Have you suffered an on-the-job head injury in North Myrtle Beach? If so, you may be wondering about your legal options while you are recovering and unable to work. Fortunately, you could be entitled to medical and wage loss benefits from a workers’ compensation claim.
The workplace head injury lawyers of Jebaily Law Firm have more than 100 years of combined experience representing injured workers in North Myrtle Beach and throughout South Carolina. Our team is proud to stand up for the rights of our North Myrtle Beach neighbors. We have the skills and resources needed to help you demand the money you deserve.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more about your rights as an injured worker.
Common Types of Head Injuries at Work
Here are some of the most common types of on-the-job head injuries that affect workers in North Myrtle Beach:
- Concussions – Concussions are among the most common types of head injuries. A concussion occurs when the head is struck or shaken hard enough to make the brain collide with the skull’s interior. Some minor concussions can heal on their own with rest and over-the-counter treatments, but moderate or severe concussions may have long-term or even life-changing effects.
- Contusions – “Contusion” is the medical term for a bruise, which appears when small blood vessels burst and leak under the skin. When a contusion affects the brain, the excess blood from broken blood vessels can result in a dangerous pressure buildup within the skull.
- Intracranial hematomas – An intracranial hematoma (ICH) is when blood collects within the skull or within the brain tissue itself. The blood can press on the brain tissue or result in a clot. Blood clots can cut off the supply of oxygen to various parts of the brain, resulting in permanent brain damage if left untreated.
- Hypoxic and anoxic injuries – Trauma resulting from the brain not getting sufficient oxygen (hypoxic) or not getting any oxygen (anoxic) can cause lasting damage.
- Diffuse axonal injuries – A diffuse axonal injury occurs when the head is twisted or shaken violently enough to tear nerve fibers in the brain called axons, which transmit electrical impulses and are crucial to brain function.
- Skull fractures – When a worker sustains an injury severe enough to break the skull, the resulting fracture can have severe consequences for the brain. Bone shards can easily cut into the brain’s soft tissues and cause permanent damage.
Symptoms of Head Injuries at Work
The symptoms of a work-related head injury can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the injury.
Symptoms of relatively minor head injuries often include:
- A swollen or raised lump on the head
- A small, shallow cut on the scalp
- Blurred vision or feeling tired behind the eyes
- Headaches or lightheadedness
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Nausea or dizziness
- Unusual sensitivity to noise or light
- Unusual irritability or confusion
- Difficulty with balance
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
- Fatigue or changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in the ability to taste
If you notice any of the following symptoms after a head injury at work, it may be a sign of moderate to severe trauma, for which you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Deep cuts and open or penetrating wounds to the head
- Loss of consciousness for any length of time
- Headaches that worsen or don’t go away
- Blood or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose
- Dilation of just one pupil
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Seizures or convulsions
- Trouble with short-term memory
- Slurred speech
- Trouble walking
- Weakness affecting one side or area of the body
- Unusual sweating or pallor
The symptoms of many head injuries are similar to the symptoms of other common medical conditions, so it’s always best to talk to a doctor for a formal diagnosis.
Treatment for Head Injuries at Work
The types of treatment doctors may recommend after work-related head injuries can vary significantly based on the patient’s overall health as well as the type and extent of their injury.
Common treatments for head injuries include:
- Rest
- Cold and ice compresses
- Antibiotic ointments or drugs
- Stitches
- Sedation
- Medically induced comas
- Machine-assisted breathing
- Surgical intervention
- Rehabilitation and therapy
Common Causes of Head Injuries at Work
While workers in certain industries are more likely to sustain on-the-job head injuries, employees in any environment can suffer a head injury.
Some of the most common causes of work-related head injuries are:
- Slips, trips, and falls – Slips, trips, and falls are common causes of head injuries. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur due to slick or wet walkways, uneven flooring materials, or debris on the ground, for example.
- Transportation accidents – Transportation accidents are among the top causes of workplace injuries. Many workers sustain head injuries while driving cars, large trucks, forklifts, or other motor vehicles on the job.
- Falling from heights – Falling from the top of a roof, ladder, scaffold, or staircase is extremely dangerous. Workers can sustain serious head injuries from impacts with the ground or other hard objects they hit on the way down.
- Falling or flying objects – Tools and other objects dropped from above or flung to the side can strike workers in the head and cause severe trauma.
- Heavy machinery accidents – When heavy machinery is defective or misused, workers can sustain head injuries from getting caught in, crushed by, or struck by pieces of equipment.
Work Injury Lawsuits and Third-Party Claims
In certain situations, injured workers may also have grounds to pursue lawsuits, either instead of or in addition to a worker’s compensation claim. While South Carolina workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from suing their employers, even if the employer is at fault for their injuries, these protections do not extend to parties outside the employment arrangement.
If someone other than a worker’s employer or a co-worker injures them, the worker could have grounds to file a third-party personal injury claim against them. Examples of third parties who might be liable for a worker’s injuries include:
- Contractors and subcontractors who do not exercise sufficient care while working nearby
- Property owners who fail to keep safe premises
- Motorists, in the event of a work-related traffic accident
- Manufacturers of faulty or defective equipment
A third-party claim allows an injured worker to recover additional types of compensation not available through workers’ comp, including:
- The total value of their lost wages beyond the two-thirds cap under the workers’ compensation system
- Diminished earning potential if the injury affects the worker’s career
- Physical pain and mental suffering caused by the injury
- Reduced quality of life if the injury leads to long-term impairment
- Damaged personal property when relevant
If you suspect someone other than your employer or a co-worker was to blame for your work-related injuries, contact Jebaily Law Firm immediately. We can investigate the accident, recover evidence to establish a third party’s fault and determine if you have grounds to pursue additional compensation from them.
What to Expect When Filing for Workers’ Comp After a Head Injury
Under South Carolina law, most employers must provide workers’ comp coverage to their workers. When you file a workers’ compensation claim as an injured worker in South Carolina, you can receive benefits to help you pay medical expenses and replace a portion of your lost wages until you get back on your feet.
The nature of many head injuries can make it challenging to obtain the compensation you need. That is because many head injuries are invisible, with varied symptoms that can be difficult to recognize. As a result, you may need to provide substantial medical evidence before your employer or their insurance company agrees to pay for your claim.
At Jebaily Law Firm, our North Myrtle Beach workplace injury attorneys understand that the stakes are high when you’re too hurt to work. That’s why we’re committed to helping you obtain the full benefits you are owed after an on-the-job head injury.
Contact a North Myrtle Beach Workers Comp Attorney
The North Myrtle Beach workers’ comp attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm are prepared to help you fight for the benefits you need after a workplace head injury. Contact us today to discuss the details of your head injury case in a free initial case review.
