Skilled Iowa TBI Lawyers Advocating For Workers
Last updated on February 12, 2025
One of the most traumatic, significant and life-changing injuries you can suffer is a brain injury. An injury to the brain will affect every aspect of your work and day-to-day life. It may keep you out of the workforce for a long time. According to a Psychiatric Times article, statistics put the portion of TBI victims that are able to go back to work within one year of the injury somewhere between 40% and 80%. Sadly, traumatic brain injuries are a common hazard in many types of work, including construction, manufacturing and transportation.
These injuries are compensable under Iowa’s workers’ compensation system, but getting a brain injury claim approved is often more difficult than it should be. You will need an advocate who is experienced and ready to fight for you and your family. Our experienced attorneys at Wertz Law Firm, P.C., have gone up against hundreds of employers and insurance companies across Iowa on behalf of our clients. Call us at 319-774-2687 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Brain Injuries Can Mean Lasting Damage
Work-related brain injuries can range from short-term and minor to long-term and severe. With minor head trauma, you may suffer from memory or concentration problems. More severe brain injuries may result in:
- Loss of motor function
- Permanently impaired memory
- Loss of cognitive brain function
- Long-term or permanent speech difficulties
These legal cases often turn on the testimony of treating doctors and experts selected and hired by your attorney. In addition to retaining an experienced attorney, you will need a legal advocate to advance necessary litigation expenses. This will help you obtain the medical and expert opinions necessary to fight for your workers’ compensation benefits. At Wertz Law Firm, P.C., we have handled many cases involving workers with significant brain injuries, and we understand what it takes to be successful on behalf of clients.
What Does TBI Recovery Look Like?
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a long journey. It can involve a wide range of treatments, including:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medications
- Surgeries
Dialing in the right care solutions can be a difficult process. For example, recurrent migraines might require you to try multiple treatments before finding relief. Even with the right treatment, recovering basic functions like motor skills can take months or years.
What success in recovery looks like is personal and depends on your situation and goals. You want a good medical team that will work within realistic parameters and never give up on you. It’s equally important to have a strong legal team that can pursue workers’ compensation solutions that support your recovery goals.
How Severe Are Concussions?
Concussions are generally considered mild TBIs, the lowest on the severity scale for such injuries. However, the symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating, can still significantly disrupt your work and daily life. While these effects are generally temporary, they can sometimes linger for months.
Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Cause Long-Term Memory Loss?
Yes, long-term memory loss is one of the cognitive impacts TBI victims can experience. Its likelihood is higher in more severe cases. Memory challenges can significantly affect quality of life, making it crucial to seek appropriate medical and legal support.
What Payout Can You Expect from A Brain Injury Workers’ Comp Settlement?
Brain injuries can vary considerably in their severity, long-term ramifications, treatment requirements and impacts on your ability to work. Such factors make it so that the settlement amount can differ quite a bit from case to case. Our attorneys can analyze your workers’ compensation case and provide a realistic assessment of its potential worth.
Can A Caregiver File On A Brain Injury Victim’s Behalf?
Yes, under Iowa law, a caregiver or representative can report a brain injury to the victim’s employer and kick off the claims process. This must be done within 90 days of the injury.
How Long Does It Take To Be Diagnosed With A TBI?
Diagnosis times for TBIs can vary. Severe cases are often detected quickly, while those with subtler symptoms may take longer. The sooner you seek medical care after a head injury at work, the better. Prompt attention is crucial, even if you initially feel fine.
Talk To An Attorney About Your Case For Free
If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury at work, we invite you to contact us to learn more about your legal options. To get started, call us in Cedar Rapids at 319-774-2687 or submit an online contact form.