Hit by a Falling Object at a Chicago Workplace: What Are My Options?

Falling objects represent a significant hazard to workers in Chicago. Whether you’re working at a construction site, a factory, or a warehouse, heavy objects may fall from elevated areas before impacting you. These accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and even death. A hard hat may not be enough to protect you from these impacts. What are your options for compensation, and can a workers’ comp attorney in Chicago help?

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately After Being Struck by a Falling Object

You should seek immediate medical treatment after suffering an injury caused by a falling object at work. Even if you’re not sure whether your injuries are serious, it is still worth seeing a doctor. For example, you might have been struck by a falling object that bounced off your hard hat. Even if you seem fine, you should see a doctor and determine whether you have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even a slight knock to the head can have serious consequences.

Medical treatment also helps create the evidence you’ll need to file a claim. Perhaps no one saw the object hit your head at work. In this case, you need to seek treatment in order to establish that your injury was caused by a workplace accident. A qualified doctor can examine your head injury and provide a medical opinion about its cause.

File an Accident Report

You should also file an accident report after your accident. This report also helps create important evidence for a subsequent claim, and it may establish that the injury was work-related. If you wait too long before filing a claim, you could experience serious legal challenges, and it may be impossible to pursue compensation.

An accident report also highlights the cause of the falling objects. This could make it easier for your employer to avoid similar accidents that harm other employees, and you can make your workplace safer by reporting the incident.

Head Injuries Can Cause Unconsciousness and Memory Loss

Keep in mind that head injuries frequently cause memory loss, unconsciousness, and cognitive impairment. This may make it difficult to recall exactly what happened, or what caused your head injury. You might also find it difficult to think clearly and form cohesive thoughts after your accident. Even if you can’t remember exactly what caused your injury, you should still file a claim, see a medical professional, and establish that you suffered a workplace injury.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help?

If you were struck by a falling object at work, consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago. These injuries can change your life forever, and you deserve maximum compensation for your various damages. A lawyer may be particularly helpful if you are struggling with a denied claim. For more information about your next potential steps, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources:

 msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/memory-and-traumatic-brain-injury

cognitivefxusa.com/blog/memory-loss-after-head-injury