Traumatic brain injuries can stem from a variety of accidents, but the impacts that they cause are similar regardless of the cause. Victims’ ability to work can be significantly impacted. Unfortunately, there are some brain injury effects that can prevent a worker from returning to their chosen profession.
It is estimated that around 2% of the population of the United States lives with brain injury-related disabilities. There are many different types of brain injuries that can occur, but one factor remains consistent – the longer the person is unconscious after the injury, the worse the effects are likely to be.
What changes might make working difficult?
There are many changes that can occur when you have a brain injury that could make working difficult. The severity of the injury and the location of the damage on the brain determine what types of changes a person will have to cope with.
The cognitive changes can make it hard to think clearly, even while you’re at work. In some cases, reasonable accommodations, such as having instructions written out, might be beneficial. The cognitive changes you might experience include problems remembering things and having a short attention span. You may also have trouble trying to learn new skills. Poor judgement and changes in your ability to communicate can also occur.
Some people also have to deal with physical changes. These can include things like paralysis, muscle weakness and problems with coordination. You might also experience sensitivity to noise and light, which can make it impossible to work in places where those will be a problem.
Behavioral changes are also possible. Some people experience extreme mood swings, intense irritability and trouble controlling their emotions. Social skills might not come easily, which can make working in some environments challenging. It’s possible that trying to push yourself to keep up with the demands of work might make you frustrated.
Trying to live your life after a traumatic brain injury can be a challenge, especially if you aren’t able to return to work and have bills rolling in. Looking into legal options for seeking compensation for the injury might be beneficial. The methods available depend on what caused the accident. For example, an injured seaman may have a claim under the Jones Act, and a person injured by a semitruck crash might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit.
