Seeking Treatment For a Traumatic Brain Injury After a Work Accident

Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, and the treatment depends on the extent of your injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are usually considered medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. If you suffer a head injury at work, it’s imperative to see a doctor as soon as possible to get the necessary tests to establish the severity of your injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe, and the treatment depends on the extent of your injuries.

How is a TBI Treated?

The doctor will likely run a few tests to determine your injuries’ severity, from assessing your speech abilities right after the incident to even ordering an MRI or a CAT scan.

If you have a mild TBI, the doctor will usually recommend rest and some over-the-counter medication to help manage any pain such as headaches. Apart from this, you will need to be monitored closely at home, and if any symptoms worsen, schedule another appointment as soon as possible.

If your TBI is moderate or even severe, you can expect more complex treatments:

1. Medications

Certain medications may be needed to limit the damage a TBI may cause, such as anti-seizure drugs or diuretics to reduce the amount of fluid in the tissue.

2. Surgery

Some TBIs may require immediate surgery to minimize additional damage to the brain, such as removing clotted blood, repairing skull fractures, or addressing bleeding in the brain.

3. Therapy

TBI patients often need rehabilitation to heal from the injury completely. The type of therapy needed depends on the patient’s symptoms, such as speech impediments or motor function issues. 

Who Pays for This Treatment?

Treatments for TBIs can be quite expensive and put a lot of financial pressure on the injured worker. Fortunately, if you’ve been injured at work, you are generally protected by Missouri’s Worker’s Compensation Laws.

Most employers are required to carry a workers’ compensation policy to protect their workers in the event of an injury. When you are injured at the workplace, this insurance covers your treatment costs, partial lost wages, and offers other benefits depending on your cases, such as disability benefits.

To access these benefits, you have to notify your employer of your injury in writing to begin the worker’s comp process. Your employer will file an injury report and notify you which doctor you can see for treatment, as in Missouri, the employer chooses your doctor in a worker’s comp claim.

The Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury

If you have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) while on the job, you need to be aware of the potential consequences to get the help you need. TBI can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. This article will discuss six of the most common consequences of traumatic brain injury. Let’s get started.

Cognitive Problems

One of the most common consequences of TBI is cognitive problems. This includes difficulty with memory, focus, attention, and thinking. As a result, you may find it difficult to retain new information and complete tasks that you used to do easily. In addition, cognitive problems can make it difficult to return to work. Therefore, it is important to get help from a doctor or rehabilitation specialist if you are having these problems.

Physical Problems

TBI can also lead to physical problems, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and sleep problems. You may also have trouble with your balance and coordination. These physical symptoms can make it difficult to return to work or complete everyday tasks. They can also cause long-term disability.

Emotional Problems

After a TBI, you may also experience emotional problems. These include mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability. It is important to get help for these problems so that you can manage them and live a normal, healthy life.

Social Problems

Another common consequence of TBI is social problems. You may find it difficult to interact with people, communicate effectively, or understand social cues. You may also find it challenging to make friends or maintain relationships.

Financial Problems

TBIs can be expensive to treat. As a result, you may find yourself facing high medical bills and/or a reduced income due to your inability to work. This can lead to financial problems, which can have devastating effects on your life.

Family Problems

A TBI and TBI-related problems can also put a strain on your family. If you cannot care for yourself, your family may have to help you with everyday tasks or care for you. This can be difficult and frustrating for both you and your family.

Workers’ Compensation

If you have suffered a TBI while on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job. The benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits.

That said, the process can be complicated and tricky, so it’s best to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to make a strong case and guide you through the process. They can also help you pursue all of the benefits you are legally entitled to.

St. Louis Work Injury Lawyer

Workers comp is a complex program that can be difficult to navigate by workers dealing with an injury. A St. Louis work accident lawyer can help take some of that pressure off your shoulders and ensure you don’t hit any bumps along the way so that you can focus on your recovery.

If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury at work, speak with a St. Louis worker’s compensation attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected.