Concussions and Illinois Work Comp

We are experienced Illinois attorneys who help people find the best work injury lawyer for their case. We understand how serious concussions are and can connect you with an attorney who will protect you.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a force that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. They have become better understood due to how often they happen in football, but concussions occur frequently in regular workplaces. They are covered under Illinois workers’ compensation law when they happen on the job. Even injuries from a concussion that seem minor at first can have serious and lasting effects. Simply put, this is not an injury to mess around with.

Many occupations carry an increased risk of concussion due to the nature of the work. It can happen in any job. The most common are construction workers, warehouse employees, delivery drivers, and factory workers, but we have seen it a lot with nurses, school teachers, plumbers and really just about every job around.

These head injuries happen most commonly from falls, falling objects, equipment accidents, and car accidents. Healthcare workers and first responders may experience concussions during patient interactions or emergency situations. Workers who drive as part of their job are also at risk, as motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of concussion injuries.

Concussions are not limited though to traditionally “high-risk” jobs. Office workers, school teachers, retail workers, and other employees in seemingly low-hazard environments can suffer concussions due to slip and fall accidents, being struck by objects, or unexpected workplace incidents. A fall on a wet floor, icy sidewalk, or stairwell can be enough to cause a brain injury, even without a direct blow to the head.

Concussions vary widely in how severe they are and in what symptoms result. Some people experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, or difficulty concentrating. Others may develop memory problems, mood changes, sleep disturbances, or ongoing cognitive issues. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or days after the injury. Because concussions affect the brain, proper diagnosis and the appropriate medical treatment are critical. Many injured workers require time off work, work restrictions, or modified duties to allow the brain to heal. Pushing through symptoms can worsen the injury and delay recovery. If not dealt with properly a concussion can affect you the rest of your life. And in some cases it will affect you forever, but early treatment can make it a little better.

Illinois workers’ compensation benefits cover medical treatment, diagnostic testing, therapy, and wage loss while an employee is unable to work or working under restrictions. However, concussion claims are often disputed, particularly when symptoms are subjective or when the injury is not immediately obvious (vs. a broken bone seen on an X-ray, for example). Insurance carriers may question the severity of the concussion or argue that symptoms are unrelated to work. Unfortunately, insurance companies make money by doing the wrong thing which often means they will delay or deny work comp benefits without legal reasons. That is why you need an attorney in your corner; to level the playing field and protect you from dirty insurance company tricks. They do this because treating with a neurologist can be expensive and they want to lower their costs. The work comp insurance does not care how you are suffering. A good lawyer will.

An experienced Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your rights and ensure your concussion is taken seriously. An attorney can assist with reporting the injury, obtaining appropriate medical care, and pursuing benefits if they are delayed or denied. There is no upfront cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, and fees are only paid if benefits are recovered. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a huge difference in both your recovery and the outcome of your workers comp claim.

If you would like a free case review, please call us at 312-346-5320. We work with experienced work comp attorneys all over Illinois. We promise that anyone we recommend to you will be experienced with head injuries and have a real track record of success.