You didn’t expect your life to change in a split second. One moment you’re focused and in your routine. The next, a sudden jolt, a loud crack, and everything goes blank, leaving you with a concussion, or worse, a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

The pain is one thing. But the confusion, the memory fog, the unrelenting headaches? Those are another. And the scariest part is the uncertainty.

If you’re struggling with the long-term effects of a head injury at work, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of workers in Virginia suffer brain trauma from construction accidents, vehicle crashes, or defective machinery. 

Yet many never receive the full compensation they’re entitled to because they didn’t know how the system works, or didn’t have the right lawyer on their side.

What Counts as a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI doesn’t always mean you were knocked unconscious or rushed to the ER. It might start with something you shrug off, a bump on the head, or a moment of dizziness, until the headaches and brain fog don’t go away. 

If you’ve experienced cognitive and emotional symptoms that persist beyond the physical pain after an accident, you may be dealing with a TBI, even if you didn’t lose consciousness. 

Many individuals find clarity about their situation after speaking with a brain injury lawyer regarding their specific circumstances.

Why Brain Injuries are Different, and Why They Demand Legal Precision

Unlike broken bones, TBIs don’t appear clearly on imaging or follow predictable recovery paths. In fact, they can wreak havoc on every part of your life, from your ability to work and think clearly to your relationships, sleep patterns, and emotional stability.

That’s what makes TBIs among the most complex and often misunderstood cases in workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Navigating these claims requires not only legal expertise but also a deep understanding of neurology, long-term care planning, and the ways insurance companies try to downplay your injuries.

At Corey Pollard Law, we know a brain injury isn’t just a legal case. It’s your ability to work, think, and live the way you did before. That’s why we approach every claim with the urgency and care it deserves.

What Compensation Can You Legally Claim?

Your claim should account for long-term effects, not just the immediate aftermath. In workers’ comp cases, this includes wage loss, medical treatment, and vocational rehab. 

If a third party was involved, a personal injury claim may also cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and future medical costs. The key is having an experienced attorney who can identify every potential source of compensation and fight to secure what you’re truly owed.

In short, your claim should reflect the full impact of the injury, not just the immediate aftermath. Check these average head injury settlement figures to understand your options.

The Legal Maze: Workers’ Comp vs. Personal Injury

If your injury happened on the job, you likely qualify for Virginia workers’ compensation. It is important to know that workers’ comp only covers certain damages, usually medical bills and wage loss, not pain and suffering or punitive damages.

However, if a third party, such as a negligent driver, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, played a role in your accident, you may also be able to file a personal injury claim. This dual-path approach, also called a third-party action, requires a precise legal strategy and can significantly increase your total compensation.

A skilled brain injury lawyer knows how to build both claims simultaneously without jeopardizing your workers’ comp eligibility. 

Don’t Miss Your Filing Window

Injury claims are time-sensitive. 

Personal Injury:

• Virginia & Maryland: 2 years

• D.C.: 3 years

Workers’ Comp:

• Report the injury within 30 days.

• File your claim within 2 years.

Delaying your claim, especially with brain injuries, could cost you the chance at full recovery and compensation. A skilled lawyer can help you act before it is too late.

What You Can Expect When You Call

Reaching out to a lawyer isn’t easy, especially when your thinking feels foggy and every decision feels like a mountain. That’s why our first priority is clarity.

When you contact Corey Pollard Law, we’ll walk you through:

• A full review of your accident and medical records
• An honest breakdown of your workers’ comp and personal injury options
• A plan to document symptoms like memory loss, dizziness, migraines, and fatigue
• A timeline for recovery and compensation
• And most importantly, a promise that you won’t face the system alone.

You will get straight answers from someone who’s handled hundreds of cases like yours.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

The consequences of a traumatic brain injury don’t end when you leave the hospital. They may not even show up for weeks or even years. That’s why fast settlements are rarely fair, and why legal inaction can cost you dearly.

In Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., strict filing deadlines mean the clock is already ticking. If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury at work, don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse or the bills to pile up. Take control now, while your legal rights are still fully intact.

We’ve helped over 500 clients navigate the complex overlap of workers’ compensation and personal injury law after a TBI. 

Visit Corey Pollard Law to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you need and the future you deserve.

References

1. Corey Pollard Law – Brain Injury Lawyer

2. Head Injury at Work: Average Settlement

3. CDC Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion Data

4. Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission: https://workcomp.virginia.gov/