Is Post-Concussion Syndrome Covered by Worker’s Compensation?

Post-concussion syndrome is a long-term condition that can occur after a head injury. It causes persistent headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, brain fog, memory problems, and other symptoms that can make returning to work difficult, if not impossible. When a head injury at work causes post-concussion syndrome, the injured worker is eligible for worker’s compensation benefits. However, obtaining the benefits you deserve is not always straightforward. You must prove that the condition is a direct result of a work-related injury, or that the work injury precipitated, aggravated and accelerated a pre-existing condition beyond normal progression.

If you are experiencing post-concussion syndrome that resulted in significant lost time from work, permanent disability, wage loss, or if your claim for worker’s compensation benefits was denied, the team of worker’s compensation attorneys at Kingree Law can help.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

After a head injury, an individual may experience a concussion, a “mild” form of traumatic brain injury. While the condition is termed “mild,” the symptoms can be serious. Most concussion symptoms resolve within a month. When symptoms extend beyond that window, the individual may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome, a medical condition in which concussion symptoms linger for months or even years after the initial injury.

What Are the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Common symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Confusion
• Brain fog
• Difficulty sleeping
• Visual disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Changes in taste or smell
• Mood swings
• Neck pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Balance and coordination problems
• Seizures

These symptoms are similar to those of a concussion. However, when they extend beyond the typical recovery window, the injured person might be experiencing post-concussion syndrome.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Doctors use various tests to diagnose a head injury, including CT and MRI scans. They may diagnose post-concussion syndrome when concussion symptoms have not resolved after the initial injury. The exact threshold can vary. Some physicians diagnose post-concussion syndrome when symptoms have not resolved in as much as 3 to 6 months after a head injury, while other doctors diagnose it sooner.

Common Causes of Head Injuries at Work

Head injuries can happen in almost any working environment, but they are most common for falls in employer parking lots, and workers in construction, manufacturing, the trades, and at retail establishments. Common causes of head injuries at work include:

• Objects falling from above and striking a worker on the head.
• Slips, trips, and falls that cause a worker to strike their head.
• Falling from a roof, off of a ladder, or down the steps.
• Equipment malfunctions that cause head trauma.
• Vehicle accidents while on the job.

When those injuries result in a concussion that has not resolved after a month, the injured person might be experiencing post-concussion syndrome.

Seeking Worker’s Compensation Benefits for Post-Concussion Syndrome

An individual who experienced a head injury at work is entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical care and treatment, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation if the condition is not severe enough to prevent school. The specific benefits you are entitled to receive can vary depending on the nature and severity of your injuries.

Worker’s compensation carriers very frequently deny benefits related to post-concussion syndrome, usually via IME opinion. Our team of worker’s compensation attorneys can fight for the benefits you deserve.

What Should I Do After a Head Injury at Work?

After any injury at work, you should report the incident and seek medical attention.

• Inform your supervisor of the accident and your injuries as soon as possible. Your employer is required to write a report and submit it to the insurance company. You should request a copy of the report.
• Seek medical treatment, even if you believe your injuries were minor. In cases of head injuries, symptoms may take hours or even several days to appear. Without a medical evaluation, your claim for benefits could be denied.
• Describe the work injury to your doctors and ask them to include this information in your medical records. This is very important.
• Keep track of your symptoms. Report to your doctor if you notice any new symptoms, as well as which symptoms are improving and which are worsening.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Worker’s Compensation Claim?

Some workplace injuries are straightforward and do not require assistance from a lawyer. However, if your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance company denied your benefits, your employment was terminated, you suffered permanent disability or permanent wage loss due to your work restrictions, or you believe you are not receiving all the benefits you are due, you should contact a worker’s compensation attorney.

Kingree Law Firm is a premier worker’s compensation law firm in Wisconsin. Our team of skilled and experienced worker’s compensation attorneys exclusively represents injured workers in claims for worker’s compensation benefits. We primarily represent injured workers outside the Milwaukee area and have earned a reputation as one of the top worker’s compensation law firms in the state. We will protect your rights and fight to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Contact Kingree Law Firm Today

If you experienced a workplace accident or suffered an occupational injury that caused significant lost time from work, permanent disability, permanent wage loss, or if your claim for worker’s compensation benefits was denied, contact Kingree Law Firm today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can assist you.