Suffered a TBI at Work? Here’s What You Need to Do to Protect Your Claim in SC

Video Transcript

Now, if you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury at work, whether from a fall, being struck, a vehicle collision, or a blow to the head, here’s what you need to know. A traumatic brain injury, called a TBI, can be one of the most serious and most misunderstood injuries in workers’ compensation. TBIs are often invisible. You may look fine on the outside, but still struggle with headaches, dizziness, memory problems, sleep issues, mood changes, light sensitivity, or trouble concentrating. And insurance adjusters often try to treat a brain injury like it’s a simple concussion that should resolve quickly and then question you when it doesn’t. In South Carolina, the process starts with reporting the injury to your employer as soon as possible. The law requires notice right away or as soon as practicable, and delays can cause real problems in your claim. You also have deadlines to protect your rights. Generally, a formal claim must be filed within two years of the accident, but the employer has to be notified of the injury within 90 days of the incident. Workers’ comp should cover medical treatment that’s reasonably required, and the Commission can authorize ongoing care when it’s supported by the medical evidence. The problem is with TBIs: getting to the right specialist matters — neurology, neuropsychology, vestibular therapy, vision therapy — because the right testing and documentation can make or break your case. At the Goings Law Firm, we work early to protect the evidence, build the medical record and make sure your injury is taken seriously so you’re not pushed back to work before you’re medically ready or ignored for the problems you’re reporting. And when the time comes to discuss permanent impairment or settlement, the system often focuses heavily on the doctor’s impairment rating and what a commissioner might award. So preparation matters. If you’ve suffered a workplace injury or been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, don’t try to navigate this alone. Call our workers’ compensation team at the Goings Law Firm. We’ll listen, explain your options, and fight to protect your health, your benefits, and most importantly, your future.