brain injuries

Construction Workers and Brain Injuries: The 3 Levels of Severity

December 9, 2019 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Working in the construction industry is often dangerous, and its workers are at an increased risk for TBIs and their consequences.

A 2016 report made by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that the construction industry has the highest number of traumatic brain injuries in the US workplaces, both fatal and nonfatal. The report mentions that between 2003 and 2010 there were over 2,200 TBI-related deaths, which accounted for 25% of all fatalities in the construction industry.

Construction workers are more at risk of these types of injuries than any other occupation in the country. TBI’s are extremely serious injuries that require immediate medical attention, especially because they can lead to disabilities, permanent damage, or even death.

Understanding the 3 Levels of Severity

A traumatic brain injury can damage the brain and cause it to stop working properly. It may be the result from a blow to the head or a strong jolt that causes the brain to hit itself on the walls of the skull.

Medically speaking, there are 3 levels of TBI severity:

Mild TBI – These injuries generally result in loss of consciousness for a few minutes, but not all the time. They can make the worker seem confused or disoriented and be diagnosed with a concussion or whiplash. Mild does not necessarily mean the worker is out of harm’s way, however, as they will still require medical attention to see the extent of the injury.
Moderate TBI – With a moderate TBI, the injured worker will most likely lose consciousness and it can even last for a few days. This is where the repercussions get more damaging, as a moderate TBI can even result in permanent physical, behavioral, or cognitive damage. In some cases, these effects can be reserved through long-term treatment.
Severe TBI – A severe TBI generally results when there is a crushing blow to the head or the skull and brain have been penetrated. This is the most life-threatening form of a TBI, and the victim will likely not make a complete recovery from it, as the brain suffers direct damage. If they survive, they will most likely have a permanent disability.

All Require Immediate Medical Attention

Especially in the case of mild TBI’s, initial symptoms may be slow to appear, in which case the injured worker is sent home after they got hurt. However, any head injury should be cause for concern, and your best option is to see a doctor right after the event and get a consultation. The sooner you intervene, the more likely you can avoid permanent damage.

You Deserve Compensation Now

TBIs, no matter their severity, require extensive medical treatment, and if your injury took place at work, legally you are entitled to worker’s comp benefits. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI that resulted in temporary or even permanent damage, please contact a St. Louis workers compensation lawyer for legal support on how to receive compensation benefits.

Call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann for a FREE case evaluation at (314) 361-4300.

Work Injury Risks Faced by St. Louis Drywall Installers

February 20, 2017 By James Hoffmann Leave a Comment

Workers involved in drywall installation can suffer neck, back, shoulder and finger injuries, or even more serious ones such as traumatic brain injuries.

Almost every type of work associated with construction is dangerous and can cause worker injuries. Of all the construction related activities such as crane operation, roofing and demolition, drywall installation may seem the safest, but it can still pose a serious safety risk to workers. Workers involved in drywall installation can suffer neck, back, shoulder and finger injuries, or even more serious ones such as traumatic brain injuries. In this post, our St. Louis work injury attorney will discuss how drywall installation workers can suffer work-related injuries.

Common causes of injuries in drywall installation workers

There are various tasks associated with drywall installation that can cause workers to suffer injuries. These injuries often occur due to the failure of the employers to implement proper safety measures in the workplace. Some of the common reasons drywall installation workers are injured in the workplace include:

Heavy lifting: Drywall can be heavy, and workers often lift it while bending. This can cause back sprains and strains, and injuries to spinal discs that could require medication, surgery, and lengthy physical therapy.

Repetitive motion: Drywall installation workers perform forceful, repetitive motions such as lifting, taping, cutting and sanding throughout the work day. This can cause injuries to the joints and muscles in their hands and backs. Some injuries can put limitations on what work and daily activities these workers can do.

Awkward positions: These workers often work in awkward positions that can put a strain on their muscles, tendons and joints in their neck, back, hands and shoulders.

Long working hours: Drywall installers have to work for long hours doing strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and performing repetitive motions. Lack of breaks and rest can make their injuries worse, because there is no time to heal.

Falls: In construction workplaces, falls are the leading cause of fatalities. Drywall installers are at a high risk of falling off stairs, ladders, and other elevations, especially while carrying heavy sheets of drywall, which can make them lose their balance. Falls can lead to debilitating injuries such as serious fractures, head injuries including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Cold workplaces: Drywall installers often have to work in cold work sites, and this can reduce circulation to the worker’s hands making it more likely that any repetitive motion will cause injuries.

Work-related stress: Construction workers are often faced with a lot of stress, because of their fast paced nature of work, and the need to meet deadlines and rush to their next contract. This often causes the workers to fall from heights and off ladders, slip and fall, or engage in unsafe practices to get the work done quickly.

If you are a drywall installation worker, who has been injured in the workplace, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. To ensure that you received all of the benefits you are entitled to under Missouri law, it is important that you speak with an experienced workers compensation attorney as soon as possible. Give us a call today at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.

Workplace Injuries in the Manufacturing Industry – St. Louis Work Comp Law Firm

October 7, 2016 By James Hoffmann 2 Comments

The manufacturing industry poses innumerable hazards for workers.

From heavy machinery, exposure to sparks, toxic chemicals, repetitive motions, and intense heat, there are many hazards in manufacturing workplaces that cause injury to workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2011, the manufacturing industry accounted for over 30 percent of all occupational illness cases, which is one of the highest injury rates across all industries in the U.S. During the same period, 129,000 workers in the manufacturing sector suffered non-fatal injuries and another 4,600 were killed due to workplace injuries.

Injuries Sustained by Manufacturing Workers

Eye injuries – Almost 52 percent of all eye injuries reported originated from either the manufacturing or retail industries. Common eye injuries include scratches, abrasions, and foreign bodies including chips and splinters.
Crushing injuries – In the manufacturing industry, crushing injuries are quite common because body parts can get crushed by tools or in heavy machinery. Finger and hand injuries are the most common.
Back injuries – Lifting and carrying heavy objects, slip and falls, and falling off scaffolding or a ladder are causes of back injuries.
Head injuries – Multi-level manufacturing sites present the risk of falling debris from heights, which can strike the head and cause serious injuries including bruising, concussion, and laceration. Falls are also a common cause of head injuries.
Repetitive stress injuries – Continuous repetitive movements can cause the muscles, tendons, joints, and nerves to become overused. These injuries can affect any part of the musculoskeletal system including fingers, hands, neck, feet, elbows, and knees.
Amputation – This is the most serious type of all injuries and will leave a worker disabled for life. Heavy machinery can cause amputation of the digits and limbs when workers are not properly trained, safety equipment is not provided or used, or when the worker is distracted.

Safety Tips to Prevent Injuries

Wear proper protective clothing and gear.
Keep the worksite clean to avoid slips and falls.
Receive training before starting to work on new tools and equipment.
Do not use tools that are defective or are in poor condition.
Take regular breaks.
Look out for the safety of other workers.
Report any safety issues to the supervisor or employer immediately.

St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you are having trouble receiving all of the benefits you deserve, talk to a St. Louis work comp lawyer to protect your legal rights. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.