If you have suffered a head or brain injury due to an accident at work, the after effects can be devastating to you and your family. Head and brain injuries can result in physical and psychological damages including scarring, headaches, memory loss, depression and personality changes; amongst others.

Head and brain injuries caused through accidents in the workplace are typically a consequence of:

• Slips, trips and falls.
• Falling objects.
• Falls from a height.

If you have suffered a head or brain injury at work it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Medical professionals will be able to fully assess the extent of your injuries, as they may not be obvious to the naked eye.

The accident must be reported to your employer, with the details accurately recorded in the accident book. If there is no accident book, write down what happened and give it to your employer. Keep a copy for yourself too.

It is important to also take the names and contact details of any witnesses.

If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident. This can be very helpful if you wish to pursue a claim and your employer doesn’t admit liability.

You may be eligible to make a claim if it can be proven that your head or brain injury was caused as a direct consequence of your employer failing to provide you with:

• A safe workplace.
• Adequate training.
• Safe ways of working.
• Safe equipment.
• proper safety clothing (PPE).