Concussion Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in North Carolina

A concussion at work can happen in an instant, but the symptoms may affect your health, job performance, and daily life long after the accident. A fall, falling object, vehicle collision, or sudden impact can cause a concussion that affects memory, concentration, balance, and the ability to work safely.

Although concussions are often described as mild traumatic brain injuries, they should never be ignored. Some workers recover within a relatively short period, while others experience symptoms that last for weeks, months, or longer.

At Parker & Frey, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees in Dunn, Fayetteville, Harnett County, Cumberland County, Johnston County, Sampson County, and throughout North Carolina understand their legal rights after a workplace concussion.

If you suffered a concussion on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits that help cover medical treatment and lost wages.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.

This sudden movement can temporarily disrupt normal brain function, affecting memory, concentration, balance, vision, and other abilities.

A concussion does not always involve losing consciousness. In fact, many people who experience a concussion remain awake and may not immediately recognize that they have been injured.

Even when a concussion is classified as mild, symptoms can interfere with a person's ability to perform their job responsibilities safely.

What Workplace Accidents Commonly Cause Concussions?

Concussions can occur in nearly any occupation, from construction and manufacturing to transportation, health care, and office environments.

Common workplace accidents that may cause a concussion include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Falling on wet floors, uneven surfaces, stairs, or walkways.

• Falls From Heights: Falling from ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, or elevated work platforms.

• Falling Objects: Being struck by tools, construction materials, merchandise, or equipment.

• Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving delivery vehicles, commercial trucks, forklifts, or other workplace transportation.

• Machinery Accidents: Sudden impacts involving industrial equipment or moving machinery.

• Workplace Violence: Assaults or other incidents involving blows to the head.

• Sudden Impacts: Being struck by a moving object or experiencing rapid acceleration or deceleration during an accident.

Workers throughout Harnett County, Cumberland County, Johnston County, and Sampson County are employed in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, transportation, health care, and other industries where workplace accidents can occur.

Understanding how the injury happened can be important when 

documenting a concussion and pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.

What Are the Symptoms of a Workplace Concussion?

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may develop or become more noticeable hours or days after the accident.

Physical Symptoms of a Concussion

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Balance problems

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Fatigue

• Difficulty sleeping

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms of a Concussion

• Confusion

• Memory difficulties

• Difficulty concentrating

• Slower thinking

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Mood changes

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks

A worker may initially believe the injury is minor, especially if there are no visible wounds or immediate signs of serious trauma.

However, symptoms that interfere with concentration, coordination, or reaction time can make certain job duties unsafe.

Seek emergency medical attention if a head injury is followed by worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, increasing confusion, weakness, or difficulty waking.

Can Concussion Symptoms Appear Days After a Workplace Accident?

Yes. Some concussion symptoms may not become apparent until hours or days after the initial injury.

A worker may finish a shift believing they are fine, only to experience headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or unusual fatigue later.

Delayed symptoms can create challenges when an employee did not immediately recognize or report the injury.

If symptoms develop after a workplace accident, seek medical evaluation and explain when and how the incident occurred.

Medical records connecting the symptoms to the workplace accident can become important when evaluating a workers’ compensation claim.

What Is Post Concussion Syndrome?

Some individuals experience concussion symptoms that persist beyond the expected recovery period. These ongoing difficulties are often referred to as persistent post concussion symptoms or post concussion syndrome.

Symptoms may include:

• Recurring headaches

• Dizziness or balance difficulties

• Memory and concentration problems

• Sleep disturbances

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Fatigue

• Anxiety or depression

• Difficulty performing normal work activities

Persistent symptoms may require additional medical evaluation, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily activities.

For injured workers, these symptoms can affect the ability to return to previous job responsibilities, particularly when the work requires sustained concentration, physical coordination, driving, or operating machinery.

Can You Receive Workers’ Compensation for a Concussion in North Carolina?

A concussion resulting from a compensable workplace accident may qualify for benefits under North Carolina workers’ compensation law.

North Carolina workers’ compensation generally provides medical and disability benefits for eligible employees who suffer injuries arising out of and in the course of their employment, subject to applicable legal requirements.

Medical Treatment for a Workplace Concussion

Workers’ compensation may cover reasonably necessary medical care related to a compensable concussion, including:

• Emergency medical evaluation

• Physician visits

• Neurological examinations

• Diagnostic testing when medically appropriate

• Prescription medications

• Physical therapy

• Vestibular rehabilitation

• Cognitive rehabilitation

• Specialist consultations

• Follow up medical care

Not every concussion requires extensive treatment. However, workers with ongoing symptoms may need additional care before returning to their regular job duties.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If a compensable concussion prevents an employee from working, temporary disability benefits may provide partial wage replacement when the legal requirements are met.

A medical provider may recommend time away from work or restrictions involving physical activity, screen use, driving, concentration, or exposure to certain workplace conditions.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Most individuals recover from concussions, but some experience lasting limitations.

When a compensable concussion causes permanent impairment or reduced earning capacity, additional disability benefits may be available depending on the medical evidence and applicable North Carolina law.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Workers who cannot safely return to their previous occupation because of lasting concussion symptoms may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services in appropriate cases.

These services may help evaluate employment options or identify work that accommodates the worker's medical limitations.

Can You Work With a Concussion?

Whether a person can work after a concussion depends on the symptoms, job responsibilities, and medical recommendations.

Some workers may return to employment with temporary restrictions. Others may need additional recovery time before safely resuming their duties.

For example, an employee who operates heavy machinery may be unable to work safely while experiencing dizziness or slower reaction times.

A truck driver may need restrictions on driving until medically cleared.

An office employee may struggle with prolonged screen use, concentration, or completing complex tasks.

Workers should follow medical recommendations and communicate any ongoing symptoms to their treating providers.

If an employer cannot accommodate medically established restrictions related to a compensable concussion, certain workers’ compensation disability benefits may be available depending on the circumstances.

Can a Concussion Cause PTSD, Anxiety, or Depression?

A workplace concussion can occur during a frightening or traumatic event, such as a serious fall, vehicle collision, machinery accident, or workplace assault.

Some workers experience anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other psychological symptoms following the accident.

Concussions can also affect mood, emotional regulation, and sleep.

These symptoms may overlap with other effects of a brain injury, making medical evaluation important.

When psychological conditions develop following a workplace accident, proper documentation can help determine whether additional treatment is necessary and whether the condition may be compensable under North Carolina law.

What Should You Do After Suffering a Concussion at Work?

Taking appropriate steps after a workplace concussion can help protect your health and legal rights.

1. Seek medical attention. Even if symptoms initially appear mild, a medical evaluation can help identify possible brain injuries and determine appropriate treatment.

2. Report the accident to your employer. North Carolina generally requires written notice of a workplace injury within 30 days, although exceptions may apply.

3. Document the incident. Record when and where the accident happened, what caused the injury, and whether anyone witnessed it.

4. Keep track of symptoms. Document headaches, dizziness, memory difficulties, fatigue, and other symptoms that affect daily activities or work.

5. Follow medical recommendations. Attend appointments, follow treatment instructions, and comply with medically established work restrictions.

6. Understand your workers’ compensation rights. A workers’ compensation lawyer can explain available benefits and help evaluate a disputed claim.

Can a Concussion Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Most concussions do not result in limitations severe enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

However, some individuals experience persistent neurological, cognitive, or physical limitations that significantly affect their ability to work.

When these limitations meet the applicable federal disability requirements, Social Security Disability benefits may be available.

Eligibility depends on medical evidence, functional limitations, expected duration, and other federal requirements.

Parker & Frey handles both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims, allowing our attorneys to help injured workers understand potential sources of financial support when an injury prevents them from working.

Concussion Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Serving Dunn and Fayetteville, NC

Since 1986, Parker & Frey PLLC has provided compassionate client service combined with aggressive legal representation for injured and disabled individuals throughout North Carolina.

From our office in Dunn, we assist workers in Harnett County and surrounding communities, including Fayetteville, Lillington, Erwin, Benson, Smithfield, Clinton, and other areas of Cumberland, Johnston, and Sampson counties.

Our lawyers understand that concussion symptoms are not always visible and that even a seemingly minor workplace accident can create serious challenges for an injured worker.

We take the time to understand how an injury has affected your health, employment, finances, and future while helping you pursue the benefits to which you may be entitled under the law.

Contact Parker & Frey today to schedule a consultation about your workplace concussion and workers’ compensation claim.

Attorneys With The Experience To Level The Playing Field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Concussions in North Carolina

Is a concussion covered by workers’ compensation in North Carolina?

A concussion may qualify for workers’ compensation when it results from a compensable workplace accident and meets the requirements of North Carolina law. Eligible workers may receive medical treatment and disability benefits depending on the circumstances.

Can I receive workers’ compensation for a concussion without losing consciousness?

Yes. A concussion does not require a loss of consciousness. Workers who experience symptoms following a workplace accident may qualify for benefits when medical evidence and the circumstances establish a compensable injury.

What if concussion symptoms do not appear until days after my accident?

Some concussion symptoms develop or become more noticeable after the initial incident. Seek medical evaluation, explain the workplace accident to your provider, and report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.

How long can I receive workers’ compensation for a concussion?

The duration of benefits depends on the nature of the injury, medical treatment needs, ability to work, and applicable North Carolina workers’ compensation requirements. Some workers recover quickly, while others need extended treatment or disability benefits.

Can I receive workers’ compensation for post concussion syndrome?

Persistent post concussion symptoms may qualify for medical treatment or disability benefits when they are connected to a compensable workplace injury and meet the applicable legal requirements.

What happens if my employer wants me to return to work while I still have concussion symptoms?

Workers should discuss ongoing symptoms and job duties with their treating medical provider. If medically established restrictions prevent certain work activities, the employer's ability to provide suitable employment may affect eligibility for disability benefits.

Can I receive workers’ compensation if my CT scan or MRI is normal?

Potentially. Concussions do not always produce abnormalities visible on standard CT scans or MRIs. A diagnosis may rely on medical history, symptoms, neurological examination, and other clinical findings.

How long do I have to report a workplace concussion in North Carolina?

North Carolina generally requires written notice of a workplace injury within 30 days, subject to exceptions. A separate claim filing deadline generally requires filing with the North Carolina Industrial Commission within two years of the accident, although individual circumstances may affect the applicable deadlines.