A head injury on the job is something no worker should take lightly. Whether it’s a bump from a fall, a collision while driving for work, or being struck by a falling object, even a seemingly minor head injury can quickly develop into something more serious—like a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can affect memory, concentration, speech, coordination, and even mood, making it difficult—or impossible—to return to your usual job duties.
In cities like Pasadena, where workers in industries like construction, hospitality, healthcare, retail, and transportation make up a significant portion of the workforce, the risk is real. A cook slipping on a wet kitchen floor, a nurse caught in a fall while helping a patient, a construction worker hit by falling tools, or a delivery driver involved in a collision—all are common scenarios that could lead to a head injury.
The good news is that California workers’ compensation law provides important protections for injured workers, including those who suffer head and brain injuries. But these claims can be more complex than other types of injuries because symptoms are sometimes delayed, difficult to measure, or misunderstood by employers and insurance companies.
Falls are a leading cause of workplace head trauma, especially in construction, maintenance, hospitality, and janitorial jobs. A fall from even a short height—such as a step ladder or a loading dock—can cause a concussion or more serious brain injury if the worker’s head strikes the ground or a hard surface. In restaurants or healthcare settings, slick floors are a frequent hazard that can result in slips and head impacts.
In construction, warehousing, and retail, head injuries often occur when tools, equipment, boxes, or debris fall from above. Even with a hard hat, workers may suffer blunt force trauma to the skull, resulting in symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Employers have a duty to ensure proper safety protocols are in place to minimize these risks.
For delivery drivers, field technicians, sales representatives, and other workers who drive as part of their job, auto accidents are a common source of head injuries. A sudden stop, collision, or airbag deployment can cause a traumatic brain injury, even if no external wounds are visible. These cases are fully covered under workers’ comp if the employee was acting within the scope of their job.
Sadly, some head injuries result from workplace violence. Healthcare professionals, security guards, retail workers, and others who deal with the public may be at higher risk of being struck during an altercation. If you were assaulted on the job, workers’ comp still applies—regardless of whether the assailant was a coworker, patient, or customer.
Faulty or poorly maintained machinery can also lead to serious head injuries. Examples include:
These injuries may lead to additional claims outside of workers’ comp if a third-party manufacturer is involved, but workers’ compensation should still cover your medical bills and lost wages.
California workers’ comp covers 100% of reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury, including:
If your doctor says you can’t work because of your head injury, you may qualify for temporary disability (TD) benefits, which typically pay two-thirds of your average weekly wages (up to state maximum limits).
These benefits:
If your head injury causes long-term effects—such as memory loss, speech problems, or impaired cognitive function—you may be eligible for permanent disability (PD) benefits. These are awarded based on the severity of your lasting impairment, your age, occupation, and medical evaluation results.
Permanent disability doesn’t mean you’re totally disabled; it just means you have some level of permanent limitation due to the injury.
If your injury prevents you from returning to your prior job—and your employer cannot offer modified or alternative work—you may qualify for a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB). This is a voucher worth up to $6,000 to help pay for retraining, education, or new job skills.
This is especially important for head injuries that affect memory, focus, or communication—skills needed in many workplaces.
In the tragic event that a worker dies from a job-related head injury, California workers’ compensation provides death benefits to surviving dependents. These may include:
Under California law, you must notify your employer about a work-related injury within 30 days—but when it comes to head injuries, the sooner, the better. Let your supervisor or manager know:
This begins the official workers’ comp process and creates a record of the incident, which can help protect your rights later.
After reporting the injury, your employer should provide you with a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC-1). This form:
Be sure to fill it out and return it promptly to avoid delays or denials.
In most cases, you must see a medical provider within your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN). However, if you’ve predesignated a personal doctor in writing before the injury occurred, you may be able to use your own physician.
Tell the doctor exactly what happened and describe all symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. This is important for:
Documentation is key. Maintain a folder or digital record of:
This will help you stay organized and build a strong case if your claim is challenged.
It’s common to feel pressure to “tough it out,” especially if symptoms seem mild. But with head injuries, delayed or hidden symptoms are common—and downplaying your condition could cost you benefits or proper treatment. Be honest with your doctor and employer about how you're feeling.
If you're experiencing confusion, headaches, memory issues, or vision problems, it’s better to speak up now than to face complications—and skepticism—later.
Suffering a head injury at work can turn your life upside down—physically, emotionally, and financially. Even if your symptoms seem minor at first, head trauma can lead to long-term complications, including memory issues, cognitive difficulties, and lasting disability. That’s why it’s so important to take the injury seriously and act quickly.
If you were hurt on the job in Pasadena, California workers’ compensation laws are designed to help you—covering your medical bills, wage loss, and more. But the process isn’t always straightforward. Employers and insurance companies may push back on head injury claims, especially when the symptoms aren’t visible or immediate.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Working with an experienced workers’ comp attorney ensures:
📍 Van Nuys Workers’ Comp Office:
7657 Winnetka Ave. #134 Winnetka, CA 91306
📍 Burbank Office (Personal Injury):
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (818) 428-1080 or (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
✅ No upfront fees — we don’t get paid unless we win
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