A traumatic brain injury can happen in a split second on a job site. One fall, one impact from a falling object, one vehicle accident. What follows can be months or years of recovery, cognitive changes, emotional struggles, and an uncertain future. For workers in Queens, TBIs are a serious and underrecognized workers’ compensation issue. At Bangel, Cohen & Falconetti, we handle workers’ compensation cases for Queens workers who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and are fighting for the benefits they need to rebuild their lives.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen on the Job
TBIs at work are most common in industries where workers are exposed to height hazards, moving equipment, or vehicle traffic. In Queens, that includes a wide range of job sites and industries. Common causes include:
- Falls from scaffolding, ladders, or elevated work platforms
- Being struck by falling tools, materials, or equipment on a construction site
- Vehicle accidents while driving or working near traffic as part of a job
- Explosions or concussive events in industrial settings
- Slip and fall incidents that result in head contact with the ground or a hard surface
Spotting TBI Symptoms After a Workplace Accident
One of the most dangerous aspects of TBIs is that symptoms are not always obvious right away. Workers sometimes feel fine immediately after a head injury and don’t seek medical care. Hours or days later, the effects become clear. Watch for:
- Persistent headaches or a pressure sensation in the head
- Confusion, disorientation, or gaps in memory
- Sensitivity to light or loud sounds
- Mood swings, irritability, or emotional changes that feel out of character
- Difficulty concentrating or following conversations
- Nausea or balance problems that don’t resolve
If you hit your head at work, get medical attention the same day, even if you feel fine.
The Long-Term Impact of a TBI on Your Work and Life
Mild TBIs, sometimes called concussions, may resolve over weeks. Moderate to severe TBIs can produce lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical effects that never fully resolve. A worker may find they can no longer concentrate, manage tasks, or tolerate the sensory environment of their job.
This can mean a partial or permanent loss of earning capacity, something that must be factored fully into your workers’ comp claim.
New York Law and TBI Workers’ Comp Claims
Under state workers’ compensation law, neurological evaluations, imaging, cognitive rehabilitation, and specialist care for TBIs may be covered. Permanent disability benefits may apply if the injury significantly affects your ability to work. If your TBI happened in a construction site fall, New York Labor Law § 240 may also create liability beyond workers’ comp, opening the door to a separate personal injury claim.
Why TBI Claims Require Thorough Documentation
Insurers often dispute TBIs because symptoms can be hard to measure objectively. Our firm works closely with neurologists and other specialists to build a complete picture of how the injury has affected your daily life, work performance, and long-term prognosis.
Call 718-446-4400 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Queens workers’ compensation attorneys.
