Work-Related Head Injury Lawyers

Experienced Head Injury Attorneys in Riverside, 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 countless Californians recover after head and serious brain trauma, and we know how complex and urgent these cases can be.

• 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 California

Head injury cases in California cover a broad range of physical, cognitive, and neurological harm resulting from external trauma to the head. These injuries may arise from workplace accidents, motor vehicle collisions, falls, defective equipment, or acts of violence. In legal terms, a head injury claim may fall under workers’ compensation, personal injury, or third-party liability, depending on the circumstances and responsible parties.

Common types of head injuries involved in legal claims include:

Concussions and post-concussive syndrome

Often considered mild, but can lead to chronic headaches, confusion, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.

Skull fractures

May result in brain swelling, infection, or bleeding that requires surgical intervention.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Ranging from moderate to severe, TBIs can impair memory, speech, motor function, emotional regulation, and the ability to work or perform daily tasks.

Intracranial hemorrhage

Bleeding within the skull, including subdural or epidural hematomas, can cause life-threatening pressure on the brain.

Cerebral contusions or swelling

Bruising of brain tissue may require hospitalization and long-term neurological care.

Hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries

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

California law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, depending on whether the injury occurred on the job or due to third-party negligence. Proper diagnosis, timely treatment, and accurate legal classification of the injury are critical to determining liability and the scope of benefits available.

Understanding Work-related Head Injury Claims in California

In California, head injuries that occur in the course and scope of employment are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. These claims provide injured workers with access to medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability benefits, and other necessary support — regardless of fault.

Work-related head injuries can result from a wide range of incidents, including:

• Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated surfaces
• Being struck by falling tools, equipment, or materials
• Collisions while operating or riding in work-related vehicles
• Slips, trips, or blunt-force impacts on job sites
• Equipment malfunctions or safety violations
• Physical assaults or violence in the workplace

Signs You Need Legal Help

• Headaches, confusion, or nausea after an accident
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, or speaking
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood swings, depression, or sleep disruption
• Delayed care or pressure to return to work early
• Your claim is denied or minimized by the insurer

Even a seemingly minor head injury may lead to long-term complications such as chronic headaches, memory problems, mood disorders, or reduced ability to perform essential job functions. For this reason, prompt reporting and accurate medical evaluation are essential.

Under California Labor Code, employees must report the injury to their employer within 30 days and file a workers’ compensation claim within one year. In many cases, insurance carriers may dispute the nature or severity of the injury, delay treatment approvals, or attribute symptoms to pre-existing conditions. These disputes can significantly affect recovery and benefits.

Proper legal representation can ensure that injured workers receive timely care, appropriate diagnostic testing (such as CT scans or MRIs), and a fair determination of their temporary or permanent disability status.

When managed correctly, a workers’ compensation claim for a head injury can provide the critical support needed during recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

Work-Related Injury Timeline

• Initial filing and treatment: 1–2 weeks
• Investigation and exams: 1–3 months
• Settlement discussions: 3–6 months
• Appeals or litigation: 6+ months

Understanding Legal Duties and Violations

Employers in California are required to protect workers from preventable head injuries. When they cut corners or ignore safety, they can be held accountable.

Employers must:

• Provide head protection and safety gear
• Maintain hazard-free work zones
• Address fall risks and equipment defects
• Report and respond to injuries immediately
• Carry valid workers’ compensation coverage

Violations include:

• Refusing to acknowledge a head injury
• Delaying diagnostic imaging or specialist care
• Blaming pre-existing conditions
• Retaliating against injured workers
• Failing to document or report the incident

These actions are not just wrong, they may violate California labor and workers’ comp laws. We investigate, document, and take legal action where necessary.

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 and brain injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, function independently, and maintain quality of life. Due to the serious and often permanent nature of these injuries, California law provides compensation for medical treatment, lost income, long-term care, and the personal effects of cognitive and neurological impairment.

A successful claim, whether through workers’ compensation or a third-party personal injury lawsuit, can help secure the financial support and medical treatment you need to move forward.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover the measurable financial costs associated with a head injury, including:

• Emergency care and trauma center treatment
• Diagnostic imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, and EEGs
• Ongoing care from neurologists, neuropsychologists, or brain injury specialists
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Diminished earning capacity due to long-term impairment
• Temporary or permanent disability payments
• Travel and mileage expenses for medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the impact the injury has on your daily life and mental well-being:

• Pain and suffering caused by chronic headaches, dizziness, or neurological pain
• Cognitive dysfunction, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or speech issues
• Emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• Loss of independence or inability to participate in daily activities
• Reduced quality of life or loss of enjoyment of life

Third-Party Liability

If your head injury was caused by someone outside of your direct employment, such as a negligent driver, subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer, you may also have grounds for a third-party personal injury claim.

In addition to workers’ compensation, a personal injury lawsuit can allow you to recover:

• Full compensation for pain and suffering (not available through workers’ comp)
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct
• Additional financial recovery for future care, home accommodations, and long-term needs

Fontes Law Group evaluates every case for both workers’ compensation and third-party liability to ensure you pursue the full amount of compensation available under California law.

Proving Your Case in California Courts

Key Legal Elements We Must Prove

We focus on three core elements:

You suffered a documented head injury
We present diagnostic scans, specialist reports, and testimony.

It was caused by your job or a third party
Whether it was a fall, collision, or equipment issue, we tie it to the cause.

Your employer or another party is liable
We challenge denials, underpayments, or delays in full compliance with California law.

If litigation becomes necessary, our trial-ready team will aggressively represent your interests 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.