Head
Head Injuries in Construction Accidents
Head injuries are among the most serious and life-altering injuries that can occur on a construction site. Due to the nature of construction work, workers are often exposed to falling objects, heavy machinery, falls from unstable scaffolding, and hazardous environments, all of which pose significant risks for traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures. A head injury on a construction site can lead to immediate and long-term consequences, ranging from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment or even death.
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, our founder Michael Lamonsoff is an award-winning construction accident lawyer with decades of experience in handling construction injury claims. Michael’s tenacity and his aggressive pursuit of maximum compensation for injured construction workers has earned him the nickname ‘The Bull’.
Types of Head Injuries in Construction Accidents
The severity of a head injury depends on factors such as the force of impact, the location of the injury, and whether the skull is fractured. The most common types of head injuries in construction accidents include:
Concussions – A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head. Symptoms can include confusion, headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and sensitivity to light and noise. While some concussions are resolved with rest, repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) or permanent brain damage.
Skull Fractures – A break in the skull can result from a direct blow to the head. Skull fractures may be classified as linear, depressed, diastatic, or basilar, depending on their location and severity. Symptoms can include swelling, bruising, bleeding from the ears or nose, and severe pain. In some cases, skull fractures can lead to brain hemorrhages, permanent vegetative state, or fatal infections.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A TBI can range from mild to severe and can have long-lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional consequences. Severe TBIs may lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, memory loss, cognitive decline, and difficulty speaking or moving. In some cases, individuals may require extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to regain basic functions and improve their quality of life.
Hematomas and Hemorrhages – Blood clots (hematomas) and internal bleeding (hemorrhages) can occur inside the brain or between the skull and the brain. These conditions can lead to swelling, pressure on the brain, and life-threatening complications. If not treated immediately, they can result in permanent brain damage, coma, or even death due to increased intracranial pressure and restricted oxygen supply to brain cells.
Penetrating Head Injuries – Sharp objects, such as metal rods or nails, protruding out of unfinished structures on a construction site can puncture the skull and damage brain tissue, leading to severe neurological impairments or fatal outcomes. Even with prompt medical intervention, penetrating injuries may cause irreversible brain damage, affecting motor skills, cognition, and overall neurological function.
Immediate Symptoms of Head Injuries
Head injuries require immediate medical attention. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech or difficulty forming sentences
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures or convulsions
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
If any of these symptoms occur after a construction accident, emergency medical care is essential. Even a seemingly minor injury can worsen over time, leading to complications such as brain swelling or delayed hemorrhages.
Long-Term Effects of Head Injuries
Depending on the severity, head injuries can lead to long-term disabilities that affect a worker’s ability to perform daily tasks or return to work. Some of the lasting effects include:
- Cognitive Impairments – Difficulty with memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. These impairments can make it challenging for individuals to perform job-related tasks or even manage daily responsibilities like paying bills or following a schedule. Severe cases may lead to permanent cognitive decline, requiring lifelong supervision or assisted care.
- Physical Disabilities – Weakness, paralysis, coordination problems, and chronic pain. Many individuals experience difficulties with balance and motor skills, increasing their risk of falls and further injuries. Chronic headaches and nerve pain can persist indefinitely, significantly reducing a person’s quality of life.
- Speech and Communication Difficulties – Trouble speaking clearly, understanding language, or processing information. Some individuals may struggle with forming coherent sentences, while others experience difficulty comprehending spoken or written words. These impairments can affect social interactions, making it harder to maintain personal and professional relationships.
- Emotional and Psychological Changes – Increased risk of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes. Many individuals with head injuries suffer from heightened aggression, irritability, or emotional outbursts, straining relationships with family and colleagues. In severe cases, individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or suicidal thoughts due to their altered mental state.
- Post-Traumatic Epilepsy – Increased risk of seizures following a severe TBI. Seizures can occur months or even years after the initial injury, making daily activities unpredictable and dangerous. Many individuals require long-term medication and lifestyle adjustments to manage the condition, further impacting their independence and ability to work.
- Death – Severe head injuries can lead to fatal complications, either immediately or over time due to secondary issues such as brain swelling or internal bleeding. Even if an individual survives the initial trauma, long-term complications like infections, progressive brain damage, or an inability to recover basic functions can ultimately lead to death.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Head Injuries
Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for minimizing the long-term effects of a head injury. Medical professionals may use:
- Neurological exams to assess brain function
- CT scans and MRIs to detect bleeding, swelling, or fractures
- Cognitive assessments to evaluate memory and motor skills
- Blood tests to identify potential complications
Treatment options can include:
- Emergency Surgery – In cases of severe bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures, immediate surgery may be required.
- Medication – Pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
- Rehabilitation Therapy – Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help injured workers regain their abilities and improve their quality of life.
- Psychological Counseling – Therapy and support groups may be necessary for emotional and mental health recovery.
Common Causes of Head Injuries in Construction Accidents
Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with multiple factors contributing to the risk of head injuries. Some of the most common causes include:
- Falling Objects – Tools, debris, or materials falling from above can strike a worker on the head, even if they are wearing a hard hat. Improperly secured loads, careless handling of equipment, or faulty scaffolding can all increase the risk.
- Falls from Heights – Construction workers frequently work on scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops. A fall from any height can cause severe head trauma, especially if the worker lands on their head or suffers a secondary impact.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls – Uneven surfaces, exposed wiring, wet floors, and construction materials left in walkways can lead to slips and falls, often resulting in head injuries.
- Being Struck by Heavy Equipment – Cranes, forklifts, and other large machinery pose a significant risk of head injuries if they malfunction or if workers are struck by moving parts.
- Explosions and Electrocutions – Electrical malfunctions and gas leaks can lead to sudden explosions, causing blunt force trauma to the head or severe burns that affect the brain and nervous system.
Preventing Head Injuries on Construction Sites
Employers and workers must take safety precautions to minimize the risk of head injuries. These include:
- Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats
- Implementing fall protection measures, including harnesses and guardrails
- Conducting regular safety inspections and ensuring secure scaffolding
- Properly securing tools and materials to prevent falling objects
- Providing safety training on hazard awareness and accident prevention
Legal Considerations for Construction Head Injuries
Construction workers who suffer head injuries may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation, personal injury claims, or third-party liability claims. Key legal considerations include:
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits – Injured workers can seek medical coverage, lost wages, and disability benefits without proving employer negligence.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits – If a third party (such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer) is responsible for the injury, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed for additional compensation.
- OSHA Violations Building Code violations and Employer Liability – If an employer fails to comply with safety regulations, they may be held liable for negligence.
Head injuries in construction accidents can have devastating consequences, affecting every aspect of a worker’s life. Seeking immediate medical care, following safety protocols, and consulting with an experienced construction accident attorney can help injured workers obtain the compensation and support they need for recovery.
Construction Accident Cases Awards & Verdicts in New York
These are some of the recent construction accident case awards and verdicts won by Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull.”
$37,000,000 Awarded in a Construction Accident Case
$12,000,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case
$7,000,000 Awarded in a Construction Accident Case
$6,500,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case
$5,750,000 Awarded in a Construction Accident Case
$5,500,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case
$5,000,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case
$4,750,000 Awarded in a Construction Accident Case
$4,000,000 Settlement in a Construction Accident Case
$3,750,000 Awarded in a Construction Accident Case
Get Our Proven Construction Accident Lawyers on Your Side
If you or someone you love has suffered head injuries in a construction accident, it is time to get strong legal representation. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have a proven record of helping construction accident victims obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to.
Leading construction accident attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff “The Bull” is an award-winning legal powerhouse who has recovered more than $500 million in damages for our clients. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online.