Head injuries are always serious, but traumatic brain injuries are particularly dangerous. A traumatic brain injury is defined as any injury that disrupts the brain due to an outside force. It can be a blow to the head or a penetrating wound, and even a concussion could be considered a traumatic brain injury, as can a skull fracture. Traumatic brain injuries can take a long time to recover from, and sometimes a full recovery is not always possible.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may be anxious about returning to the workplace. Below are some tips for handling your re-entry to the workforce:
- Be honest about your recovery and your limitations. If you now have trouble focusing, periodically experience pain, or get distracted easily, tell your superiors about what is going on with you. Your coworkers are not entitled to that information, but it will help your higher-ups to know what is going on. Also, you can be vague about how the brain injury occurred. All they need to know is how the injury affects your ability to complete work tasks.
- Remember that a brain injury is considered a form of disability under the law. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations may include a private, distraction-free workspace, the approved use of a white noise machine, and directions that only assign one task at a time. Do not be afraid to ask for these accommodations.
- Once back in the workplace, take copious notes on assignments and directions. If you are struggling with memory, building a habit of taking notes can be extremely helpful. It may seem like overkill initially, but it is better to have the notes and not need them than it is to need the notes and not have them.
- Record the mistakes you make. This will help you know what pitfalls to look out for in the future. Were you overwhelmed in a meeting? Did you miss a deadline because you had too many tasks to complete? Whatever you struggle with, write it down and review it later. That way, when similar situations arise in the future, you can handle them in different ways.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury and need legal representation, contact Grupo Via Dorada today.