Head Injuries in the Workplace
There are several different types of head injuries that you might experience in the workplace:
- Simple fractures can easily be misdiagnosed as a simple concussion, when in fact a break in the bone has occurred without showing external signs such as damage to the skin.
- Linear skull fractures refer to a break in a cranial bone; this resembles a thin line with no actual splintering, depression, or distortion of the bone.
- Depressed skull fracture is an indentation of the bone toward the brain, accompanied by splintering. This type of head injury results from blunt force trauma, with a high chance of some degree of brain injury.
- Compound fracture is a splintering break in the skull accompanied by significant lacerations in the skin. The incidence of brain injury is high.
- Basal skull fractures occur at the floor of the skull near the eyes, ear, spine, or nasal cavity. These injuries frequently cause other complications beyond a brain injury such as paralysis, blindness, or deafness.
- Hemorrhaging refers to a laceration or cut that causes bleeding in the brain. In a closed head injury, blood may slowly seep into critical areas, causing a build-up of pressure that may potentially lead to death.
- Concussions are marked by unconsciousness of any kind and any length following head trauma. 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.
- Serious head injury symptoms include dizziness, confusion or fogginess, unusual levels of fatigue, headache and pressure, vomiting or nausea, slurred speech patterns, or amnesia.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and an Emery | Reddy Head Injury Lawyer can help you obtain the L&I benefits and compensation to which you are entitled. 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 Emery | Reddy for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you. No fee unless we recover for you.
Is Your Head Injury a Third-Party Claim or a Washington State 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 head injury leaves you out of work for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages.
Washington State L&I Claim
A Washington state L&I claim results from a workplace injury or occupational disease. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claims 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.
When you are injured or contract certain types of illnesses at work, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an L&I claim in Washington state through the L&I website’s File Fast tool, by calling the L&I office at 877.561.3453, or at your doctor’s office. After you file, it is imperative that you call an experienced L&I attorney to help you navigate the L&I claims process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Medical benefits: L&I medical benefits will cover all medical costs associated with your claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
- Time-loss benefits: If you are approved for time-loss benefits, you may receive compensation for the lost wages and vocational rehabilitation.
1. L&I disability pension: 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. Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: 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. 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 L&I benefits, except medical, for the payment.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our Seattle Head Injury Lawyers are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you are entitled to 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 for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
