Determining When You Should Return to Work After a Traumatic Brain Injury
After a brain injury, it can be extremely difficult to determine when you should return to work. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can impact nearly every aspect of your life. Depending on the extent of the harm, a brain injury may result in physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impairments.
At Siegel & Coonerty LLP, we have decades of experience helping those who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. Our legal team has recovered millions on behalf of TBI survivors throughout the New York metro area. If you have suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact our office at 646-960-8195 for a free consultation.
Can I Continue Working After a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you sustain a traumatic brain injury, you need to seek medical attention. During the initial assessment and imaging, a doctor or other medical professional will make a determination as to the severity of the TBI. If you have a moderate or severe brain injury, a doctor may recommend that you take time off of work to focus on your recovery.
It is essential that you follow all treatment recommendations of your medical provider, including taking time off. Failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan could directly impact your recovery. It is important to discuss your case with a traumatic brain injury lawyer who can counsel you on your rights after an accident.
How Soon Can I Go Back to Work After a Brain Injury?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for when you can return to work after a brain injury. It will depend on several factors, including the extent of your injury and your treatment and rehabilitation plan. Your doctor will likely discuss when you will be able to return to work at each of your outpatient visits.
In some instances, a doctor may release you to return to work under certain conditions. Again, it is critical to follow all restrictions placed on you in order to ensure you make a full recovery.
What Jobs Can a TBI Survivor Get?
Many brain injury survivors are able to return to their careers in some capacity. Depending on the impact of the TBI, you may be able to fulfill some or all of your former duties.
If you are not able to return to your job responsibilities because of the severity of the brain injury, there are a number of high-quality positions that you can take on after a TBI. Discussing your case with an attorney is vital if your brain injury has limited your ability to perform your normal work activities.
What If I Can’t Make Enough Money After a Brain Injury?
At times, a TBI may impair your ability to return to your old job. Because your brain injury directly impacts your cognitive, physical, or emotional abilities, you may not be able to earn the same income you did in your previous career. You might be entitled to compensation if another person’s negligence causes you to sustain a brain injury. Compensation may include money to cover your medical bills and lost wages as well as your loss of future earning capacity if you are unable to make the same salary that you did before you suffered harm.
Contact Our Office to Speak with a TBI Attorney Today
Were you diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury after an accident? Contact our office at 646-960-8195 to discuss your case directly with an attorney. We offer free and confidential consultations for all TBI survivors.