Employees First Labor Law

Workers’ Comp for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): What You’re Entitled To

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious — and often misunderstood — workplace injuries. It can result from a direct blow to the head, a fall, an object striking the skull, or even violent shaking. If you or a loved one suffered a TBI at work in California, you are likely entitled to substantial workers’ compensation benefits.

At Employees First Labor Law, we’ve handled numerous TBI claims, including those involving construction accidents, falls, assaults, vehicle crashes, and defective equipment. We understand how devastating these injuries are — and how insurers try to minimize or deny them.


🔹 What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury. Common workplace causes include:

  • Falling objects striking the head
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Vehicle collisions
  • Equipment malfunctions
  • Explosions or blast injuries
  • Workplace violence or assault

Even a “mild” TBI (such as a concussion) can cause long-term symptoms like memory loss, dizziness, personality changes, or sleep issues.


🔹 Symptoms of a Work-Related TBI

Many symptoms don’t appear right away and may worsen over time. Common effects include:

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Seizures or loss of consciousness

That’s why it’s critical to report any head injury immediately and seek evaluation from a qualified doctor.


🔹 What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can You Receive for a TBI?

Under California workers’ comp, TBI victims may be entitled to:

  • Medical treatment – Including neurology, neuropsychology, MRIs, CT scans, therapy
  • Temporary disability benefits – To replace lost wages while you recover
  • Permanent disability benefits – For lasting cognitive or physical impairment
  • Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB) – If you cannot return to your old job
  • Future medical care – For long-term brain injury management

Some TBIs result in 100% permanent disability — qualifying for lifetime payments.


🔹 Common Challenges in TBI Claims

Insurers often undervalue brain injuries — especially when there’s no visible trauma. They may:

  • Deny the injury occurred at work
  • Blame symptoms on stress, pre-existing conditions, or age
  • Claim the injury is “mild” and does not impair function
  • Rely on biased QME reports to reduce your disability rating

📌 That’s why you need an experienced legal team to gather the right evidence, including:

  • Neuropsych evaluations
  • Vocational assessments
  • Functional capacity exams
  • Testimony from treating physicians


🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?

At EFLL, we specialize in the most complex and high-stakes brain injury cases. When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, you need more than just a basic workers’ comp attorney — you need a team that understands both medical science and legal strategy across multiple fronts.

We’ve helped countless California workers suffering from TBIs:

  • Secure top-tier medical evaluations, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and cognitive rehabilitation specialists
  • Fight back against biased QME reports and lowball disability ratings
  • Build powerful medical and vocational evidence to prove long-term cognitive and psychological limitations
  • Recover maximum permanent disability benefits, including lifetime awards for total impairment
  • Navigate complex psychological overlay issues, like PTSD and anxiety, that are often linked to head trauma

But what sets us apart is that we don’t stop at workers’ comp.

We also have a high-powered civil litigation team with a proven track record in:

  • Third-party liability claims, including defective equipment, unsafe premises, and negligent subcontractors
  • Product liability cases involving faulty helmets, scaffolding, or protective gear
  • Employer misconduct claims, where reckless safety policies contributed to the injury

This dual approach allows us to pursue every available legal remedy — often resulting in seven-figure combined recoveries for our clients.

We don’t just help you survive your TBI — we fight to make sure you’re fully compensated for the life it took from you.


✅ Your Brain Injury Deserves Full Compensation

Don’t let an insurance company downplay a traumatic brain injury. These cases are complex, high-value, and life-changing — and we’re here to fight for you.

📞 Call EFLL Now
📩 Schedule a Free Case Review


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