Traumatic brain injuries are a significant medical concern. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NHINDS) explains that a traumatic brain injury occurs when the head sustains damage caused by taking a hit, blow or related similar occurrence. A traumatic brain injury or a TBI can cause a significant amount of symptoms and impairments and according to the NHINDS these can include headaches, confusion, changes in mood and behavior as well as memory dysfunction, trouble with focus, and concentration. Over time, the prognosis can be poor with sustained difficulty in functioning leading one to require lengthy treatment interventions and be unable to sustain employment.The NHINDS reports that over 5 million people in the U.S. are negatively impacted by a TBI and require permanent assistance to function.
Traumatic brain injuries can be sustained across a variety of work related events but certainly a construction worker position could lead to a higher risk of this type of damage. According to the Center for Disease Control the vast majority, 40%, of individuals that sustained a TBI occurred through a fall. Men are three times more likely than women to die from a traumatic brain injury. The CDC reports that in 2010, the highest number of work-related fatalities occurred in the construction field.
There are numerous health and safety concerns on a construction job site. A construction worker is more likely than most to sustain a fall due to the need to work at significant heights every day. Additionally, these workers often do not have supportive equipment like helmets or other safety devices to protect them from these types of injuries. If these workers are even provided with necessary equipment, they may not be receiving appropriate training and instruction on how to utilize effectively.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to your employer’s negligence you may be able to be compensated. A TBI requires lengthy and expensive treatment that requires medical assistance and benefits. It can be helpful to reach out to a disability attorney to understand your rights and your employer’s responsibility.
