Work-Related Head Injury Lawyers

Experienced Head Injury Attorneys in Santa Ana, CA

Head injury cases include a wide range of trauma, from concussions and skull fractures to life-altering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Whether the injury was caused by a workplace accident or third-party negligence, the legal and medical consequences are significant and often long-term.

Head injuries are not just “bumps” or “concussions.” They can lead to lasting problems with memory, focus, mood, balance, and basic function. And too often, especially in workers’ compensation cases, employers or insurers downplay symptoms or delay treatment until it’s too late.

At Fontes Law Group, we move fast to protect your claim, get the right medical team involved, and fight for the fair compensation you’re owed.

Our team represents clients across California who are dealing with the aftermath of head trauma. We work to establish clear liability, document the full scope of harm, and secure the medical care and financial recovery you are entitled to under California law.

If you or a loved one sustained a head injury on the job or due to someone else’s actions, our experienced attorneys are ready to take immediate legal action.

Schedule a free workers compensation consultation >

Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group

Experience. Compassion. Results.

At Fontes Law Group, we’ve helped many Californians rebuild their lives after serious head injuries. We understand how overwhelming and time sensitive these cases are, and we know what it takes to protect your health, your income, and your future.

• Proven success in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and workers’ comp claims
• All team members speak Spanish
• Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside
• No fees unless we win your case
• Trusted by California workers and their families

Scope of Head Injury Cases in Santa Ana and Across California

Head injury cases in California involve a wide range of physical, cognitive, and neurological harm caused by trauma to the head. In Santa Ana, these injuries often stem from workplace accidents, vehicle collisions, falls, unsafe equipment, or violent incidents. Depending on how the injury occurred and who is responsible, a claim may fall under workers’ compensation, a personal injury case, or a third-party liability claim.

Common head injuries involved in legal claims include:

Concussions and post-concussive syndrome

Often labeled as mild, but capable of causing ongoing headaches, dizziness, confusion, and cognitive difficulties.

Skull fractures

May lead to bleeding, infection, or brain swelling that requires urgent medical or surgical care.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Moderate to severe injuries that can affect memory, speech, movement, emotional control, and the ability to work or live independently.

Intracranial hemorrhage

Bleeding inside the skull, including subdural or epidural hematomas, which can create dangerous pressure on the brain.

Brain bruising or swelling

Damage to brain tissue that may require hospitalization and long-term neurological treatment.

Hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries

Caused by lack of oxygen due to delayed emergency response, electrical shock, or chemical exposure in workplace incidents.

California law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses, depending on whether the injury occurred at work or was caused by a third party. Correct diagnosis, timely treatment, and proper classification of the claim are critical to determining responsibility and the benefits available.

Understanding Work-Related Head Injury Claims in California

Head injuries that happen in the course and scope of employment are covered by California’s workers’ compensation system. These claims provide access to medical treatment and disability benefits, regardless of who was at fault.

Work-related head injuries commonly result from:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces
• Being struck by falling tools, equipment, or materials
• Vehicle collisions while driving or riding for work
• Slips, trips, or blunt-force impacts on job sites
• Equipment malfunctions or safety violations
• Physical assaults or workplace violence

Signs You May Need Legal Help

• Ongoing headaches, confusion, or nausea after an accident
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or speaking
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood changes, depression, or sleep problems
• Delayed treatment or pressure to return to work too soon
• A claim that is denied, delayed, or minimized by insurance

Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to lasting problems, including chronic pain, memory loss, emotional changes, or reduced work ability. That’s why prompt reporting and thorough medical evaluation matter.

California law requires workers to report a job-related injury within 30 days and file a claim within one year. Insurance companies often dispute head injury claims, delay approvals, or blame symptoms on pre-existing conditions. Strong legal representation helps protect your rights, secure proper testing like CT scans or MRIs, and ensure your disability status is evaluated fairly.

When handled correctly, a workers’ compensation claim can provide the medical care and financial support needed to recover and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Work-Related Injury Timeline

Head injury claims move through several stages, and the timeline can vary depending on the severity of the injury and how the employer or insurance carrier responds.

• Initial filing and medical treatment: usually within 1 to 2 weeks

• Investigation and medical exams: often 1 to 3 months

• Settlement discussions: commonly 3 to 6 months

• Appeals or litigation: 6 months or longer, if disputes arise

Throughout the process, we keep you informed, explain what to expect next, and work to reduce unnecessary delays that can interfere with your care and benefits.

Understanding Legal Duties and Employer Violations

California employers have a legal responsibility to protect workers from preventable head injuries. When safety is ignored or shortcuts are taken, employers may be held accountable for the harm that follows.

Employers are required to:

• Provide appropriate head protection and safety equipment

• Maintain safe, hazard-free work areas

• Identify and address fall risks and defective equipment

• Respond promptly when a head injury is reported

• Carry valid workers’ compensation insurance

Common violations we see include:

• Refusing to recognize or take a reported head injury seriously

• Delaying imaging, specialist referrals, or necessary testing

• Blaming symptoms on pre-existing conditions without evidence

• Retaliating against workers for reporting an injury

• Failing to properly document or report the incident

These actions don’t just put workers at risk. They may violate California labor and workers’ compensation laws. At Fontes Law Group, we investigate these failures, document what went wrong, and take legal action when necessary to protect your health and your rights.

Relevant Legal Standards:

• California Labor Code §§ 3700–3709 – Workers’ comp requirements
• Cal/OSHA Regulations – Safe workplace rules
• QME/AME Evaluations – Used to determine permanent impairment

Understanding Compensation in Head Injury Cases

Head injuries can affect far more than physical health. They can limit your ability to work, think clearly, live independently, and enjoy daily life. Because these injuries are often serious and long lasting, California law allows injured workers and families to pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and ongoing support.

A successful claim, whether through workers’ compensation or a third-party lawsuit, can provide the financial stability and medical treatment needed to move forward.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the direct financial costs of a head injury, which may include:

• Emergency care and hospital treatment

• Diagnostic testing such as CT scans or MRIs

• Ongoing care from neurologists or brain injury specialists

• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity

• Temporary or permanent disability benefits

• Travel expenses related to medical care

Non-Economic Damages

In third-party injury cases, compensation may also address how the injury affects your life, including:

• Ongoing pain, headaches, or neurological symptoms

• Memory loss, concentration problems, or speech issues

• Emotional distress such as anxiety or depression

• Loss of independence or reduced quality of life

Third-Party Liability

If a head injury was caused by someone outside your employment, such as a negligent driver, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, a separate personal injury claim may be available. These cases can allow recovery for pain and suffering and, in some situations, additional damages for long-term care or future needs.

At Fontes Law Group, we review every head injury case for both workers’ compensation and third-party claims to make sure no option is overlooked.

Proving Your Case in California

To build a strong claim, we focus on three key points:

• You suffered a documented head injury supported by medical evidence

• The injury was caused by your job duties or a third party’s actions

• Your employer or another responsible party is legally liable

If a dispute leads to litigation, our team is prepared to represent you before the WCAB or in civil court.

FAQs About Head Injury Workers’ Comp Claims

Helpful Resources for California Residents

• California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB)
• Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
• California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
• Cal/OSHA Workplace Safety
• MPN Doctor Search Tool

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Head injuries can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and quality of life, even when they appear minor at first. Proving the full impact under California law requires detailed medical evidence and a strategic legal approach.

Fontes Law Group is prepared to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Request a free case review today.