Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have life-changing consequences, being one of the most severe injuries that can happen in the workplace. In California, where industries like transportation, construction, and agriculture are essential to the economy, workers are extremely vulnerable to these injuries.

Common Causes of Work-Related Traumatic Brain Injuries in California

Common Causes of Work-Related TBIs in California

The most common causes of work-related traumatic brain injuries in California can be found in any profession or work industry. They include the following:

  1. Slips/Trips and Falls
    Slips and trips are common in several work industries, including retail, healthcare, and food service. Workers can lose their balance on wet floors or crowded walkways and hit their heads on a hard surface. Although TBIs are often associated with high-impact incidents, brain trauma can be caused by simply falling on a hard floor. A worker can get a concussion or brain hemorrhage if they hit their head on the ground. In some fast-paced work environments, obstacles or spills are not always addressed quickly, so TBIs as a result of slips or trips and falls are fairly common.
  2. Falls From Heights
    Falls are the most common cause of TBIs in the workplace, particularly in maintenance, construction, and similar industries. Workers are put at risk of falling and suffering a severe head injury when they have to work on roofs, elevated platforms, ladders, or scaffoldings. Poor safety measures, like a lack of fall protection gear, can increase the risk of such incidents. Depending on how high the individual falls from and the surface they land on, a fall can lead to a concussion, skull fracture, or more critical brain injuries.
  3. Being Struck by Falling Objects
    Another common cause of work-related TBIs is an object falling on a worker’s head. Employees who work in a warehouse or construction are frequently exposed to environments where building materials, machinery, or heavy tools can fall from above. Even when a worker is wearing a helmet, the force from a falling object can still cause a head injury, especially when the object is heavy or falls from a significant height.
  4. Vehicle Accidents
    Workers in the delivery and transportation industries may be more prone to suffering a TBI due to vehicle accidents. Those who drive delivery vehicles or large trucks often have to be on the road for long hours or work in high-traffic environments. An accident can lead to the worker hitting their head on a hard surface inside the vehicle or, in more severe cases, being thrown outside the vehicle. Driver fatigue, traffic collisions, mechanical failures, and road hazards all contribute to the increased risk of TBIs in these industries.

Impact of TBIs on Workers

Moderate and severe TBIs can have debilitating and long-lasting effects on an injured worker. The consequences of such an injury can be temporary or permanent, affecting the worker’s personal life as well as their ability to continue working. Common symptoms of a TBI include:

  • Concentration difficulties
  • Memory loss
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Mood swings
  • Problems communicating
  • Less impulse control
  • Seizures
  • Physical impairments

A worker who suffers a TBI may face wage loss, high medical expenses, and a long period of recovery due to their injury. When a case is severe, the worker can become permanently disabled, requiring rehabilitation and long-term care. There can be a substantial emotional toll on the injured worker and their family as they learn to navigate and adjust to their new reality.

FAQs

What Should I Do if I Suffer a TBI at Work?

If you suffer a TBI at work, you should seek medical attention immediately and notify your employer as soon as you can. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits to cover lost wages from being out of work and medical care. It would also be in your interest to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer, especially if your case is complex or your employer is not very cooperative.

Can I Sue My Employer for a Work-Related TBI?

Generally, all work-related injuries are remedied exclusively with workers’ compensation; however, you may be able to sue your employer for a work-related TBI in certain cases. If your TBI was intentionally caused by your employer, you may be able to sue if you have evidence. If your employer isn’t covered under workers’ comp insurance, which is illegal in California, you may have the right to sue for damages. You should speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your legal options.

What Four Professions Carry a Higher Risk of a TBI?

Four professions that carry a higher risk of a TBI include truck drivers, construction workers, agricultural workers, and first responders. These jobs tend to involve unpredictable conditions, hazardous environments, and physically demanding tasks that increase the possibility of a head injury.

Truck drivers, for example, face the risk of vehicle accidents, while construction workers are vulnerable to falling or being struck by falling objects. Agricultural workers have to operate large machinery on dangerous terrain, and first responders are vulnerable to accidents or physical altercations.

Can a Mild TBI Have Long-Term Effects?

A mild TBI can potentially have long-term effects, particularly if you’ve had multiple. An individual with a history of mild TBIs can have long-term issues with their memory, their ability to focus, headaches, and coordination. These symptoms may worsen over time, affecting quality of life and leading to a more serious condition. Head injuries should be taken seriously, no matter how minor they may seem, as there can be lasting consequences of repeated impact.

California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

In California, work-related TBIs are a serious concern, primarily in industries that are high-risk. These injuries can vary from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and the consequences can extend beyond the injury itself. If you or someone you know suffered a TBI on the job, contact English Lloyd & Armenta for assistance with a workers’ compensation claim. We can make sure you receive benefits to cover your medical expenses and wages you lost while recovering from your injuries.