Twenty-five percent of traumatic brain injuries happen at work. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys discuss symptoms of a mild concussion after an accident at work in NC.
What Is a Mild Concussion?
A mild concussion is a disruption of brain function that is less severe or shorter in duration than other concussions. Typically, a person who suffers a mild concussion does not lose consciousness. Although symptoms are less serious than in other situations, a mild concussion may still produce significant symptoms, and a person may be at risk of more severe injury if additional trauma occurs.
A mild concussion is also called a grade 1 concussion.
Common Symptoms of Mild Concussions
- Headache, pain
- Nausea
- Confusion, difficulty with clear thinking
- Discomfort from light and sound
- Memory loss, trouble concentrating
- Balance interruption
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, sadness, greater mood swings
- Sleep disruption
Symptoms may vary, and someone may have multiple symptoms. Many variables impact how a person may experience concussion, including the nature of the injury, previous injuries, and overall health.
A mild concussion does NOT:
- Result in a loss of consciousness. If that occurs, your concussion is more serious, and you should seek medical attention.
- Cause vomiting (usually). If you experience vomiting, there may be complications, seek medical attention.
- Cause unequal pupil size. Seek emergency care if one pupil is larger than the other
- Require a direct blow to the head. It can be the result of shaking.
How To Recognize Delayed Concussion Symptoms
Brain injuries are complex, even if they are mild, and symptoms may be delayed. A person may experience headaches or irritability in the weeks following the concussion. They may not associate these symptoms with the initial injury. Symptoms may be diagnosed as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
An injured person should be aware that delayed concussion symptoms are a possibility. They may be treated and compensated in a workers’ compensation claim.
Delayed symptoms can make a workers’ compensation claim challenging. You may need significant medical documentation that symptoms are the result of the workplace injury. A lawyer can help you preserve your rights, including responding to unfavorable decisions and attempts to deny your benefits.
Long-term concussion symptoms
In addition to delayed symptoms, complications from concussion can be long lasting. A person may have cognitive problems and pain that lasts for months or years, even if the concussion seems minor. While proper treatment can reduce the likelihood or severity of long-term symptoms, they may still occur.
Mild Concussion in the Workplace
When a concussion occurs in the workplace, it can be easy to try and continue to work. You may even feel pressured by superiors, especially if you don’t have visible injuries. However, mild concussion can be a serious medical condition. Proper treatment is important to ensure that you can safely return to work as quickly as possible. Medical care can prevent secondary trauma that may cause more serious injury and may be life-threatening.
The importance of treating mild concussion at work
One study found that when a mild concussion occurs at work, the person is more likely to have a delayed return to work and worse overall health outcomes than when the injury happens away from the workplace. Another study suggests that access to compensation correlates positively with timely return to work following mild traumatic brain injury.
Getting the care that you need is especially important for your well-being, including your work and income. People who suffer mild concussions at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation, including medical evaluation, treatment at no cost, and income replacement.
Steps To Take If You Suspect a Concussion at Work
If you suspect a conclusion at work:
- STOP. Stop what you are doing. It can be tempting to want to finish what you are working on, especially when you have deadlines and you answer to superiors. However, stopping activity can prevent future harm. You may not be thinking clearly, and confusion may cause you to make errors that endanger you and disrupt work.
- SECURE SAFETY. Make sure that you are safe. Move from a place of immediate danger where there may be the risk of additional trauma from machines, vehicles, people, or falling.
- REPORT. Tell your supervisor that you are injured. Tell them what happened briefly. Say that you have symptoms of injury and that you need medical care.
- OBTAIN CARE. Seek medical attention. The employer or their insurance company may choose the care provider in non-emergency situations. If it’s an emergency, you may seek care from any hospital or doctor. The employer may have an on-site doctor, or they may direct you to an approved provider.
- FILE. Complete Form 18 (North Carolina Industrial Commission Notice of Accident to Employer and Claim). Give a copy to your employer as soon as possible, but always within 30 days of the injury.
- FOLLOW. Follow doctor instructions and any directives for time needed off work.
- PURSUE. Your workers’ compensation benefits. Learn about the benefits that you may receive, including replacement income for lost work. You may have help from an experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer.
Sometimes, supervisors will hesitate to take a report. They may be trying to keep their injury statistics low or may not believe that you are hurt if you don’t have visible symptoms. Insist on making your injury report.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Concussion
If the insurance company agrees with your workers’ compensation claim, they begin to pay benefits. If they deny your claim, refuse to pay the full amount, or if there are other disputes, you may request a hearing. Review the reasons for the denial. To appeal, file Form 33 (Request That Claim Be Assigned for Hearing).
A workers’ compensation hearing is a complex matter. The employer will have an experienced attorney representing them, and you can also have a lawyer represent you. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys represents injured workers in concussion workers’ compensation claims.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Have you suffered symptoms of a mild concussion after an accident at work in NC? Get the help that you need and the workers’ compensation that you deserve. Contact Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys today.
