Suffering blunt force trauma to the head on the job or getting into an incident involving heavy machinery or a vehicle while working could mean that you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI’s are unique injuries because they present different symptoms in each person. Additionally, while you will probably know about a broken bone as soon as it occurs, you may not notice the symptoms of a TBI for several days or maybe even weeks after you get hurt at work.
Despite their potentially subtle onset, a TBI suffered on the job could have a profound and lasting impact on your career.
Brain injuries can change your personality or your typical mood
Your brain is in control of everything — from how often you breathe to the way that you behave with other people. When your brain gets hurt, that injury can result in a sudden change in your personality, mood or behavior. Those changes can have a direct impact on your ability to perform your job.
For example, jobs in customer service or sales that rely heavily on your ability to interact with people may no longer be an option for those who experience a change in how they express themselves after a head injury.
Motor function and balance issues can also end a career. Some people have physical symptoms of a brain injury. They may struggle with grip strength, range of motion or even their sense of balance. If you have a job that requires any kind of physical work, not being able to stand up straight or perform the same tasks you once did could have a drastic impact on your ability to do your job.
Memory and cognitive symptoms can impact work performance as well. Some people have trouble recalling information in a timely manner after a brain injury, while other people may struggle to learn new information. Issues with memory can absolutely affect your ability to perform a job, as can other cognitive symptoms related to a brain injury. People may experience confusion, issues with their perception of time and other cognitive symptoms that will make it much harder for them to keep a job after a TBI.
If you’ve suffered a TBI on the job, it’s essential that you get the workers’ compensation and other benefits to which you’re entitled. An experienced attorney can help you.