You probably woke up the morning of your accident thinking that day would be the same as every other. You got to work and began your day. Then, depending on what industry you work in and your duties, you ended up suffering some sort of work-related injury to your head.

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may have gone to see a doctor on your own or in an ambulance. In any case, you underwent an examination to determine how bad your traumatic brain injury was. Whether it turned out to be mild, moderate or severe, it will take a toll on your life, even if only temporarily. You could recover 100 percent, suffer lifelong mild effects or suffer lifelong serious effects.

What brain functions could a TBI impact?

Even a mild TBI could result in you having issues with the following either temporarily or permanently:

• Sensations such as balance or sight
• Emotions such as anxiety, depression or aggression
• Thinking such as reason or memory
• Language such as understanding, expression or communication

Fortunately, the majority of TBIs, around 75 percent, are mild, which means that you may suffer no ill effects. If you do suffer any issues either short-term or long-term, you may easily deal with them and adjust to them over time. However, if you suffer repeated mild TBIs over time, the cumulative effect could result in you suffering a more severe outcome and long-term effects. Multiple mild TBIs in a short time could actually kill you or cause catastrophic neurological issues.

The care you receive matters

The treatment you receive could make a difference in your prognosis. Since the injury resulted from a work-related accident, workers’ compensation insurance should cover your medical care. However, you may need to fight to make sure that you receive all of the care you need and the best care possible. In addition to a portion of your salary, you may also be entitled to other benefits, depending on your condition, since you may not be able to return to the job you had prior to the accident.

Your employer or the insurance carrier may not want to provide you with the benefits you deserve. If you do receive a denial for one or more benefits, you do not have to accept that decision. You may appeal. Whether you are just beginning your claims process or appealing a denial, it may be a good idea to consult with a California attorney with experience in these matters so that you can focus on your recovery without the additional stress and anxiety.