Concussion and Brain Injuries at Work in Illinois
A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) at work is a serious workplace injury, even when it is initially described as “mild.” Illinois workers who suffer head injuries on the job may experience headaches, memory problems, sleep disruption, emotional changes, and difficulty returning to work safely. Whether the injury results from a fall, a struck-by accident, or a work-related vehicle crash, Illinois workers’ compensation may provide benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability. This page explains concussion and brain injury symptoms, treatment, and how workers’ compensation claims for head injuries work in Illinois.
Symptoms, Treatment, and Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Concussions and TBIs affect every worker differently. Some people recover quickly, while others experience symptoms that interfere with daily life and work for months or longer. Understanding symptoms and treatment options is critical for both recovery and protecting your workers’ compensation rights.
What Is a Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head—or by a force to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can disrupt normal brain function and lead to physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries that result in permanent impairment. Importantly, many concussions do not show up on CT scans or MRIs, even when symptoms are significant. This is one reason head injury claims are often challenged in workers’ compensation cases.
Important: The term “mild” refers to the initial medical classification, not the seriousness of the symptoms or the long-term impact on your life or ability to work.
How Do Concussions and Brain Injuries Happen at Work?
Work-related concussions and TBIs occur in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, warehouse workers, and office settings. Common causes include:
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Slips, trips, and falls on wet floors, stairs, ice, or uneven surfaces
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Falling objects such as tools, debris, or materials from above
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Struck-by accidents involving machinery, carts, forklifts, or doors
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Motor vehicle accidents while driving for work or between job sites
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Explosions or blunt-force trauma in industrial environments
- Attacks at work by patients, students, inmates, or customers
These types of accidents are among the most common and most expensive causes of workers’ compensation brain injury claims.
Signs and Symptoms of a Work-Related Concussion or TBI
Symptoms may appear immediately after a workplace accident or develop hours or days later. A concussion can affect how you think, feel, act, and sleep.
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 or vomiting
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Fatigue
Cognitive Symptoms
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Feeling mentally “foggy” or slowed down
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory problems, especially with new information
Emotional and Sleep Symptoms
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Irritability, anxiety, or depression
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Mood swings or personality changes
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Sleeping more or less than usual
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Trouble falling or staying asleep
Returning to work too soon can worsen symptoms and delay recovery, particularly in physically demanding or safety-sensitive jobs.
When Is a Head Injury a Medical Emergency?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if any of the following symptoms appear after a head injury:
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Repeated vomiting or nausea
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A headache that worsens or will not go away
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Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or poor coordination
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Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
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Convulsions or seizures
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Inability to wake up or stay awake
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One pupil larger than the other or double vision
Why Concussions Are Often Overlooked at Work
Concussions are frequently described as “invisible injuries.” There may be no bleeding, bruising, or broken bones. Many workers also feel pressure to push through symptoms, especially when they fear missing work or losing income.
Unfortunately, delayed treatment or reporting can harm both recovery and a workers’ compensation claim. Early medical documentation is critical.
What to Do After a Concussion or Brain Injury at Work in Illinois
Taking the right steps early can protect your health and your legal rights.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Tell the provider the injury happened at work and describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor.
Report the Injury Promptly
Illinois law requires workers to notify their employer as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the accident. Reporting immediately is best.
Document the Accident and Symptoms
Write down when and how the injury happened, where it occurred, who witnessed it, and how symptoms change over time.
Follow Medical Restrictions
Do not ignore work restrictions or try to “tough it out.” Doing so can worsen your condition and complicate your claim.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers for Concussions and TBIs
If your head injury occurred in the course of your employment, Illinois workers’ compensation may provide the following benefits:
Medical Treatment
Coverage for necessary care, including emergency treatment, follow-up visits, medications, therapy, rehabilitation, and specialist evaluations.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If you cannot work, TTD benefits generally pay 66⅔% of your average weekly wage, subject to state limits.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you return to light duty or reduced hours at lower pay, partial wage benefits may apply.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If symptoms persist and result in lasting cognitive, emotional, or physical impairment, permanent disability benefits may be available.
Many workers also ask how much a concussion or traumatic brain injury may be worth under Illinois workers’ compensation, which depends on medical treatment, time off work, and long-term limitations.
How Illinois Workers’ Comp Insurers Challenge Brain Injury Claims
Insurance companies often dispute or deny concussion and TBI claims by arguing:
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The condition was pre-existing
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Imaging was normal, so no injury exists
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Symptoms are exaggerated or inconsistent
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The injury was not reported promptly
Strong claims typically include prompt reporting, consistent medical history, clear documentation of symptoms, and treating provider opinions supporting work restrictions or disability. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help with this process.
PTSD, Seizures, and Other Conditions After Head Injuries
Some workers develop anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder following a head injury. Learn more about PTSD after a workplace concussion or brain injury and how it may affect workers’ compensation benefits.
PTSD and other psychological injuries can also arise from workplace trauma even without a head injury. See our guide to PTSD and Illinois workers’ compensation claims.
In more serious cases, concussions and TBIs may lead to seizures. Learn more about whether seizures are covered under Illinois workers’ compensation.
When to Speak With an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You may want legal guidance if:
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You are pressured to return to work too soon
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Benefits are delayed or denied
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Your diagnosis or symptoms are disputed
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Specialist treatment is not approved
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Symptoms threaten your long-term ability to work
- You have questions about settlements and what your case may be worth
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions at Work in Illinois
Is a concussion considered a brain injury?
Yes. A concussion is medically classified as a traumatic brain injury.
How long do I have to report a head injury at work in Illinois?
You must notify your employer as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after the accident.
What if symptoms appear days later?
Delayed symptoms are common. Report the injury and seek medical care as soon as symptoms appear.
What workers’ comp benefits are available for a concussion?
Benefits may include medical care, Temporary Total Disability, Temporary Partial Disability, and permanent disability benefits.
When is a concussion an emergency?
Seek emergency care for worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, confusion, or difficulty waking up.
By Matthew C. Jones
Matthew C. Jones is an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney representing injured employees statewide. He focuses on complex workplace injury claims, including concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and disability cases.
👉 https://mcharguelaw.com/meet-our-legal-team/matthew-c-jones/
