Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who suffer on-the-job injuries. If you recently suffered a head injury at work, you may be searching the internet for average workers’ comp head injury settlements.
In North Carolina, an employer with three or more employees must carry workers’ comp insurance to cover head and other injuries to their employees. Additionally, to be eligible for workers’ comp, your injury must have arisen out of the course of employment and occurred during your normal scope of work.
Causes of Workplace Head Injuries
There are as many potential causes of workplace head injuries as there are types of workplaces. For instance, if you are a delivery driver, the most likely cause of your head injury is a motor vehicle accident.
Common causes of head injuries at work include:
- Slip and falls,
- Being struck by an object,
- Electrocution,
- Falling, and
- Sustaining a blow to the head.
All of these types of accidents can result in different types of head injuries, no matter where you work. Head injuries we frequently see include:
- Concussions,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Skull fractures,
- Hematomas, and
- Lacerations.
Any of these injuries can range from mild and inconvenient to severe and debilitating. No matter the type and extent of your injury, it is crucial to get adequately assessed by a physician as soon as possible. Importantly, your employer and their workers’ comp carrier may have designated physicians you must see for treatment to be covered by workers’ comp.
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits
You may be wondering what head injury compensation payouts might be available. There are several types of worker’s compensation benefits that you may be entitled to, depending on the severity and extent of your head injury. These benefits could include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits—compensation for lost wages if your injury temporarily prevents you from working, but you are anticipated to recover and return to work in the future.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits—compensation for permanent injury, impairment, or loss of function of a body part, such as a head or brain injury.
- Medical benefits—coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your head injury, including emergency treatment, diagnostics, and surgery.
- Vocational rehabilitation—job training or placement assistance if you cannot return to your previous position or industry due to your injury.
Several factors will determine the type and amount of benefits you will receive.
The Seriousness of Head Injuries and Why Compensation Matters
A head injury can significantly impair your ability to work and perform daily chores and activities. Compensation is crucial because it will cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses.
Head and brain injury compensation amounts vary based on specific circumstances, but workers’ compensation ensures you receive the support you need during treatment and recovery.
Average Settlement for a Work-Related Head Injury: Factors to Consider
While there is no clear-cut formula for how much compensation you can expect to receive for a head injury at work, a handful of factors will be crucial in determining the outcome of your claim:
- Accident severity,
- Injury severity,
- Permanency of the injury,
- Required medical treatment,
- Future medical treatment,
- Pre-existing conditions,
- Lost wages,
- Ability to return to the same position,
- Intangible losses like pain and suffering, and
- Insurance policy limits.
You and your attorney should review these factors in depth to estimate your anticipated workers’ compensation benefit payout. If your case does not settle and proceeds to trial, the judge will use these factors to render their award.
Surgery vs. Non-Surgery and Temporary vs. Permanent
While it is clear many factors will influence a workers’ comp payout, two significant factors that can drastically tip the scale are whether your head injury requires surgery and whether it is permanent.
A permanent head injury, particularly a permanent brain injury, will substantially impact you for the rest of your life. Depending on the severity, it can hinder your ability to lead an everyday life and leave you and your family devastated.
A head injury necessitating surgery can also dramatically impact your payout because the actual cost of head or brain surgery is substantial, and the care that comes with it can be lengthy and intense.
For instance, with brain surgery undoubtedly comes pre-surgical testing, an inpatient hospital stay, rehabilitation and therapy, and more.
All of this can quickly add up, influencing the potential settlement payout.
North Carolina Head Injury Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
At Mehta & McConnell, we are the workers’ attorneys. We will always protect and advocate for employees injured on the job. You shouldn’t have to worry about going to work and suffering an injury only to be left with little financial means.
With over 30 years of combined experience, we know how to negotiate with workers’ compensation carriers and will see you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact us today.
Viral Mehta
Viral Mehta is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, sports, and reading.
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