Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur fairly often in the workplace. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Connecticut brain injury lawyer from Casper & de Toledo today to learn more about the most common causes of industrial traumatic brain injuries and how our firm can help if you or a loved one have sustained one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the most common causes of industrial traumatic brain injuries?
Industrial workers are frequently exposed to a wide range of potential occupational hazards, increasing the chances of serious accidents and injuries. Just some of the most common causes of TBIs occurring in the workplace are :
- Slips or trips and falls: Very often, industrial workers will unknowingly encounter slippery surfaces caused by leaking materials, toppled equipment, and other slip or trip and fall hazards. Falls, whether from heights or not, frequently result in traumatic brain injuries.
- Toxic chemical exposure: When workers breathe in certain toxic fumes, such as harmful gasses, especially over the course of an extended period of time, it can lead to permanent brain damage–either directly or indirectly. For example, inhalation of certain fumes alone can cause brain damage, but inhalation of certain fumes can also cause workers to faint and hit their heads, leading to concussions or other traumatic brain injuries.
- Debris-related injuries: When debris, such as bricks or tools, falls from heights, it can seriously injure workers, even if they are taking the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing hard hats. Other debris-related injuries can occur when the debris is flung or propelled by power tools or larger machinery.
- Accidents involving work vehicles: Accidents leading to traumatic brain injuries can occur when workers are loading trucks, operating machinery (such as bulldozers or other construction vehicles), driving company vehicles, and more.
In Connecticut, there is a special inter-relationship between the Workers’ Compensation laws and conventional liability laws when injuries involve the operation of a motor vehicle.
In New York, there are special laws that apply when workplace injuries involve building construction and the use of scaffolding.
What should I do if I am hurt in the workplace?
If you’re injured on the job, if possible, the first thing you should do is call 911 and also notify your employer of your injury. If you’ve been hurt due to dangerous workplace conditions, you should photograph or video them if you are able to do so, or ask a co-worker to do so. Once you receive medical treatment and are in stable condition, you should speak with an attorney who can help you determine whether you qualify for compensation via a workers’ compensation or a third-party claim.
Employers have a duty to keep their workplaces safe for their employees, and when they fail to abide by this duty, innocent workers can sustain significant, even life-changing, injuries. If you’ve been hurt on the job, our firm is here to help. Contact us today.
