Attacks at Work Causing Concussions and Brain Injuries in Illinois
Workplace attacks are a common and often overlooked cause of concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Illinois. Being punched, kicked, thrown to the ground, or struck during an assault—whether by a patient, customer, inmate, or coworker—can cause serious head trauma even when there is no visible injury. Workers who suffer concussions or brain injuries during workplace attacks may experience dizziness, headaches, vision problems, memory issues, and long-term difficulty returning to work. When an assault occurs in the course of employment, Illinois workers’ compensation may cover medical treatment, wage-loss benefits, and permanent disability in severe cases.
Why Workplace Attacks Frequently Cause Brain Injuries
Assaults at work often involve sudden impacts, falls, and repeated blows—exactly the types of forces that cause the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even without a skull fracture or bleeding, this movement can disrupt normal brain function and result in a concussion or more serious TBI.
Brain injuries are especially likely when an attack causes a worker to:
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Hit their head on the ground, a wall, or equipment
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Be knocked down or restrained forcefully
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Experience multiple impacts during a struggle
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Suffer neck trauma or whiplash-type forces
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Lose consciousness or become disoriented
Jobs Where Assault-Related Brain Injuries Commonly Occur
Assault-related concussions and TBIs can happen in many workplaces, but they are especially common in roles involving public interaction or behavioral health risks, including:
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Nurses and healthcare workers
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Mental health professionals
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Correctional officers and detention staff
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Social workers and case managers
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Teachers and school employees
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Retail and service workers
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Delivery drivers and transportation workers
Healthcare workers face a particularly high risk. For more detail, see nurses attacked by patients.
Symptoms of a Concussion or TBI After a Workplace Assault
Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over the next several days. After an attack at work, common concussion and TBI symptoms include:
Physical symptoms
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Headache or pressure in the head
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Dizziness or balance problems
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Nausea
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Fatigue
Cognitive symptoms
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Feeling mentally “foggy”
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory problems
Vision and vestibular symptoms
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Blurred or double vision
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Trouble focusing or tracking objects
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Vertigo or ongoing imbalance
For a broader overview of concussion and brain injury symptoms, treatment, and reporting requirements, see Concussion and brain injuries at work in Illinois.
Medical Treatment in Assault-Related Brain Injury Claims
Workers’ compensation may cover all reasonable and necessary treatment related to a concussion or TBI caused by a workplace attack, including:
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Emergency evaluation and follow-up care
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Neurology consultations
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Vestibular therapy for dizziness and balance problems
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Vision therapy for visual tracking and focus issues
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Cognitive or occupational therapy
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Medication for headaches, dizziness, mood symptoms, or sleep disruption
Assault-related brain injuries often involve overlapping injuries—especially neck injuries and chronic headaches—which can complicate recovery.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Brain Injuries From Attacks
If the assault occurred in the course of employment, Illinois workers’ compensation may provide:
Medical benefits
Coverage for diagnosis and treatment of the concussion or TBI and related conditions.
Wage-loss benefits
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Temporary Total Disability (TTD) if a doctor takes you off work
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Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you return with restrictions and earn less
Permanent disability benefits
If symptoms persist and limit long-term work capacity, permanent disability benefits may be available.
For a deeper discussion of case value and long-term exposure, see How much is a concussion or TBI worth in Illinois workers’ compensation?.
PTSD and Psychological Trauma After Workplace Attacks
Workplace violence often causes both physical and psychological injuries. Many workers develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD after an assault—especially when the incident was violent, frightening, or life-threatening.
Related resources in this content cluster include:
How Insurance Companies Dispute Assault-Related Brain Injury Claims
Insurance carriers often challenge these cases by arguing:
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Imaging is normal, so there is no brain injury
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Symptoms are subjective or exaggerated
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The worker had a pre-existing condition
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Ongoing treatment is unnecessary
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The worker can return to work despite symptoms
Strong claims usually involve prompt reporting, consistent medical documentation, and appropriate specialist care when needed.
When to Speak With an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Legal guidance may be especially important if:
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Your concussion or TBI diagnosis is disputed
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Medical treatment is delayed or denied
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You are pressured to return to work too soon
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Symptoms persist or worsen over time
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PTSD or permanent disability is a concern
Frequently Asked Questions About Attacks at Work and Brain Injuries
Can a workplace assault cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury?
Yes. Being struck, knocked down, or hitting your head during a workplace assault can cause a concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury.
Are brain injuries from workplace attacks covered by Illinois workers’ compensation?
Often yes, if the attack occurred in the course of employment. Coverage depends on the facts and medical evidence.
What if concussion symptoms appear days after the attack?
Delayed symptoms are common. You should report the injury and seek medical evaluation as soon as symptoms appear so the condition is documented.
Can workers’ compensation cover vestibular or vision therapy?
Yes. If medically necessary and related to the injury, therapies such as vestibular and vision therapy may be covered.
Does PTSD matter in assault-related brain injury cases?
Yes. PTSD frequently follows workplace violence and can increase treatment needs and disability exposure when linked to the assault.
By Matthew C. Jones
Matthew C. Jones is an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney representing injured workers in complex cases involving workplace assaults, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and permanent disability.
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/meet-our-legal-team/matthew-c-jones/
