TBIs, or traumatic brain injuries, are serious injuries to the head that can significantly affect that victim's well-being years into the future. A few years ago, the United States was shocked to learn that players who repeatedly smash their heads into heavy objects suffer TBIs, now research is branching out to other areas, including construction sites. This study, published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, examined TBIs in the workplace. This post will review their findings and how they may affect you.
The study analyzed data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury, the Current Population, and other national surveys to compare data across a broad spectrum of industries. The researchers found that construction accounted for one-half of all TBIs incurred in the workplace in the United States. But, the researchers concluded that agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest rates of TBIs. In fact, logging and forestry workers incurred 29.7 TBIs for every 100,000 accidents a year, a very high figure. But the study notes that the rates declined 23 percent over the six-year study period.
The study also noted that the cause for TBIs shifted. In the early part of 2000, motor vehicles were the primary culprit for most TBIs, at 31 percent. But, over the course of the study period, falls kept increasing and eventually supplanted motor vehicles as the leading cause of TBIs. The researcher did not explore why this shift occurred, but they hypothesized that it was due to the aging population. Older workers are more susceptible to falls than younger workers.
Did you suffer head trauma while on the job? If you did, you might want to consult with a lawyer. TBIs often result in serious medical issues that could plague you for years into your life. It is critical that you secure sufficient compensation to pay for your current and future medical expenses. An attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement to ensure that your medical bills are paid.
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