Did you suffer a blow to the head at work? Don’t take it lightly. The severity of a traumatic head injury could take days to materialize, and by then, you could suffer serious repercussions. Even a mild concussion could require you to take time off work and limit your activities, at least temporarily.

How do I know if I have a concussion?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could have a concussion:

1. Memory and thought:

• Can’t concentrate
• Can’t think clearly
• Can’t remember new information
• Feel slow

2. Physical:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurry or fuzzy vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance issues
• Sensitive to light or noise
• No energy
• Tired

3. Mood and Emotion:

• Irritable
• Sad
• More emotional
• Anxious
• Nervous

4. Sleep:

• Sleeping more
• Sleeping less
• Unable to fall asleep

If you experience any of these symptoms or a combination thereof, and they continue to worsen, you should be examined by a doctor. You might not recognize these symptoms right away. A family member or friend might notice the symptoms before you do.

You should always seek medical attention after a blow to the head, especially at work, but if you experience the following, go immediately:

1. Slurred speech
2. Worsening or persistent headache
3. Numbness
4. Weakness
5. Decrease in coordination
6. Persistent or recurring nausea
7. Persistent or recurring vomiting

These symptoms could allude to a much more serious problem, but the symptoms below usually indicate a potentially life-threatening or dangerous situation:

1. Only one pupil dilates
2. Unconscious for any length of time
3. Extreme drowsiness
4. Unable to wake
5. Seizures or convulsions
6. Confusion
7. Agitation
8. Restlessness
9. Unusual behavior
10. Unable to recognize people or places

You must inform your employer as soon as possible that you suffered an injury. Regardless of how your injury occurred, workers’ compensation benefits help with your medical expenses and lost wages during your recovery. If you suffer long-term issues because of a traumatic brain injury, you might seek additional benefits, depending on your prognosis.

More than likely, taking the time to fill out paperwork and deal with your employer and the insurance company will not help your recovery. You might benefit from talking to a workers’ compensation attorney here in Van Nuys. He or she can explain your rights, handle the paperwork involved in your claim and otherwise advocate for you with your employer and the insurance company.