A concussion is a head injury, and it is often minimized at first — because the worker did not pass out, or because there is no cut, no bruise, and no fracture. Report it anyway, in writing, and get checked by a doctor the same day. Headaches, dizziness, fogginess, and trouble remembering or concentrating can show up hours or days later, and a symptom record helps the doctor, and the claim, a great deal.
How a concussion happens at work
- A fall, a slip, or a blow to the head from a falling object.
- A vehicle crash while driving for work, or a struck-by incident on a site.
- A sports or physical job where the head is hit, or where a worker is thrown.
Symptoms to watch for
Headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, and a feeling of being foggy or slow. A worker does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion, and symptoms can get worse before they get better. If symptoms are severe, or get worse, get emergency care.
Keep a symptom record
Write down what happened, when it happened, and who saw it. Each day, note the symptoms you had, how bad they were, and what you could and could not do. Take that record to every doctor visit. A concussion can affect work, driving, and sleep for weeks, and the record is what shows the doctor and the Commission how the injury is affecting you. Read After a Work Injury: Your First Steps and Report Your Injury in Writing. If the claim is denied, or if symptoms are lasting, speak with a lawyer and connect with a provider.
Verify against the IWCC
Rules and procedures can depend on the facts of a case. Check the current rules with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission before relying on anything on this page. If you are seriously hurt, get emergency care first.
This page is general information only. It is not medical advice, not legal advice, and this site is not a law firm. See the Disclaimer.