A brain injury can happen anywhere, but one place where they are particularly prevalent is in the workplace. A brain injury at work can lead to a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim and leave you out of work for quite some time.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) a staggering 2.5 million emergency room (ER) visits are related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Of these injuries that occur requiring a visit to the ER it is estimated that nearly 50,000 people die as a result of experiencing a TBI. These staggering numbers should give us all pause and make sure that we are working to bring awareness to the dangers of brain injuries and also following all safety precautions at our workplace to insure that this type of injury doesn’t occur while we are performing the duties of our job.
Depending on where you work there are a variety of different ways that a brain injury could occur and being aware of what those are in your own particular workplace can be life saving. In an effort to protect yourself you should take time and care to understand all of the safety protocols that are in place at your job to make sure that you are safe at all times while performing the duties of your work. If you follow safety procedures you will greatly reduce your risk of experiencing an injury.
With that said, there are situations where safety procedures do not completely keep you free from injury and accidents do happen. Some of the most common accidents at work that lead to traumatic brain injuries include the following;
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Falls. A fall from a high location for example, from a ladder in a warehouse, can lead to serious injury or death. If you do experience this type of injury you should immediately inform your supervisor of the incident and seek medical attention. Of course, falls can occur in all areas of the workplace, so it is important to not just follow safety procedures when you are in a situation where there is reasonable concern that a fall may occur, but anytime you are at work you should be following safety guidelines.
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Being struck by an object. Another way that brain injuries can occur while at work is when you may be struck by an object. While this type of injury is not as common as a fall that will lead to an injury, it certainly does happen and it can be just as damaging as a fall. Often this type of injury involves multiple employees which is why it is so important that all co-workers are skilled in safety protocols and are working together to protect each other.
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Motor vehicle accidents. Another driver of brain injuries in the workplace are accidents involving motor vehicles. This can include those who are driving cars or trucks for work, but also forklifts and other vehicles that are used in your duties of work. You should take all necessary precautions to prevent yourself from getting into an accident of any kind while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Brain injuries at work can be devastating and can be long lasting. They often will lead to a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim and time missed from work. While following safety measures laid out by your employer may give you a better chance to avoid such an injury, they will not always be the protective layer that you need and accidents do happen. You should never hesitate to file a claim if you’ve been injured on the job and especially with brain injuries which are often serious and long lasting.
However you are injured, you may need to speak with an attorney who can review your situation. Our board certified workers’ compensation attorneys can speak with you and help guide you through the claims process. Contact our office and speak with one of them today to help protect your long-term interests.
