Brain injuries are a serious injury you may face at work. Certain work experiences can leave you open to damage you did not realize was possible. If you have a job that you believe has led to the development of your brain injury, you may have a case.
Workplace accidents and other incidents are sometimes responsible for traumatic or acquired brain injuries. An acquired brain injury accounts for approximately 13.5 million disabilities in America. Understanding the causes of your disability and how to handle the situation is vital.
How a traumatic brain injury develops
Certain jobs are more likely to lead to impact injuries, such as the tasks performed by a construction worker. If an object hits your head or you fall at work, you may develop a traumatic brain injury. Concussions are a particularly common type of brain injury from direct impact. However, there are other conditions due to traumatic injuries as well:
- Contusions from direct impact to the skull
- Diffuse axonal injuries due to severe shaking or rotation
- Penetrative injuries where objects enter the brain
How an acquired brain injury develops
An acquired brain injury may develop from brain swelling and low oxygen levels. Unlike a traumatic brain injury, which is typically the result of direct force, an acquired brain injury can be due to long-term exposure to toxic elements or an untreated injury. The following are two potential acquired brain injuries:
- Anoxia from oxygen deprivation, which may result in severe brain cell death and functional damage
- Hypoxic brain injury from low oxygen levels, which may result in brain cell death and functional damage, at a slower rate than anoxia
How to collect evidence for your case
It is important to always seek medical attention after a brain injury. To gain compensation from the insurance company, you may have to show your injury from work caused it to develop. Medical records can be vital for your case.
