Workplace Brain Injuries & Workers’ Compensation System in CA: An Overview

September 2, 2024

Work-related brain injuries can be incredibly serious and have long-lasting negative effects on an individual’s health, quality of life, and ability to work and provide for themselves and their loved ones. California’s workers’ compensation system plays a crucial role in providing high-quality medical care and support for injured workers. 

While an experienced brain injury attorney in Los Angeles, CA can help you realize your law-given rights, understanding the different types of injuries that can affect the brain is extremely important to recognize the risks and ensure injured workers get appropriate medical care.

What are the Types of Workplace Brain Injuries?

Due to California’s high population and the fact that many occupations involve significant physical risks (e.g. manufacturing, construction, transportation, etc.), work-related brain injuries are fairly common throughout the state. 

These injuries can occur in various ways on the job and in the workplace, with the severity ranging from mild concussions, causing only a short-lasted impairment, to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) which can leave lifelong consequences and even be lethal (in the most severe cases).

Brain Concussions

Usually caused by a direct impact/blow to the head or, in many cases, a fall, concussions are the number one most common type of brain injury in the workplace. Symptoms can include (but are not limited to) headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and temporary cognitive impairment.

Brain Contusions

Brain contusions are bruises on the brain tissue, typically resulting from a direct impact/blow to the injured worker’s head. Contusions can cause pain and lead to swelling and increased pressure on the brain. This type of injury is known to cause much more severe symptoms than a concussion.

Penetrating Brain Injuries (PBI)

PBIs can occur when a blunt or sharp object pierces the skull and passes through the skull and into the brain. These serious types of injuries are typically seen in construction, manufacturing, and similar environments, such as with dock or factory workers, and can be life-threatening.

Anoxic Brain Injuries (ABI)

ABIs occur from a lack of oxygen to the brain and are typically related to serious incidents, like drowning, suffocation, or exposure to hazardous environments (chemicals, gases, etc). Anoxic injuries can cause widespread brain damage, affecting multiple cognitive and physical functions.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

These workplace injuries occur when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull as a result of severe acceleration or deceleration, such as in cases of traffic accidents. DAIs can cause extensive damage to the brain’s white matter and are associated with severe TBIs.

Second Impact Syndrome (SIS)

This happens when a person suffers a second concussion before the prior concussion has had time to heal properly. This injury can lead to rapid and severe brain swelling, likely resulting in long-term damage or even death.

Where can I find an experienced brain injury attorney near me in Los Angeles, CA?

Whether you’re in Sylmar, West Covina, or Long Beach, you won’t find anyone better to advocate for your cause than a legal team from LA Accident Pros. 20+ years on the scene, 100+ years of collective experience, and 1+ billion in benefits recovered for our clients – that’s our proof of excellence – and it’s at your disposal in its entirety.

We take a personalized approach to each individual case, combining effective strategies with fierce advocacy, ensuring that our clients have top-tier representation every step of the way. Plus, we take all cases on a contingency basis, meaning that – if we don’t win your case, you’re under no obligation to pay a dime!

Contact us today for your FREE consultation and secure a partnership that has your best interest at heart – always!