Head Injury Attorney in Oakland, California

Work-related head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries are often caused by falls, collisions with objects, motor vehicle accidents, or explosions in the workplace. Regardless of the cause, a head injury can have lasting impacts on your life and livelihood.

We know how overwhelming it can feel to deal with a head injury while also trying to work through the difficulties of workers’ compensation claims. That’s why we’re committed to providing friendly and realistic legal guidance to help you through this challenging situation. We’re a dedicated team of hardworking legal professionals based in Oakland, California, serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

With years of experience under our belt, we’re committed to helping you. If you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim, don’t face it alone; reach out to us today, and let’s work together to achieve the best possible outcome.

Common Head Injuries at Work

Understanding the common types of head injuries encountered in the workplace is an essential step toward recognizing their seriousness and taking prompt and appropriate action. It’s important to know the frequent head injury scenarios you might encounter and how they can potentially affect your work and health.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur from any blow to the head or sudden jolt. They can cause cognitive impairment, emotional changes, and physical disabilities that can affect your ability to work and live a normal life.

Concussions

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can result from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, and nausea.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are typically more serious and can result from a violent blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can lead to permanent brain damage and can significantly alter your life.

Causes of Head Injuries

Slip and fall accidents, where workers hit their heads on hard surfaces.

1. Falling Objects: Workers are at risk of head injuries when objects fall from shelves, scaffolding, or other elevated platforms.
2. Vehicle Accidents: Employees who operate or work near moving vehicles, including forklifts, trucks, and cars, can suffer head injuries from collisions.
3. Equipment Malfunctions: Defective or improperly maintained equipment can lead to sudden shocks or blows to the head.
4. Explosions: In industries that handle combustible materials, explosions can cause debris to strike the head, leading to potentially serious injuries.
5. Contact with Fixed Objects: Walking into or being struck against stationary objects such as walls, pipes, or machinery can cause trauma to the head.
6. Violence: Altercations or physical assaults at work, though less common, can lead to head injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a head injury at work, remember that you are not alone. Your recovery is our priority, and we are here to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.

Symptoms of a Head Injury

Symptoms of a head injury can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury. They may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and changes in sleep patterns. More severe symptoms could include seizures, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and persistent vomiting.

What to Do If You Get a Head Injury at Work

If you suffer a head injury while on the job, it’s imperative to take immediate action. Your health and safety are the top priority, followed by understanding the proper steps to ensure you are appropriately compensated for your injury.

Get Medical Help Immediately

If you’ve suffered a head injury at work, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to get checked out as some symptoms may not appear until later.

Filing Workers’ Compensation Claim

Once you’ve received medical treatment, your next step should be to file a workers’ compensation claim. This claim can provide you with benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages.

The Process

Navigating a personal injury claim after sustaining a head injury at work involves several critical steps to ensure that your rights are fully protected.

1. Report the Injury. Promptly reporting the injury to your employer is a fundamental first step. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury occurs to meet any deadlines set by state workers’ compensation laws.
2. Document Everything. Keep detailed records of all your medical visits, treatments received, and how the injury impacts your daily life and ability to work. Documentation is key and will support your claim throughout the process.
3. Consult with an Attorney. Seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney, like those at The Law Office of Robert E. Wood, can greatly influence the outcome of your claim. An attorney can guide you through the legal steps, help gather evidence, and represent you in dealings with insurance companies and in court, if necessary.
4. Claim Filing. Your attorney will help file the claim against the responsible parties. This could include your employer or another third party whose negligence may have contributed to your injury.
5. Negotiation. Many personal injury claims are settled out of court. Your attorney will negotiate with the involved parties for a fair settlement that covers your financial needs resulting from the injury.
6. Litigation. If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the next step may be going to trial. Here, your legal representation is crucial to effectively argue your case and present the evidence to a judge or jury.
7. Resolution and Compensation. The ultimate goal of the process is to obtain a resolution that provides you with adequate compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the head injury.

By understanding and carefully following these steps, you can streamline the process and focus on your recovery, while we handle the complexities of your personal injury claim.

Time Limit to File

In California, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to consult with an attorney to understand your rights and obligations.

Head Injury Attorney in Oakland, California

As a trusted head injury attorney in Oakland, California, we at The Law Office of Robert E. Wood are committed to advocating for workers who have suffered head injuries. We understand the challenges of workers’ compensation law and are dedicated to helping you navigate this difficult process.

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to support you, provide reassurance, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to start the process. We’re ready to fight for you.