Returning To Work With A TBI: What You Should Know

July 9, 2019
By Glauber Berenson Vego

Once you have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, there are a myriad of issues you must work through to get back on your feet. Depending on the severity of your brain injury, as well as where the injury is located, you may have to go through different types of rehabilitation. You may face issues involving cognitive difficulties, physical weakness, insomnia, trouble communicating, depression, anxiety, memory issues and trouble reasoning or problem solving. In some cases, you may face challenges when going back to work and resuming the tasks that you once completed rather easily.

Before you go back to work, you may want to work out a plan or schedule with your employer. If possible, ease back into the workplace by working just a few days a week and for shorter hours. Coordinate with your employer to see if they will decrease your workload so you are not overwhelmed when returning for the first few weeks. Be sure to take more frequent breaks at work.

Your employer may accommodate your return to work by making adjustments to ease your transition back to work. For example, if you are having trouble standing for long periods of time, your employer may arrange for a sitting position. Furthermore, if you are having trouble hearing, you may receive assistance for that as well. You may have to work at a different position in the company for a period of time until you ready to return to your old position.

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.