Common head and brain injuries
Head injuries vary in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to serious fractures, concussion and even brain damage. Even a relatively minor head injury can have a long-term impact on an individual's life.
Head injuries can lead to many complications, such as:
- Headaches, nausea, dizziness and vision problems
- Memory problems, cognitive and learning difficulties
- Epilepsy
- Infection
- Poor concentration and personality changes
- Problems with sleeping and general tiredness
- Brain damage
In more serious cases, a head injury involving a fractured skull or concussion can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and permanent disability.
Head and brain injuries in the workplace
Head and brain injuries are most commonly sustained in a slip, trip or fall at work. Wet surfaces and trailing cables can be a hazard in office and retail environments.
More serious injuries are likely when employees are working at height. Construction workers, scaffolders and anyone who regularly uses a ladder is particularly at risk. Even when health and safety best practice is followed and suitable PPE is worn, a fall from height can be catastrophic.
What to do if you sustain a head injury at work
Seek immediate medical attention
Even a seemingly minor knock to the head could lead to a more serious injury with lasting implications if left untreated. Head injury symptoms can develop weeks after an accident. Concussion symptoms can be delayed.
Although the NHS recommends treating minor head injuries at home )especially during COVID), if the accident occurred at work you should still seek immediate medical attention.
A doctor will be able to identify the potential risks of your injuries, recommend treatment or refer you to a specialist. You will also have a record of your visit which could prove invaluable if you decide to make a legal claim for compensation.
Find out more: Key things you need to do when getting medical help for a work injury
Keep records
A record will make it easier to claim:
- Injury compensation
- Any benefits you are eligible to receive
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
It is a good idea to write everything down while you still clearly remember what happened. Take photos of the accident scene and contact details of any witnesses.
Find out more: Gathering evidence after a work injury - checklist
Report your injury
Your employer should have a formal reporting procedure in place to record any accident in the workplace, usually in an accident book. If you remember anything about the accident after the report is filed, you should notify your employer in writing (e.g. by email).Can I make a head injury claim?
If your head was injured in an accident at work as a result of your working conditions or your employer's negligence, you could be entitled to claim financial compensation. In most cases, a claim should be started within three years of the date of your accident or the diagnosis of your health condition.What financial help can I get following a head injury?
In general, there are three routes to get financial support after a work accident:
- Claiming Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Applying for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
- Claiming work accident compensation
Your employer may also provide sick pay above the standard SSP rate. It can take some time to claim compensation and IIDB. If you plan to claim either of these, it may be worthwhile to start the process sooner.
How will my employment status affect my right to claim?
The claims process for full-time workers is generally simpler than for self-employed contracts or agency workers, but you should still be able to claim compensation.
Read more about claiming if you are:
How much head injury compensation can I claim?
Compensation awards are comprised of general damages and special damages.
General damages are awarded for any pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Awards will vary depending on the impact your injuries have and will have, on your life.
Special damages are paid to compensate for any losses or expenses you have incurred due to the accident or your injuries.
The Work Accident Advice Centre calculator gives a good idea of what your compensation award could be, including general and special damages.
No win, no fee head injury claims
Work injury claims in the UK are usually made with the help of a personal injury solicitor. Most work accident solicitors work on a "No Win, No Fee" basis. This means that you will only pay any legal fees if your claim is successful.
The solicitor's fees will be paid out of the compensation award. Under a No Win, No Fee agreement, a solicitor will receive a success fee of up to 25% of a claimant's compensation.
Speak to us today if you have any questions about how No Win, No Fee injury claims work.
Our work injury advisors will:
- Offer free, impartial advice
- Explain how No Win, No Fee works
- Recommend the right solicitor