Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer

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Have you or someone you love been hurt at work? Fill out the contact form below for a free consultation to examine your workers’ compensation rights, or call us at (770) 637-0105, even if you’ve been denied benefits.

*We value your privacy, all information is kept strictly confidential.

Brain injuries can be life-changing events. When handling your workers’ compensation claim, having an Atlanta brain injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Ramos & Law can help advocate for your well-being both during your recovery period as well when it comes to adjusting to a new normal. Your benefits should reflect the full extent of your workplace brain injury and losses, and our team fights for that.

Our brain injury lawyers are available for a free consultation about how we may be able to help you with your Atlanta workers’ compensation insurance claim. Contact us if you need help filing a new workers’ compensation claim or need assistance disputing a denied or undervalued claim.

Types of Brain Injuries

Most brain injuries fall into two categories, traumatic or acquired. An acquired brain injury may be caused by exposure to toxins, tumors, or infectious diseases that halt the flow of oxygen to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries, however, are caused by external force, like in a fall, car accident, or when an object falls from above and strikes a worker.

Some of the most common brain injuries involved in Atlanta workers’ compensation insurance claims are:

• Subdural hematoma (SDH): An SDH, or brain bleed, is potentially a life-threatening condition involved in about 25% of people with head injuries. An SDH is an internal pooling of blood outside the brain tissue, but contained within the skull. Subdural hematoma must be diagnosed by a doctor.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs are among the most common cause of death in the United States, and are an increasingly common source of workers’ compensation claims. In 2018, about 60% of lost time workers’ compensation payments involved a traumatic brain injury, up from 55% in 2013, according to a study from the National Council on Compensation Insurance.
• Lasting brain damage: Brain damage may permanently alter someone’s ability to perform certain tasks or return to work. In some cases, accommodations to his or her home, vehicle, and other areas of life may be necessary.
• Blunt force trauma to the head: This type of head trauma can result in ongoing medical care and an altered way of life. Many blunt force trauma claims are accompanied by other injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, paralysis, disfigurement, and more.

Causes of Brain Injury

Some common causes of brain injuries at work include:

• Car accidents while on the job
• Falls from scaffolding, construction platforms, or heights
• Slips and trips
• Collisions with falling, swinging, or unsecured objects
• Explosions involving dangerous chemicals
• Unsafe working conditions, including structural issues and parking garage or building collapse

Signs of Brain Injury

When someone sustains a traumatic head injury, they can often experience loss of consciousness, fatigue, memory loss, cognitive impairments, decreased concentration, headaches, and other neurological deficits. Even seemingly minor brain injuries should be seen and evaluated by a doctor in order to prevent more serious concerns from being overlooked.

Severe brain injuries can result in comas, concussions, and even death. The treatment for head and brain injuries can be extensive and require a battery of diagnostic testing, a host of neurological specialists, experimental testing, and numerous medications. Additionally, severe brain injuries may require frequent hospital trips, home modifications, medical transportation, and lodging.

How Common Are Brain Injuries in Georgia?

The Georgia Brain and Spinal Injury Registry recorded 29,924 TBI injuries in 2019. Of these Georgia brain injuries, 21,026 involved a trip to the emergency room and 8,081 required hospital admissions. On average 63% of admitted hospital patients for TBIs in Georgia are male, with a mean age of 17.7 years old.

A majority of TBIs (97%) in Georgia are mild, but it is important to note that suffering from a fall, concussion, or TBI can still be a serious and even life-threatening concern. According to a hospital-based study in Georgia, the main causes of traumatic brain injuries among Georgia residents are falls (58%) and being struck by or against an object (22%). Additionally, traumatic brain injuries cost Georgia state residents over $1.5 billion annually in combined lost wages and medical treatment costs, reports the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission.

How Do Brain Injuries Affect Workers in Atlanta?

Recovering from a brain injury can be a long and costly process. Extended periods of time off of work may be necessary, and medical expenses may be both high and unexpected. These unplanned costs combined with a potential decrease in wages can create significant financial stress for injured workers.

Injured workers with traumatic brain injuries, or closed-head injuries, may face additional hurdles in the initial diagnosis phase as they try to diagnose their “invisible injury.” Multiple diagnostic examinations and physician visits just to get a viable treatment plan or working prognosis may be required.

Additionally, employers and workers’ compensation insurance carriers may contest the connection between the cause or residual effects of the closed-head injury to the underlying work injury. The frustration and uncertainty can be beyond stressful to the employee and his or her family.

Depending on the severity of the accident, brain injuries can lead to multiple complications and even the need for long-term solutions, such as extended hospitalization or care. Rehabilitation from a brain injury can include physical therapies to relearn everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and self-care. At times returning to work can be challenging after a traumatic brain injury, and can involve receiving occupational therapy or other counseling.

Finally, Atlanta workers may find themselves needing additional help handling chronic pain, depression, substance abuse, sleep problems, changes in mood or attitude and other concerns that may come along with suffering a brain injury.

Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation Benefits for My Brain Injury?

Atlanta workers may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if they sustained their brain injury while on the job. Examples might include working on a construction site and being struck by flying debris, falling while on the job site premises during work hours, or being involved in a car accident while driving for work.

In many instances, severe head and brain injuries may result in a catastrophic designation of the workers’ compensation claim. This entitles employees to lifetime income and medical benefits. These severe injuries will likely also justify the receipt of federal Social Security disability benefits.

Understanding what kinds of benefits you may be eligible for is one way that the Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers at Ramos & Law can help. Having an experienced brain injury lawyer review the details of your injury and claim can help ensure you do not miss out on payments that can help throughout your recovery.

When Should I Contact an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer?

For best results, injured workers should contact an Atlanta brain injury lawyer as early as possible. After a doctor, a traumatic brain injury attorney should be the next call when grappling with seeking appropriate care in Georgia.

Workers’ compensation law in the state is on workers’ side, but only if they file their claim within the appropriate timeline and keep records of their expenses and treatment. An Atlanta head injury lawyer can ensure that workers’ compensation claims are filed as soon as possible, to ensure timely and appropriate compensation.

How Can an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer Help Me?

The brain injury attorneys at Ramos & Law are experienced in filing workers’ compensation claims, disputing contested claims, and even filing claims with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation for an evidentiary hearing if necessary.

Our team can guide injured workers throughout each of the following steps:

• Offering guidance on when and how to notify employers of the workplace brain injury
• Assembling relevant medical records
• Building a strong case for the maximum compensation possible
• Communicating with billing departments and ensuring paperwork is filed correctly
• Ensuring the worker’s medical team is covered by Georgia state workers’ compensation regulations
• Filing and ensuring accuracy in the WC-14 form, avoiding errors that can stall or even negate a valid claim
• Communicating only necessary information to the insurer and ensuring that payments meet industry standard levels
• Advocating for your ongoing well-being

Workers’ compensation insurance claims are often contested. This can make the process frustrating and stressful for workers during their recovery period. A brain injury lawyer can be a worker’s go-to resource in navigating claim denials or reduction of benefits. Working with a traumatic brain injury attorney can help address any of the following common hurdles that an employer or their insurance company may put in place to avoid paying the appropriate amount for a claim:

• Mischaracterizing an employee as an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits
• Attempting to fire, harass, or claim that the injury was the worker’s fault and should not be covered
• Minimizing health issues and refusing to acknowledge them, including denying time off work or refusing to make reasonable accommodations
• Claiming a brain injury took place offsite from work, or while performing non-work-related duties

Severe brain injuries often require extensive treatments – both emergency and rehabilitative. For this reason, it’s all the more important for workers to be fairly compensated if they have suffered a work-related brain injury.

What Evidence Do I Need To File a Brain Injury Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Relevant evidence should be gathered in order to create the strongest possible brain injury workers’ compensation claim. Examples can vary, but supporting evidence might include:

• Medical records, as well as any specialists’ opinions and diagnostic test results
• Medical bills and any other expenses accrued from the accident (particularly those involving medical equipment, housing modifications, and even transportation to and from medical appointments)
• Testimony from coworkers or passersby
• Security camera footage or other video record of the event
• Photographs of the injury or site of the accident
• Any failed safety inspections, workplace reports, or other relevant details
• Communications with an employer about the accident and resulting injury

Atlanta Brain Injury Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me

Ramos & Law is located off Buford Highway just minutes from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a premier catastrophic care hospital, where many of our Georgia injured workers receive treatment. Our easy-to-access location in metro Atlanta allows us to be on the spot for injured workers and Georgia residents.

Brain Injury Workers’ Compensation: FAQs

What are primary and secondary brain injuries?

Primary brain injuries occur suddenly and discretely, such as the impact from a car accident or fall. Secondary brain injuries unfold over a period of time after the initial incident, such as damage caused by pressure from a subdural hematoma.

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is the result of weakening in a blood vessel. Blood passing through a weakened area can create swelling around the brain, causing minor symptoms like headache or fatigue or a sudden catastrophic injury resulting in stroke, paralysis, or death.

What is an acquired brain injury?

An acquired brain injury might be the result of a stroke, near drowning, aneurysm, or tumor. Acquired brain injuries cause lasting damage, and can be just as fatal as traumatic brain injuries.

What is a catastrophic brain injury?

A catastrophic brain injury involves irreversible or severe damage to the brain, resulting in permanently altered function.

Can the brain heal after an injury?

Recovery for each brain injury is often unique, and factors like age, overall health, and access to quality medical care can often make a difference in outcome. In some cases, recovery involves different areas of the brain taking up other functions in order to compensate.

What are my rights after my family member’s occupational death?

Workplace deaths are tragic events for spouses, children, and family members in more ways than one. If you have lost a loved one to a workplace injury you likely have additional concerns about your financial stability as well as your period of grief.

It may help to know that the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance may be financially responsible for funeral costs, burial expenses, as well as weekly payments made to the employee’s dependents.

Which brain injury treatments are covered under workers’ compensation insurance? 

All necessary brain injury treatments are likely covered under Georgia workers’ compensation insurance, as long as they are performed by a qualified doctor. Physicians listed in the Workers’ Compensation Physician Database in Georgia may be considered eligible to perform covered brain injury treatments such as surgeries, diagnostic scans, rehabilitative care, and more.

I cannot afford a workers’ compensation brain injury attorney. What should I do?

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Ramos & Law work on contingency fee basis. This means that clients pay nothing up front for our services, and we are instead compensated with a percentage of the money we secure from a successful claim.

Contact an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer at Ramos & Law Today

Head and brain injuries are often the most difficult and costliest type of work injury. Ramos & Law can help you find medical support, navigate complex legal questions, and fight for the benefits you need to heal.

Contact us today for a free consultation to better understand what we can do for you. Our firm’s contingency fee model allows us to offer our services to a broad array of Georgia clients with no up front cost to you.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Client-Focused Representation

Unlike many workers’ compensation law firms, our Firm’s focus is on the injured worker’s current well-being, best possible recovery, and life after the claim. If Ramos & Law accepts your case, we will put your interests before ours. As a client, you will have a dedicated legal team working to provide you with the best possible options for you and your family. You will not be “just another client.” We will understand your medical care plan and create options for having the best quality of life during and after the claim.

Driven By Honesty

At Ramos & Law, we pride ourselves on making a genuine connection with our clients. We will not promise you miracles or provide you with a “sales pitch.” We believe that if you have been injured at work, the last thing you need is someone who will be dishonest with you. If we accept your case, that means we believe in you, and we believe we can help you maximize your claim. It means we will care about you and your family, and we will stand up in court for you. If we do not recover for you, we do not get paid.

Client Reviews & Testimonials

Bryan is a very great and honest attorney. I would recommend him and his staff to anyone under the same conditions I have been through. He is trustworthy, kind, caring, and very sincere about his clients.

Michael M. ( Hampton, GA )

I was referred to Bryan Ramos by a friend. I felt like Mr. Ramos and his staff had my best interests at heart, and I would refer other friends to them.

Beth S. ( Acworth, GA )

During such a painful and frustrating time, Bryan, Melissa, and the entire staff of Ramos & Law made things so easy and were always there when I needed them!

Kevin ( Atlanta, GA )

I would like to thank Ramos & Law for all the hard work and devotion in handling my workers’ compensation claim. I was very pleased with your services.[..]

Loretta B (Thomasville, GA)

I highly recommend Ramos & Law. Mr. Ramos and his staff are very knowledgeable and treated my case as if it was a top priority.

A.D.M. ( Thomasville, GA )

Throughout the entirety of my case, I felt like the attorneys and staff had my best interests at heart. I always felt everyone was concerned about my well-being at all times. [..]

Marsha J. ( Marietta, GA )

I recommend Ramos & Law. The attorneys always kept me posted, and whenever I needed something they responded. It was a blessing, and I am very happy with my settlement. [..]

Willie S. ( Covington, GA )

Mr. Ramos made the legal picture clearer for me. I was not guessing, and Mr. Ramos made things move quicker. Once Mr. Ramos became involved, my mind was more at ease, and I was assured that my case would [..]

Charles C. ( Fayetteville, GA )

If you need to find a workers’ compensation attorney, I recommend Bryan Camacho Ramos of Ramos & Law. Mr. Ramos is an attorney who listens well. Mr. Ramos understood my situation [..]

Jeroldine C. (Covington, GA)

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ramos & Law. When every other attorney made me feel my case was dead, Mr. Ramos assured me that there was life, and I got exactly what he said I would.[..]

Billy H. (Atlanta, GA)

I was referred to Attorney Ramos from another law firm that I had contacted, and that was one of the best decisions that I made. The first day that I went to his office, [..]

Angela C. (Atlanta, GA)

Mr. Ramos was a blessing to me. He came highly recommended and proved to be more than I ever could have hoped for. He and his assistant Gail kept me informed and walked me through an awful situation.[..]

Bobbye R. ( Dacula, GA )

Mr. Ramos did a very good job representing my mother in a workers’ compensation case. His professionalism was on display at all times, and his obvious skill made us feel that her case was in good hands. [..]

Brian

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REPRESENTATIVE CASES

These case studies are not meant to promise or guarantee a certain or similar result, but rather to demonstrate the legal attention and work ethic our attorneys assert in our cases. Every case is different and is fact sensitive.  Certain facts can greatly influence and determine a client’s award, outcome, and recovery.

Back Strain

An employee worked for a manufacturer of outdoor power products in Middle Georgia. His job required him to pull pallets of material across the work area. As a result, he experienced a back strain. The manufacturer denied the claim and contested his need for medical care. Ramos & Law was able to secure helpful diagnostic scans and meaningful medical care for the injured worker. After a few months of litigation, the parties reached a settlement of $65,000 with a complete resolution of all outstanding medical bills.

Foot Injury

An employee was stocking heavy merchandise for a large retailer in Columbus, Georgia. During the course of her job duties, a stocking cart of the merchandise fell on her right foot and great toe. The national retailer directed her to its company doctors but she received very little relief. The attorneys at Ramos & Law were able to navigate her medical care to more qualified doctors where she received a better overall results. As she reached maximum medical improvement, the large retailer settled the claim for over $100,000 and paid for all of her past medical treatment.

Failed Back Syndrome

An employee was working part-time for a large automotive parts store. The employee fell off a ladder injuring his teeth, neck, ribs, and low back. After exhausting conservative medical care, physical therapy, injection regimens, and medication, it became clear that this injured employee required the need for spinal surgery. While the insurance company fought the surgery, Ramos & Law was able to force the insurance company into paying for the surgery and associated therapies including the implant of a spinal cord stimulator. Given the severity of the injury, Ramos & Law was able to refer the client to a federal disability benefit specialist who assisted him in securing Social Security. This part-time employee settled his case for $185,000 plus almost $300,000 in future medical care.

Low Back Herniations

A pediatric physician injured his back while assisting a child off an examining room table. As a result, the physician herniated several discs in his spine which also triggered depressive mental episodes. While the insurance company denied medical coverage for his numerous symptoms, Ramos & Law was able to secure quality medical care for the employee including orthopedic care, psychiatric treatment, a spinal cord stimulator, and physical therapy. Additionally, the employee received on-going income benefits at the maximum workers’ compensation rate.  At the end of the case, the matter settled for a figure close to $250,000 in addition to payment of previous medical bills.

Shoulder Injury

An employee at a beverage maker in Atlanta was stocking heavy cases of merchandise when she felt severe neck and shoulder pain. It was revealed that she suffered a torn rotator cuff. While the beverage maker initially denied her medical care, Ramos & Law was able to convince the employer to approve her treatment plan and accept the case. After months attempting to return to work, it was clear that the employer was not able to accommodate her medical limitations. As a result, the case settled for $115,000, along with all her medical bills being paid.

Severe Burn

A part-time grocery employee fell into a tub of “degreaser” that caused severe third degree burns over his torso and buttocks region. The employee required immediate medical care and several weeks in the intensive care unit within the local burn center. The costs of the care reached in the millions of dollars. While the grocery store denied liability for the accident, the attorneys at Ramos & Law were able to secure a settlement of $250,000 in addition to the employer’s acknowledgment to pay for all past medical bills.