It is no secret that the construction industry is a dangerous one. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a wealth of information dedicated to the risks of construction work and how to improve safety. Despite these risks, almost 6.9 million people regularly go to work to help build or improve structures, highways, bridges, and more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
It is inevitable that accidents will happen at construction sites, no matter how safe the site may be. Unfortunately, such accidents can result in very serious and sometimes life-changing injuries to workers. One common, severe construction-related injury is a traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI.
What Is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when direct trauma or a violent jolt damages the brain tissue. This damage occurs when the brain hits the inside of the skull and can impact most parts of the brain. Concussions are a common form of a mild TBI, which can have symptoms lasting for a few weeks. On the other hand, severe TBIs can cause lasting impairments for victims and those affected may never be the same.
No matter what degree of brain injury occurs, it is essential to seek a medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Even concussions can be dangerous, especially if you sustain multiple concussions, and they require medical supervision and advice. Severe brain injury victims often require a long period of time in the hospital and rehabilitation center and they may never regain full cognitive or physical functioning.
Common Causes of Construction-Related TBI
Many types of construction accidents can result in trauma to the head and a resulting brain injury. Some examples include the following:
- Falls from heights
- Slip and falls on even ground
- Falling objects hitting someone on the head
- Strikes on the head by materials
- Power tool accidents
- Explosions that cause extreme vibrations or flying debris
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Heavy machinery accidents
If any of the above accidents occur and result in a blow to the head or a sharp jolt of the head, it is imperative that the construction worker seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the construction worker is an employee of a company, that company’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover all of the costs of medical treatment—and more—resulting from the TBI and any other job-related injuries. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, however, and unforeseen delays or denials may occur. You should never hesitate to seek assistance from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you are injured on the job.
Call a Skilled Fredericksburg Work Injury Law Firm to Learn More Today
The skilled legal team at the office of Emroch & Kilduff regularly represents people who have been injured in job-related accidents. If you believe you have a workers’ compensation claim and need help in or around Richmond, Petersburg, Tappahannock, or Fredericksburg, please do not wait to call our work injury attorneys at 804-358-1568 to discuss your rights.