are not at all “independent”. Workers Comp insurance companies use the same doctors over and over again – resulting in that specific doctor finding no evidence of injury in almost every case.

Workers Compensation Lawyers for Closed Head Injury

If you received a close head injury in the workplace, we recommend that you speak with an experienced workers comp lawyer immediately. Even if you are currently receiving workers comp benefits, it is a good idea to get some legal advice to protect your rights going into the future.

An experienced workers compensation lawyer can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems – and make sure that you not only receive your benefits now, but for years to come.

In many instances, an experienced lawyer in a disputed closed head injury workers comp case can even obtain a “lump-sum settlement”. This option allows you to control your own medical treatment, and move on with your life.

Your consultation with our lawyers is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us.

Workers Compensation lawyers for Los Angeles, Orange County & Southern California, including: Anaheim, Carson, Bellflower, Compton, Downey, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Mirada, Lakewood, Long Beach, San Pedro, Santa Ana, Torrance, Wilmington, Whittier and Yorba Linda.