Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Head and Brain Injuries

Get Help After a Serious Head or Brain Injury at Work

Head and brain injuries are among the most life-changing workplace accidents a person can experience. From concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), these incidents often lead to lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges and workers’ compensation insurance doesn’t always make recovery easy.

At Dugan & Associates, our Pittsburgh workers’ compensation attorneys fight for injured workers across Western Pennsylvania who’ve suffered head and brain trauma on the job. We understand how these injuries affect not only your ability to work, but your entire way of life and we’re here to help you get the medical care and benefits you deserve.

Common Causes of Head and Brain Injuries at Work

Even a momentary accident can lead to serious brain trauma. These injuries can occur in nearly any industry, but are especially common in physically demanding or high-risk jobs.

Frequent workplace causes include:
Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or slick surfaces
Struck-by-object accidents (tools, equipment, debris)
Vehicle or machinery collisions
Construction site incidents
Explosions, heavy vibration, or impact injuries
Repeated head trauma over time (common in industrial work)
Even a momentary accident can lead to serious brain trauma. These injuries can occur in nearly any industry, but are especially common in physically demanding or high-risk jobs.

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Understanding the Severity of Head and Brain Injuries

Not all brain injuries are immediately visible which makes prompt medical attention crucial. Even mild head trauma can develop into long-term complications if not treated correctly.

Common workplace-related head injuries include:
Concussions: Often caused by a blow or sudden movement that shakes the brain.
Contusions: Bruising on the brain tissue, potentially leading to bleeding or swelling.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe trauma that can affect speech, coordination, and memory.
Skull Fractures: Direct impact injuries requiring urgent care and extended recovery.
Diffuse Axonal Injury: Caused by violent shaking or rotation of the head, common in vehicle accidents.
These injuries can result in headaches, confusion, fatigue, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and even long-term disability.

What You Can Recover Through Workers’ Compensation

If your head or brain injury happened while performing your job duties, you may be entitled to compensation such as:
Medical coverage for hospitalization, surgery, therapy, and prescriptions
Wage loss benefits during your recovery period
Specific loss benefits for hearing loss, vision loss, and scars on head, face, or neck
Vocational rehabilitation may be available if you can’t return to your previous work
Death benefits for surviving dependents in fatal accident cases
Our attorneys ensure your claim includes all eligible benefits — and we push back when insurers try to limit your recovery.

Why Head and Brain Injury Claims Are Often Denied

Insurance companies frequently challenge head injury claims because symptoms may develop gradually or seem “invisible.”

Common reasons for denial include:
Failure to report the injury immediately
Lack of early medical documentation
Employer dispute about whether it happened “at work”
Downplaying symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or confusion
If your claim has been denied or delayed, don’t give up — we can appeal the decision and fight for the benefits you’re owed.

How Dugan & Associates Can Help

For over 30 years, Attorney Mitch Dugan and his team have represented injured workers throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

We help clients:
Gather medical and employment evidence
Coordinate expert evaluations
Negotiate directly with insurance adjusters or their attorneys
Represent you in hearings before Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Judges
Our mission is simple: to get you the medical treatment and financial support you need to rebuild your life after a workplace head or brain injury.

Why Injured Workers Trust Dugan & Associates

We’ve been fighting for Pittsburgh’s injured workers for over 30 years — because your recovery deserves respect.
30+ years of experience
Millions recovered for injured workers
Super Lawyers Top 50 in Pittsburgh
Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2007 (top 5% statewide)
100+ 5-star client reviews
*disclaimer: every case is different and past results are not an indicator of results that can be achieved in future cases.
Led by attorney Mitchell H. Dugan, Dugan & Associates brings over 30 years of focused workers’ compensation and injury litigation experience to clients across Pennsylvania.

Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2007 (top 5% statewide) and named to the Super Lawyers Top 50 in Pittsburgh, Mitch has guided the firm in representing thousands of clients and recovering millions in settlements and awards.

Clients trust his team’s meticulous documentation, clear communication, and tough negotiation to pursue the maximum benefits and compensation available under Pennsylvania law.

How To Keep Your Existing Workers' Compensation Benefits

Even after your workers’ compensation claim has been approved, insurance companies often look for ways to stop or reduce your benefits. You may suddenly receive a “Notice of Ability to Return to Work,” be scheduled for an independent medical exam (IME), or be told you must meet with a vocational expert. These are signs that your benefits could be at risk and it’s time to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney.

Independent Medical Examination (IME): You’re told to attend a medical exam with a doctor chosen by the insurance company.
Notice of Ability to Return to Work: You receive a letter stating you can return to work, often based on one doctor’s opinion.
Vocational Interview: They schedule a meeting with a vocational expert to claim there’s work available for you.
Petition to Terminate, Suspend, or Modify Benefits: The insurer files to stop or reduce your checks.

Each of these steps is designed to limit what you receive. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can protect your rights before your benefits are reduced or terminated.

Let Dugan & Associates Fight To Keep Your Benefits


Review and Respond to Insurance Notices
Your attorney can explain what each notice means and whether the insurance company has the right to demand an exam or interview.

Prepare You for an IME or Vocational Meeting
We can help you understand what to say, what not to say, and how to attempt to ensure the report reflects an accurate portrayal of your injury, treatment and complaints.

Obtain and Review All Medical Records
Your lawyer can get a copy of every report the insurer uses and challenge inaccurate findings to prepare for court.

Defend Against a Petition to Terminate or Suspend
If your case goes before a workers’ comp judge, your attorney can present evidence and witnesses to fight to protect your wage loss and medical benefits.

What To Do If You’ve Received a Notice or IME Letter


Don’t ignore it. If you received a Notice of Ability to Return to Work, a Petition to Terminate Benefits, request for a vocational interview or an IME appointment letter, time is critical.

Our attorneys can:
Review your notice and explain your options
Contact the insurance company on your behalf
Prepare you for your IME or vocational interview
Represent you before a judge if your benefits are challenged

Contact a Pittsburgh Workers' Compensation Lawyer

If you or someone you love has suffered a head or brain injury at work, don’t face the system alone. Let Dugan & Associates guide you through the process and help secure the benefits you deserve.
No Recovery, No Fee.

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FAQ

Can I get workers’ comp for a concussion that didn’t knock me out?
Yes. Even mild concussions are covered if they occurred while performing your job duties. Always report the injury and seek medical care immediately.

What if I didn’t realize my head injury was serious until days later?
You can still file a claim, but timing is critical. Notify your employer as soon as possible and contact a lawyer to protect your rights.

Do I need a lawyer for a brain injury claim?
Yes — these claims are often complex, with long-term medical evidence required. A lawyer ensures you receive full benefits and aren’t pressured into settling for less.

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