When a worker suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), they face a long recovery process. There are many different types of rehabilitation programs available to victims of a traumatic brain injury. The list below details some of the medical professionals, specialists, care givers, and rehab facilities that will likely be involved the injured worker’s rehabilitation and recovery process (Source: https://www.caregiver.org/).
- Physiatrists – doctors who are experts in rehabilitation medicine who typically oversee the rehabilitation process.
- Neurologists – doctors who are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
- Occupational, physical, speech, and language therapists – therapists that help the person regain thinking skills, communication skills, physical abilities and behavioral skills.
- Neuropsychologists – specialized psychologists who focus on thinking skills and behavior problems.
- Vocational rehabilitation experts – employment coaches who help with regaining job skills.
- Acute rehabilitation – an intensive rehabilitation program.
- Coma treatment centers – provide coma-specific medical care.
- Transitional living programs – non-medical residential programs that teach skills for community living.
- Long-term care and supervised living programs – residential facilities that provide care and rehabilitation to people with TBI who are not able to live independently.
- Behavior management programs – typically community-based (i.e., not residential) programs that teach self-control and appropriate social behaviors.
- Day treatment programs – provide rehabilitation during the day so the person can return home at night.
While some of these programs are covered by workers’ compensation, some of them may not be (depending on what the doctor is recommending). Treatment for brain injuries can be a long and painful process for injured workers and their families. Lessen the burden by getting an attorney on your side who knows how to handle these complicated injuries.
If you or someone in your family is dealing with a traumatic brain injury as the result of a work injury or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia,” or call our office today (804) 755-7755.
About the Author: Michele Lewane
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.