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The link between concussions and construction workers

On Behalf of | May 4, 2024 | Workers' Compensation

Construction workers in North Carolina are at a high risk of concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries, due to various dangers in their work environments. For instance, their workplaces may expose them to falls from elevated surfaces, with falls from scaffolds, ladders and roofs accounting for more than 50% of fatal workplace brain injuries. Here is a rundown of the symptoms of brain injuries among construction workers. 

Identifying brain injuries in construction workers 

Diagnosing and treating concussions can be tricky. This is because the symptoms of brain injuries can range from modest cognitive changes to more obvious physical symptoms, like severe headaches, disorientation, fatigue, dizziness, and sensitivity to sound or light. In addition, these symptoms may appear suddenly or build gradually. For this reason, it is critical to cautiously assess and treat these symptoms.

Medical experts can perform extensive assessments of injured construction workers to detect problems in strength, vision, balance and coordination, which are indicators of brain injuries. These assessments may also provide vital insights into brain injuries’ effects on different victims. This may help spur the development of tailored treatment programs to aid recovery and decrease long-term effects. 

Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney 

A construction site worker in North Carolina who has suffered a brain injury in a workplace accident would be wise to contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can assist the worker in filing for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include the replacement of a percentage of the worker’s wages during his or her recovery period. They also include coverage for rehabilitation costs and medical expenses resulting from the individual’s workplace injury.