February 2, 2025

Workers’ Comp Head Injury Settlements

Head injuries sustained on the job can lead to severe long-term effects. When pursuing workers' compensation claims for head injuries, it’s crucial to understand the settlement process, as these cases involve complex factors that determine the final settlement amount. 

In general, workers' comp head injury settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to over a million dollars for catastrophic injuries.  A workers' compensation lawyer at Shultz Legal can guide you through the complex process of securing the compensation you deserve for a head injury, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

Types of Head Injuries in Workers' Comp Claims

Workers' comp claims for head injuries can involve various types of injuries, such as:

  • Concussions: Mild traumatic brain injuries, which may resolve with medical treatment but can have lasting effects if not properly managed.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Serious injuries that affect brain function and require long-term care.
  • Skull Fractures: Often requiring surgery or extended medical treatment.
  • Cognitive Impairments: Injuries affecting memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.

The severity of the injury plays a significant role in determining the workers' compensation settlement.

Factors Affecting Workers' Comp Head Injury Settlements

Several factors influence the amount of compensation awarded for head injuries:

  1. Severity of the Injury: More severe head injuries typically lead to higher settlements. Concussions may result in lower settlements, while TBIs and permanent cognitive impairments can increase the compensation amount.
  2. Medical Costs: Ongoing medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapies contribute to the overall settlement value.
  3. Lost Wages: If the head injury prevents the worker from returning to their job, the lost wages can impact the settlement amount.
  4. Permanent Disability: A permanent disability rating can increase the settlement, as it accounts for long-term or lifetime losses in earning capacity.
  5. State Laws and Workers' Comp System: Different states have varying workers' compensation systems, which affect the calculation of settlements. Click here to view Maryland’s laws

Factors Leading to Higher Workers' Comp Head Injury Settlements

A few examples of scenarios where settlements tend to be higher include:

  • Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with long-term cognitive effects.
  • Multiple Surgeries and extended rehabilitation.
  • Inability to Return to Work in the same capacity or at all.

The Workers' Comp Settlement Process

The process of obtaining a settlement for a head injury typically involves the following steps:

  1. Filing a Claim: After a head injury, the worker must file a workers' compensation claim with their employer’s insurance provider.
  2. Medical Evaluation: A physician will assess the injury and recommend treatment plans, which can help establish the extent of the injury.
  3. Negotiation: Settlement negotiations will involve discussions of medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of disability.
  4. Settlement Approval: Once an agreement is reached, the settlement must be approved by a workers' compensation judge.

Breakdown of Head Injury Workers' Comp Settlement Amounts Based on Injury Severity

Injury SeveritySettlement RangeFactors Impacting Settlement
Mild Concussion$2,000 - $20,000Short-term medical treatment, minimal wage loss
Moderate Brain Injury$20,000 - $100,000Longer recovery, partial wage loss, short-term disability
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)$100,000 - $500,000+Permanent cognitive impairment, long-term medical care, permanent disability
Skull Fractures$50,000 - $300,000Surgical intervention, potential for permanent disability

Final Thoughts 

If you’ve suffered a head injury at work, navigating the workers' compensation system can be overwhelming. At Shultz Legal, our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t face the challenges of a workers’ comp claim alone—contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.