In 2014, over 80,000 workers suffered head-related injuries, such as concussions in the workplace, reports Grainger Industrial Supply. Whether you bumped your head on equipment or took a fall on a factory floor, the effects of a head injury aren’t always immediate. So what you initially thought was a harmless bump could easily prove to be a serious issue down the road.
Symptoms of a Head Injury
After a head injury like a concussion, you and your loved ones should keep an eye out for signs of trouble. The following are some common symptoms, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Swelling, bruise, or cut at the spot of impact
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Ringing sound in the ears
- Dizziness or problems with balancing
- Confusion or memory issues
- Fatigue
Changes with mood, including irritability, are signs that those around you might notice before you do.
The following symptoms are more likely to indicate severe head injuries.
- Constant headache or nausea
- Slurring of words
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness or even coma
- Short-term memory loss
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty walking or moving
The more severe symptoms are often accompanied by the minor signs. For example, you might experience light and sound sensitivity along with convulsions or seizures.
Next Steps
It’s often easy to write symptoms off as signs of a different condition, such as a more general illness. It’s important to see a medical professional for a full evaluation, especially if symptoms don’t go away. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, EEGs, and MRIs, can give you a clearer understanding of the effects of the head injury as well as treatment options.
When possible, select a health care provider that is associated with New York State’s Workers’ Compensation Board.
Although getting treatment should be your top priority, you’ll also need to inform your employer as soon as you can. Within 30 days of the injury, send your supervisor or employer a written statement with details of the workplace accident. Next, you’ll need to fill out Form C-3, which is a claim for workers’ compensation.
This is just the beginning of the process, especially if a dispute with your employer arises. Rely on our savvy attorneys to help you get the benefits you deserve from your workplace injury.
Sources:
https://safety.grainger.com/insights/data-visualized/workplace-injury-statistics-and-incident-rates