Head Injuries

Head injuries in the workplace are among the most serious types of injuries an employee can suffer. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, cognitive impairments, and even life-threatening conditions. Workers across various industries are at risk of sustaining head injuries, whether from falls, falling objects, or accidents involving machinery. In Minnesota, workers’ compensation laws provide financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related head injuries.

This article will discuss common causes of head injuries in the workplace, the types of head injuries employees may experience, and the workers’ compensation benefits available to injured workers in Minnesota.

Common Causes of Work-Related Head Injuries

Work-related head injuries can happen in any industry, though some professions carry a higher risk than others. The most common causes include:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces can result in serious head trauma.
- Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered work areas increase the risk of falls leading to head injuries.

- Workers in construction, warehousing, and manufacturing industries often face the risk of objects falling from above.
- Hard hats and other protective gear reduce the risk but do not eliminate the possibility of severe head trauma.

3. Motor Vehicle Accidents

- Employees who drive for work, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, and construction workers operating vehicles, are at risk of head injuries due to crashes.
- Collisions and rollovers can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.

4. Workplace Violence

- Assaults or altercations between employees or with customers can result in blunt force trauma to the head.
- Healthcare workers, teachers, and law enforcement personnel are at a higher risk of workplace violence-related head injuries.

5. Machinery Accidents

- Employees working with heavy machinery, such as forklifts, presses, and conveyor belts, may suffer head injuries due to malfunctions or operator error.
- Contact with moving parts or getting caught in machinery can lead to blunt force trauma.

6. Explosions and Blasts

- Assaults or altercations between employees or with customers can result in blunt force trauma to the head.
- Healthcare workers, teachers, and law enforcement personnel are at a higher risk of workplace violence-related head injuries.

Common Types of Work-Related Head Injuries

Head injuries can vary in severity, from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common work-related head injuries include:

- A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head.
- Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and temporary memory loss.
- While concussions may heal with rest, multiple concussions can lead to long-term cognitive issues.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

- TBIs can range from mild to severe and may result from blunt force trauma or penetration injuries.
- Severe TBIs can cause permanent brain damage, affecting speech, mobility, and cognitive function.

- A skull fracture occurs when the skull bone breaks due to impact.
- These injuries may lead to brain swelling, internal bleeding, or infection if the skull is penetrated.

4. Hematomas and Hemorrhages

- A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, often caused by a head injury.
- Intracranial hemorrhages occur when blood vessels in the brain rupture, leading to dangerous bleeding and swelling.
- These injuries can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.

5. Lacerations and Contusions

- Deep cuts and bruising on the scalp or forehead can lead to excessive bleeding and potential complications.
- While external wounds may seem minor, they can indicate more serious underlying head trauma.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Head Injuries in Minnesota

Minnesota workers’ compensation laws ensure that employees who suffer work-related head injuries receive benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vocational rehabilitation. The benefits available depend on the severity of the injury and its long-term impact on the worker’s ability to perform their job.

- Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a work-related head injury.
- This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and follow-up treatments.
- Brain injuries may require specialized neurological care, which is also covered under workers’ compensation.

2. Wage Loss Benefits

- If a worker is unable to return to work due to a head injury, they may be eligible for wage replacement benefits.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If an employee is completely unable to work for a period of time, they may receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If the employee can return to work but earns less due to their injury, they may receive compensation for the wage difference.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If the head injury prevents the worker from ever returning to gainful employment, they may qualify for long-term wage replacement benefits.

3. Vocational Rehabilitation

- Workers who suffer head injuries that prevent them from returning to their previous job may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services.
- These services include job training, education, and assistance in finding suitable employment within the worker’s new limitations.

4. Death Benefits for Fatal Head Injuries

- If a worker dies as a result of a work-related head injury, surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits.
- These benefits include compensation for funeral expenses, and financial and other benefits payable to surviving family members or the deceased worker’s estate.

Seeking Legal Assistance for Work-Related Head Injuries

Navigating the workers’ compensation system after a head injury can be complex, especially if an employer or insurer disputes the claim. In some cases, insurers may attempt to deny coverage, arguing that the injury was not work-related or that the employee can return to work sooner than medically advisable.

A Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney can help injured workers by:

Gathering medical evidence to support the claim.
Negotiating with insurance companies for full and fair benefits.
Representing the worker in hearings or appeals if the claim is denied.
Ensuring that the worker receives appropriate medical care and long-term benefits.

Head injuries in the workplace can have serious consequences, affecting an employee’s health, job performance, and financial stability. Minnesota workers’ compensation laws provide essential benefits to help injured employees recover and move forward. However, securing these benefits can be challenging without proper legal representation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a work-related head injury, consulting with an experienced Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in obtaining the benefits and support needed for recovery. Don’t face the claims process alone—seek legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected.

Request a free Case Evaluation

Discover More Common Injuries Topics

Read Related Articles

Work-Related Head Injuries: Causes, Types, and Workers' Compensation Benefits

Common Causes of Work-Related Head Injuries

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

2. Falling Objects

3. Motor Vehicle Accidents

4. Workplace Violence

5. Machinery Accidents

6. Explosions and Blasts

Common Types of Work-Related Head Injuries

1. Concussions

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

3. Skull Fractures

4. Hematomas and Hemorrhages

5. Lacerations and Contusions

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Head Injuries in Minnesota

1. Medical Benefits

2. Wage Loss Benefits

3. Vocational Rehabilitation

4. Death Benefits for Fatal Head Injuries

Seeking Legal Assistance for Work-Related Head Injuries

Conclusion

Request a Free Case Evaluation

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Request a free Case Evaluation

Head Injuries

Discover More Common Injuries Topics

Read Related Articles

Work-Related Head Injuries: Causes, Types, and Workers' Compensation Benefits

Common Causes of Work-Related Head Injuries

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

2. Falling Objects

3. Motor Vehicle Accidents

4. Workplace Violence

5. Machinery Accidents

6. Explosions and Blasts

Common Types of Work-Related Head Injuries

1. Concussions

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

3. Skull Fractures

4. Hematomas and Hemorrhages

5. Lacerations and Contusions

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Head Injuries in Minnesota

1. Medical Benefits

2. Wage Loss Benefits

3. Vocational Rehabilitation

4. Death Benefits for Fatal Head Injuries

Seeking Legal Assistance for Work-Related Head Injuries

Conclusion

Request a Free Case Evaluation

Social

Social

Receptionist

Fax

Receptionist

Fax

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