Blunt force trauma is classified as its own injury by medical professionals, but it is often injuries related to blunt force trauma that cause the most damage. This type of trauma can lead to many different types of injuries including damage to internal organs, concussions, contusions and fractures.

Workplace blunt force trauma can be caused by a fall from a high level or after you are struck by something heavy. For example, a fall from a scaffolding or being struck by construction materials being moved on a job site can both lead to blunt force trauma injury.

Types of Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

Injuries caused by blunt force trauma are as varied as the types of accidents that can cause the injury. Head injuries are one of the most common types caused by blunt force trauma, especially on construction sites where there is always the risk of collapse. Head injuries can lead to brain injuries. Unfortunately, brain injuries may not be recognized immediately.

There have been reports of people suffering blunt force trauma to the head who were unaware they suffered a brain injury until hours later. By the time they realized it, the damage was severe enough that they suffered permanent damage. You could suffer loss of brain function and there have been incidences where a brain injury led to epilepsy, a seizure disorder with no cure. Eye injuries are also common after blunt force trauma.

The head is not the only location where people suffer injuries from blunt force trauma. A blow to the abdomen can cause damage to internal organs like the spleen or liver and has been linked to renal failure. There have also been cases where blunt force trauma has damaged the intestines, leading to long-term damage and treatments.

Workers’ Compensation for Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

When you suffer blunt force trauma while performing your job duties, your employer must provide you with workers’ compensation coverage. This compensation will provide you with lost wages, payment for your medical expenses and other costs associated with your injury. You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability if your injuries are so severe you can no longer work.

Even if you were partially or completely responsible for the accident that caused your blunt force trauma injury, your employer must provide you with worker’s compensation and you cannot be fired for filing a claim.

Liability for Third Parties

If your injury was caused by a third-party including the manufacturer of equipment that malfunctioned, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or the rental company if the machinery was rented. Under workers’ compensation law, you are not permitted to file a lawsuit against your employer for a workplace injury and you are not able to receive compensation for pain and suffering. In a civil lawsuit, you could be eligible to receive pain and suffering costs as well in order to manage the pain your injury caused as well as any mental trauma the accident may have caused.

If you or a loved one has suffered a blunt force trauma injury, contact Lundy Law today to learn what rights you may have. You can arrange for an initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form on our website.