Workplace accidents happen regularly throughout Pennsylvania. Some end with workers experiencing head-related injuries. Yet, what some employees underestimate is that even injuries that seem minor and may not appear to be serious can cause long-term problems. Among those problems is a condition known as post-concussion syndrome.
Because post-concussion syndrome does not present itself immediately, it can pose issues in terms of receiving workers’ compensation benefits to cover the medical fees and lost wages associated with treatment. This is why it is important to both understand post-concussion syndrome as well as how to protect your legal rights and options.
Post concussion syndrome reveals itself weeks or months after a head injury. There is no correlation between the severity of a head injury and the likelihood of being diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Consequently, many employees are surprised when they start to undergo unexpected symptoms long after a workplace accident happens.
Some of the more common post-concussion syndrome physical and emotional indicators include:
- Dizziness
- Memory lapses
- Exhaustion
- Vision disturbances
- Tinnitus
- Nervousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Personality and mood changes
Any of these symptoms could lead a worker to have trouble focusing on tasks. For this reason, employees who are diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome may want to file for workers’ compensation. However, many receive denials, putting them in difficult and confusing positions.
Why a Claim for Post-Concussion Syndrome May Be Denied?
If the employee never filed a Workers’ Compensation claim for the original accident that eventually led to the post-concussion syndrome, the employee will have a much tougher time proving the original accident ever took place. Even if the employee did file a claim or report the accident, workers’ compensation adjusters may say that the post-concussion syndrome had nothing to do with the initial injury. This dilemma can be exacerbated if the employee never received medical attention for the first accident.
A second reason for Workers’ Compensation claims to be denied is that employees often have no advocates supporting them. This is where the representation of a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer can make a difference.
What Should I Do After a Workplace Accident?
There is a few things you should do after a workplace accident that will improve your chances of receiving workers’ compensation benefits:
- Report the accident to your manager in writing. Even if the accident seems small or you appear to be unharmed, make sure the incident is documented. This creates evidence that something happened, making it tougher for an insurance company to say otherwise later.
- Go to a medical provider after any accident. You may feel fine after an on-the-job accident but you should still be examined by a medical provider. Again, this visit will prove that the accident happened and you were evaluated.
- Monitor any changes in your health after a workplace accident. Are you getting more headaches after falling at work and hitting your head? Do you have dizzy spells that you never had before? Keep track of anything you notice in a journal, and go to your primary care provider if you do not see improvements.
- Talk to a lawyer if you are diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Before filing a workers’ compensation claim after you have been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, contact a lawyer. The lawyer can advise you on ways to proceed based on your situation.
Chester County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Help Injured Employees With Post-Concussion Syndrome
Are you wondering if you can file a workers’ compensation claim for your post-concussion syndrome? Did you receive a claim denial? Call our Chester County workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC. Contact us at 610-594-1600 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.