Head Injury / TBI Workers' Compensation in San Francisco, California
Quick Answer
Head Injury / TBI claims are common in San Francisco's Construction sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $60,000–$100,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. An experienced attorney who knows the San Francisco board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Head Injury / TBI settlement values in California range from $60,000–$100,000+
- San Francisco area settlements average $72,300 across all injury types
- Key San Francisco industries with head injury / tbi risk: Construction
- Your WCAB office: 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- Report head injuries immediately, even if you feel fine - symptoms can develop hours or days later
Head Injury / TBI Settlement Range
$60,000–$100,000+
San Francisco avg. across all injuries: $72,300
How Head Injury / TBIs Happen in San Francisco
Falling objects, scaffold collapses, and struck-by incidents on construction sites cause traumatic brain injuries even when hard hats are worn.
San Francisco's economy relies heavily on Construction, making head injury / tbi claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.
San Francisco WCAB Office
Street parking is extremely difficult. We strongly advise using the Civic Center BART/Muni station. The nearest paid lot is the UC Law SF garage on McAllister.
Head Injury / TBI Symptoms to Document
Headaches
Persistent, severe, or worsening headaches that don't respond to over-the-counter medication
Dizziness and balance problems
Vertigo, difficulty maintaining balance, or feeling unsteady when walking or standing
Memory problems
Difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or new information (short-term memory loss)
Confusion and disorientation
Feeling foggy, confused about time/place, or difficulty following conversations
Concentration difficulties
Inability to focus, easily distracted, or trouble completing tasks that were previously easy
Vision problems
Blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, or difficulty tracking moving objects
Sleep disturbances
Sleeping much more or less than usual, difficulty falling asleep, or sleeping at inappropriate times
Mood changes
Irritability, depression, anxiety, emotional outbursts, or personality changes
Nausea and vomiting
Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially when combined with other TBI symptoms
Sensitivity to noise
Sounds that wouldn't normally bother you now cause pain or significant discomfort
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Emergency medical evaluation
Immediate assessment including CT scan or MRI to rule out bleeding or skull fracture
Typical timeline: Within hours of injury
Neurological monitoring
Regular evaluation by neurologist to track recovery and identify complications
Typical timeline: Ongoing for weeks to months depending on severity
Neuropsychological testing
Comprehensive cognitive evaluation to identify deficits in memory, attention, processing speed, executive function
Typical timeline: After acute phase resolves, repeated to track progress
Cognitive rehabilitation
Therapy to retrain brain function, develop compensatory strategies, and improve cognitive abilities
Typical timeline: Several months to years
Factors That Affect Your Head Injury / TBI Settlement in San Francisco
Severity of brain injury
Determines all other factors; mild vs. moderate vs. severe classification
Mild concussion: $20,000-$50,000 vs. Severe TBI: $200,000-$500,000+
Cognitive impairment
Documented deficits in memory, attention, processing dramatically increase value
Neuropsych testing showing significant deficits adds $50,000-$200,000
Physical disabilities
Paralysis, coordination problems, seizures substantially increase settlement
Post-traumatic epilepsy requiring medication adds $40,000-$100,000
Ability to return to work
Total inability to work results in maximum permanent disability rating
Total permanent disability: 100% rating = $200,000+ in PD benefits alone
Filing Your Head Injury / TBI Claim in San Francisco
- Report head injuries immediately, even if you feel fine - symptoms can develop hours or days later
- Go to emergency room right away if you lose consciousness, vomit, or have severe headache
- Keep detailed records of cognitive symptoms - memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Request neuropsychological testing to document invisible cognitive deficits
- Don't rely only on CT scan or MRI - many TBIs don't show up on imaging
- Track how TBI symptoms affect work, family life, and daily activities
- Don't settle until cognitive symptoms have stabilized and future prognosis is clear
- The San Francisco WCAB office is at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Head Injury / TBI Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Francisco
Head Injury / TBI in San Francisco FAQ
What is the average head injury / tbi workers' comp settlement in San Francisco?
Head Injury / TBI settlements in California typically range from $60,000–$100,000+. The overall average settlement in San Francisco is $72,300. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a head injury / tbi workers' comp claim in San Francisco?
San Francisco workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (415) 703-5011. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a head injury / tbi workers' comp case take in San Francisco?
Most head injury / tbi cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Francisco WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Francisco board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which San Francisco industries have the highest head injury / tbi risk?
In San Francisco, head injury / tbi claims are most common in the Construction industry. High cost of living adjustments are critical for SF cases.
Injured at Work in San Francisco?
Our attorneys handle head injury / tbi claims at the San Francisco WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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