Last Updated: 6/29/2023
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury (sometimes called a closed head injury) then you may be dealing with the difficult situation of being referred to the insurance company neurologists who say there are no permanent problems. Keep in mind that even a mild concussion without loss of consciousness can result in a brain injury, but often the doctors that workers' compensation insurance companies send injured workers to will not say you have a brain injury unless it is documented on an MRI or CT scan. And even if it is documented by testing, they may say you have made a full recovery if you can talk, walk and know where you are.
Heavy items have the potential to cause blunt force trauma, leading to mild, medium, or severe brain injuries. Symptoms may range from a headache, confusion, and fatigue to seizures decreased motor function, and even coma. All brain injuries should be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
A Workers' Comp lawyer can help you file for Workers' Compensation in Iowa after sustaining a job-related brain injury. By calculating your medical expenses and working with a physician or expert who can estimate the long-term costs of your brain injury, your lawyer can help you obtain enough compensation to cover your health care costs. Your Workers' Compensation in Iowa will also provide up to 80% of your weekly spendable earnings.
If there is a dispute with your Worker's Compensation in Iowa claim, your Workers' Comp lawyer can also prepare your case in an effort to reach a successful resolution.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See If I Have a Head Injury?
Often, the insurance company will not send an injured worker to a neuropsychologist who is a specifically trained medical professional to detect, evaluate and treat brain injuries. A neuropsychologist will conduct an in-person interview and have the injured worker take a series of written and other tests to determine if there is a permanent injury to the brain. If there is not a permanent brain injury, then the compensation for the injured worker may be minimal. However, keep in mind that sometimes a brain injury that has healed can lead to other back and neck pain, headaches or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have a Head Injury After Being Injured at Work?
If you or a loved one sustained a concussion and are no longer acting like the same person, are confused at times, have difficulties with memory, etc., then a mild traumatic brain injury may be what is causing the issue. A qualified Iowa workers' compensation attorney may be able to help you find a medical provider to treat the condition and obtain fair compensation. To learn more about Iowa's workers' compensation system, including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work, order a copy of our book “Iowa Workers’ Compensation - An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” by clicking on the title or calling 641-792-3595. Why offer a Book at No Cost? Iowa workers' compensation attorney Corey J. L. Walker offers his book at no cost because he has represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and seen too many clients make mistakes before they knew about their rights and responsibilities, costing them thousands of dollars. Iowans injured on the job are beginning to realize that the workers' compensation insurance company is not there to help them and they should at least consider having someone on their side to assist them. Finally, you can learn about Iowa work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no cost, risk or obligation. For immediate assistance or to schedule your no-cost case evaluation, CALL (641) 792-3595 and ask for Corey or Erik.