Connecticut Brain Injury Lawyers

 
Workplace head injuries, including those to the eyes, face and skull, are commonly caused by trauma to the face or head from falling objects, heavy machinery accidents, and slip and fall accidents. Because of the proximity to the brain, injuries to the head are among the most serious and life-threatening workplace injuries.

Connecticut statistics show that  workplace head injuries among the most common in the state, accounting for 12% (20,833) of total injuries in 2018 and an estimated 8.5% of injuries nationally. In total, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that workplace head injuries impact roughly 100,000 workers annually.

If you've suffered a workplace head injury and are in need of workers' compensation, it is extremely important to know what types of work injuries qualify for benefits, how to properly file a workers' compensation claim, the compensation amount you can expect, and the assistance that an attorney can provide to ensure your maximum award amount.

Average Workers' Compensation Settlements for Head Injuries

Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) states the national average cost of a worker's compensation claim for workplace head-injury is $58,013 (in lost wages and medical expenses). Below is a table for estimated settlement amounts based on the NSC claim cost average for head injuries.

Severity of Head Injury	Estimated Settlement Amounts	Types of Injuries
Mild	$1 – $38,67	Concussion, mild contusions, etc.
Moderate to Severe	$38,676 – $58,013	Skull fractures, severe concussions, mild TBI, etc.
Extremely Severe	$58,013 (+)	TBI, etc.

Workers' Compensation Benefits for Head Injuries

Under the Connecticut Workers Compensation Act  head injuries related to overexertion in the workplace or workplace accidents are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Overexertion can lead to passing out or fainting, which can cause injuries including:

• https://medlineplus.gov/traumaticbraininjury.htmlTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Contusion
• Fractured skull
• Concussion
• Sensory organ damage

In Connecticut , weekly workers compensation  benefits are generally provided at between 66.6% and 71% of average weekly wage (AWW).

Workers' compensation benefits are determined based on:

• Severity and classification of the injury
• Wage loss from the injury
• Medical expenses

Workers' compensation protections, provided under the Connecticut  Workers' Compensation Act, afford injured workers financial protection and security in the form of full medical treatment coverage and replacement of lost wages, in the event of a workplace injury.

Connecticut  requires employers to purchase workers' compensation insurance, and it is the employer's insurance company that will provide coverage for the cost of medical care associated with the injured employee's work injuries.

Compensation and coverage for medical bills afforded under the Act, are typically determined by the severity and type of the workplace injury an employee suffers, as well as the amount of lost wages and period the employee is unable to work.

Can I File a Workers' Comp Claim for a Head Injury in Connecticut?

Yes. Employees who suffer from workplace head injuries may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Workplace head injuries are predominantly caused by falling objects, slips and falls, vehicle accidents and other blunt trauma to the skull or face.

The most common injuries to the head are:

• Concussion
• Contusion
• Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injuries (Second Impact Syndrome)
• Skull Fractures (Depressed or Compound)
• Coup-Contrecoup (Multi-Side Contusions)
• Torn Nerve Tissue
• Anoxic Brain Injuries (Oxygen Deprivation)
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

How Can I File a Head Injury Claim?

After suffering a workplace head injury, filing a workers' compensation claim may pose a daunting task. While your health should be your first and foremost concern, ensuring that your claim is filed properly and within the Connecticut worker's compensation filing deadlines can be the difference between receiving the benefits you need and not.

The proper steps for filing a workers' compensation claim in Connecticut are as follows:

1. Report the injury to your employer.

As soon as possible following injury, employees should report their injury and impairment to their employer. 

2. Get immediate medical help and inform the doctor that your injury work-related.

While it may not seem immediately relevant to your care, informing your medical provider that the injury is work-related ensures that all medical records stay consistent with your workers' compensation claim.

3. File a workers' compensation claim.

After being notified of your injury, your employer is required to submit their Form 30C Notice of Claim for Compensation  to the state and to the employer This must be done NO LATER THAN 1 year after the date of your injury Consulting with a workers' compensation attorney during this process is a good strategy for maximizing your benefits and ensuring your claim is filed properly.

How Common are Workplace Head Injuries?

Workplace head injuries are, unfortunately, very common. Today, they are responsible for roughly 1 in 8 of all workplace injuries in Connecticut  and just under 1 in 10 nationally.

However, as shown by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) data, workplace injuries remain in a state of decline. In fact, the total incidence of workplace injuries, including workplace head injuries, has consistently declined (year over year) for most of the last two decades and each of the last 6 years.

Are Head Injuries Common in Certain Industries?

Because of their relationship to slip and fall accidents, heavy machinery operation and falling objects, industries with the highest probability of workplace head injuries are:

• Construction (Laborers and Freighters)
• Manufacturing (Stock and Material Movers)
• Trade and Transportation (Retail and Truck Drivers)
• Health Care (Nursing and Ambulatory Staff)

Workers' Comp Lawyer for Head Injury Claims

After a workplace head injury, it is essential to work with a qualified and experienced workers' compensation attorney to ensure your eligibility and maximum possible benefit award.

The Law Office of James F. Aspell, P.C. is a law firm with a demonstrated history in winning workers' compensation benefits for injured workers throughout Connecticut

If you have questions about wage loss benefits, medical benefits, or any other aspects of your workers' compensation case, we are ready to assist you. We can guide you through each step of your head injury workers' compensation claim. To schedule a free consultation, contact call 860-500-1414.