Many workplace injuries can have lasting consequences, but few are as life-changing as a traumatic brain injury. Some conditions may require care for the rest of your life. We understand that families often depend on the income of an injured worker, and a severe injury may prevent you from working or caring for loved ones. That’s why our traumatic brain injury lawyers are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you deserve. Our practice was founded on a commitment to workers’ rights, and we’re proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled.

A blow to the head should not be ignored just because it seems relatively minor at the time. Even a mere bump on the head can escalate into a traumatic brain injury or other consequences decades down the road without proper medical evaluation and treatment.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are primarily looking to save money for the party or parties involved in your injury. Because of the high costs of these cases, they often refuse to acknowledge the unique character of traumatic brain injuries. Providing comprehensive, long-term, high-quality care can mean hundreds of thousands—or millions—of dollars, and insurers will aggressively fight to minimize costs on their end.

Traumatic brain injuries have lifelong consequences, and we never lose sight of this long perspective when preparing your case. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers will carefully analyze your medical records and work with our network of top medical specialists to maximize your compensation and care. We have assembled the best team of outside experts in Washington State, including accident reconstructionists, physicians, and economic loss experts. Let us put our winning record and considerable resources to work for you.

If you suspect you have a traumatic brain injury, seek medical attention immediately, and then contact our office so we can get started on your case. Emery | Reddy, PLLC has the experience you need to handle complex injury cases. Call us today to speak to our legal team about your claim. Please remember to have your L&I claim number available if applicable.

Types Of Traumatic Brain Injuries

In general terms, a traumatic brain injury includes any harm resulting in damage to the brain. Most cases are blunt force trauma to the brain or closed head injuries. For example, a person’s head may hit their windshield in a collision or be struck by a falling object in a warehouse at work. Other accidents involve penetrating head injuries where an object actually penetrates the skull, directly damaging the brain.

Be aware that traumatic brain injuries do not necessarily result in loss of consciousness. Some people with serious damage initially present only minor symptoms, like a headache.

Signs Of Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries can be dangerous precisely because they often go unnoticed for some time. It’s important to understand the symptoms and get medical attention immediately if you have sustained a head injury. Here are some symptoms to look for:

• Persistent headache, pressure, or neck pain
• Confusion or fogginess
• Fatigue
• Vomiting or nausea
• Slurred speech patterns
• Dizziness
• Loss of memory, concentration, or ability to make decisions
• Difficulty reading or focusing
• Low energy or sex drive
• Change in sleep patterns (insomnia as well as oversleeping)
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Mood swings

If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact the traumatic brain injury lawyers at Emery | Reddy today so we can assess your legal and medical options. Calls with our experienced Intake Specialists are free of charge, and take just a few minutes to complete.

Workplace Accidents And Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries and trauma are common among workers involved in auto accidents, slip and falls, construction site accidents, and other work-related incidents. Working with heavy equipment in a warehouse or construction site puts workers at increased risk. Any impact to the head or incident involving violent movement can result in traumatic brain injury. Just because there is no fracture or puncture wound does not mean the injury is less serious. In a closed head injury, blood may slowly seep into critical areas, causing a build-up of pressure that can lead to death or permanent brain damage.

Concussions And Traumatic Brain Injury

A concussion is a common type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is jarred inside the skull. A growing body of medical research shows that concussions have greater long-term consequences than previously understood. This may lead to minor or serious memory loss, behavioral issues, and ongoing cognitive consequences.

Concussions are often associated with a fall or blow to the head, but it’s not necessary for the head to actually hit the ground or another object to sustain a concussion. Violent motion from a sudden stop can cause also the brain to strike against the skull, resulting in a concussion. Concussions often occur from:

• Vehicle collisions.
• Slip and falls.
• Workplace accidents.
• Personal assault.
• Sports and recreational injuries.

Workers should understand that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Even though some are comparatively mild, no injury to the brain is ever trivial. A seemingly minor concussion can result in long-term consequences, from persistent headaches and fatigue to notable changes in mood.

If someone’s negligence has contributed to your concussion injury, you need a law firm with a record of winning cases for brain injury survivors. We urge you to call Emery | Reddy so our traumatic brain injury lawers can fight to get you the maximum compensation for your injury. Call us today! Please remember to have your L&I claim number readily available if applicable.

Is My Brain Injury A Third-Party Claim Or An L&I Claim?

Third-Party Claim

A third-party claim is one in which someone other than your employer or co-worker is responsible for your injury. If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim, which combines your L&I claim with a personal injury claim using the same facts.

Unlike workers’ compensation payments, there is no limit to the amount of compensation an injured worker may seek in third-party damages. Third-party claims are private matters and are typically litigated directly with the Washington State Superior Court.

If your brain injury leaves you out of work for an extended period of time,  you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages.

L&I Claim

An L&I claim results from a workplace injury or occupational illness. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claim Manager who sees the process through from initial claim filing to closure. If all goes as planned, your claim is accepted by L&I and you will receive certain benefits.

Our Seattle L&I And Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Will Help You Recover:

• Medical benefits: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) provides medical benefits which will cover all medical costs associated with your claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
• Time-loss and wage replacement: If you are approved for time-loss benefits, you may receive compensation for lost wages and vocational rehabilitation.
• Damages for pain and suffering: L&I award amounts vary widely and typically fall into three categories:

1. 1. L&I Disability Pensions: A life-long benefit awarded to injured workers who will never be able to return to any gainful employment due to a severe or life-threatening injury.
2. 2. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) awards: A one-time sum paid to injured workers when their L&I claim is closed. The worker can re-enter the workforce following a PPD award.
3. 3. Claim Resolution Settlement Agreement (CRSA): An L&I settlement option where all parties agree to close an injury claim for a specified amount. When agreeing to this settlement type, the injured worker exchanges all future benefits, except medical, for the payment.

We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our traumatic brain injury and L&I lawyers are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation to which you are entitled by law. Our practice was founded on a commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, and we are proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled. Call us today to learn how Emery | Reddy can help you with your mental health L&I claim.

Your L&I Claim Is Worth More If You Also Have An Employment Law Claim

A significant number of L&I workers’ compensation claims often involve additional legal claims such as employment law or third-party claims. Many people file their claims without seeking representation from an L&I attorney and thus never discover that in addition to their L&I claim, they may be missing out on the ability to file an employment law claim or a third-party claim. Pursuing additional legal action has the potential to significantly increase a claim’s overall compensation.

What Is An Employment Law Claim?

Many injured workers find that their employer has taken, or plans to take, adverse action against them because they filed an L&I claim or they are out of work. You can file a lawsuit against your employer for several reasons, including retaliation, wrongful termination, disability discrimination, or unpaid wages. An L&I attorney who is experienced in both L&I workers’ compensation law and employment law can help you with your L&I claim while simultaneously filing a federal or state law claim for the violation of workers’ rights by your employer.

Who Is At Fault For A Workplace Injury?

L&I is a no-fault system, ensuring compensation for any workplace injury. However, if a third party is involved in causing the injury, you may be able to pursue legal action against them for additional compensation under third-party claims.

How Do I Know If I Have A Case?

If you have an L&I claim or wonder if you have an injury case, ask yourself the following:

• Have you been denied the medical care benefits to which you are legally entitled?
• Has L&I asked you to undergo an Independent Medical Exam (IME)?
• Do you have questions about the L&I claim process that you don’t understand?

If any of the above apply to you, you may have a case!

Navigating an L&I claim can be difficult and very time-consuming, especially when you’re ill or injured. You want to focus on healing and make sure your bills are paid, but if you don’t file things properly or on time, your health, home, and job could be in jeopardy. Many individuals miss out on much-needed L&I benefits because they don’t understand what to do or how to get the most compensation for their injuries. If you are experiencing any challenges in your case, a labor and industries attorney can assist you. By contacting Emery | Reddy as soon as possible after you’ve been injured, we can help you avoid the common pitfalls of filing an L&I claim. Our Seattle L&I attorneys and traumatic brain injury lawyers are here for you every step of the way.

Emery | Reddy Can Help You With Your L&I Claim

Emery | Reddy, PLLC is the only law firm in Washington State that is equipped to provide comprehensive representation on your case from every angle. Our Seattle L&I attorneys thoroughly assess every case to determine if our clients have additional claims, and at times this can extend far beyond the underlying workers’ compensation claim.

If you have been injured in the workplace, call Emery | Reddy today to speak with our legal team for a free case review. Please remember to have your L&I claim number readily available.

Want More Information?

Claim Value

To determine the value of your L&I claim, you first need to understand the different types of L&I awards offered in Washington State.

L&I FAQ

The L&I workers’ compensation process is anything but straightforward. Find out the answers to your L&I workers’ comp questions today.

L&I—Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to injured workers.

Meet The Team

The traumatic brain injury lawyers and L&I attorneys at Emery | Reddy are passionate about helping workers with L&I claims and employment law issues. We Help Workers®: it’s our motto and it’s what drives us every day.

We know how L&I and big companies think, and we understand the tactics they use. Our labor and industries attorneys use that knowledge coupled with over two decades of experience to help our clients get access to the L&I benefits to which they are legally entitled and hold employers accountable when they break the law.

If you’re struggling with an L&I claim, injury, or legal issue at work, please call us and see how Emery | Reddy can help you today.