Returning to Employment after a Traumatic Brain Injury

Various traumatic brain injuries can result in permanent brain damage that can bring an end to the careers of those affected. Even if the injury was not serious and an individual was able to recover to rejoin their workplace, many obstacles remain. A traumatic brain injury can lead to confusion while thinking and make it impossible to respond to complex situations. Issues with mobility, environment and social pressure may make it difficult for individuals to return to work.

However, because a brain injury is a form of disability, the rights of an affected individual are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide individuals with the opportunity and environment to rejoin the workforce in a respectable manner.

If you looking to rejoin the workplace, or seek compensation for personal injuries and job loss due to a traumatic brain injury that occurred while performing your professional duties, consulting a competent worker compensation and personal injury attorney can help expedite the process of recovering compensation for medication treatment, or help rejoin the workforce by seeking equitable opportunities with employers.

Tips to Rejoin Workplace

Rejoining, or applying at a new employer can be a daunting task for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries. It is important to not only ensure individuals are taking their medications but have also gone through a rehabilitation process that helps increase their confidence and adaptability to a new environment. It is increasingly important for those who wish to rejoin the workforce after a brain injury caused long-term disability or paralysis. As outlined by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), the following tips are important for patients:

• Engage in routine medical checkups and counseling sessions,
• Talk to your supervisors and managers about available opportunities before rejoining the workforce and seek appropriate working conditions when hired,
• Resume work gradually, work for shorter hours and take a different role from the previous one where the injury occurred – it will reduce the risk of trauma and feelings of anxiety while performing your job.
• If you are rejoining the employment sector after a considerable break, seek Vocational Rehabilitation Services – it helps find appropriate work and gives approval from neuropsychologists and physicians to return to work.
• Seek employment support from work coaches and local disability employment advisors as they assess employability and suggest relevant jobs based on previous work experience, skills and interests.

If you wish to find out more about traumatic brain injuries and worker compensation in Illinois, schedule a free consultation, contact the offices of Robert Edens at (847) 395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.