Strokes are extremely unpredictable and can strike someone at any time. However, job stress, overexertion or labor-intensive job tasks can increase the risk of a stroke in employees who are susceptible. A stroke can cause neurological damage that could result in permanent disability. In fact, strokes are the leading cause of adult disability in the United States.
Stroke Injury Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that could lead to stroke, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, age, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation. You could suffer what is known as a silent stroke, which can cause brain damage but shows no other symptoms. Even someone with no risk factors, however, can suffer a stroke due to stress, strain or overexertion at work.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is caused by blockage or hemorrhage in the brain often due to a disturbance of the blood supply. After a stroke, the blood and oxygen supply to that portion of the brain can be cut off. This can lead brain cells to die which could cause abilities controlled by that portion of the brain to be lost.
Where the stroke occurs and how much damage is caused determines how you will be affected after a stroke. Some people can recover completely, but two-thirds of survivors will suffer some disability. There are two types of strokes as well. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a weakened blood vessel leak and, although it is the least common type, it often results in death. Ischemic stroke is caused when a blood clot blocks blood in the brain. You may also suffer from a transient ischemic attack (TIA) which can cause stroke-like symptoms.
Workplace Stroke Injury
If you have been undergoing significant stress or strain at work and suffer a stroke injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, it will be necessary to prove that your job caused the stroke which is why you need to contact an attorney in order to determine what rights you may have. If you can demonstrate that the stroke was related to your job duties, you are entitled to workers’ compensation, which will cover your lost wages, medical bills and other expenses.
If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke and you believe that it was related to stress or strain on the job, contact the workers’ compensation attorneys at Lundy Law to learn what rights you may have. You can call them to arrange a no obligation consultation at 1-800-Lundy Law or complete the simple form online.