What To Do If You Hit Your Head at Work: A Step-by-Step Guide

Immediate Steps After a Head Injury at Work

The moments following a head injury at work are critical—both for your health and your legal rights. Taking the right actions can protect your well-being and strengthen any future workers' compensation or personal injury claim.

Step 1: Stop Work and Assess the Situation

Do not try to "tough it out" or continue working. Even if you feel okay, continuing to work after a head injury can:

• Worsen your injury
• Put you at risk for additional accidents
• Give the insurance company ammunition to minimize your claim

Take a moment to assess how you feel. Are you dizzy? Is your vision blurry? Do you have a headache? Even mild symptoms warrant caution.

Step 2: Report the Incident Immediately

Pennsylvania law requires you to notify your employer of a work injury within 120 days. However, you should report it immediately—ideally the same day.

When reporting:

• Tell your supervisor exactly what happened
• Note the date, time, and location
• Identify any witnesses
• Request that the incident be documented in writing

Pro tip: Follow up your verbal report with an email to create a paper trail. Something like: "As I reported to you today at [time], I hit my head when [describe incident]. I am experiencing [symptoms]."

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

Even if your symptoms seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Here's why:

1. Hidden injuries: Brain injuries aren't always immediately apparent
2. Documentation: Medical records create crucial evidence for your claim
3. Treatment timeline: Starting treatment early typically leads to better outcomes

In Pennsylvania, your employer may have a list of approved medical providers (called a "panel") that you must use for the first 90 days. Ask for this list, but if it's an emergency, go to the nearest ER.

Step 4: Document Everything

Start building your case immediately by documenting:

• Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, any equipment involved, and visible injuries
• Witness information: Get names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
• Symptom diary: Write down your symptoms each day, including pain levels and how they affect your daily life
• Medical records: Keep copies of all medical documents, bills, and prescriptions
• Work impact: Note any missed work, reduced hours, or job limitations

Step 5: Follow Medical Instructions

Insurance companies look for any reason to deny or reduce your claim. One of the most common tactics is arguing that you made your injury worse by not following doctor's orders.

Always:

• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Take medications as prescribed
• Follow activity restrictions
• Complete recommended therapy or rehabilitation

Step 6: Know Your Rights

As a Pennsylvania worker who suffered a head injury on the job, you have rights:

• Medical benefits: Your employer's workers' comp insurance should cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment
• Wage loss benefits: If you can't work, you may be entitled to approximately 2/3 of your average weekly wage
• Specific loss benefits: Permanent injuries may qualify for additional compensation
• Third-party claims: If someone other than your employer contributed to your injury, you may have a separate personal injury lawsuit

Step 7: Consult a Brain Injury Attorney

The insurance company has lawyers protecting their interests. Shouldn't you have someone protecting yours?

A Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist can:

• Evaluate whether you have one claim or two (workers' comp + personal injury)
• Handle communications with the insurance company
• Ensure you receive all benefits you're entitled to
• Fight back if your claim is denied or underpaid

Call Keystone Brain Injury Lawyers at (833) 898-4587. Consultation is free, and there's no fee unless we win your case. Free Consults 24/7.