If you are injured while on the job, you may be able to collect restitution through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance program. This is true even if your injury was the direct result of workplace violence by a co-worker or member of the public. Violence at work is a widespread problem which can even be deadly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), violence is the fourth highest cause of occupational fatalities.
What Constitutes Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence is an umbrella term that can cover a wide range of physical actions and threats. It can include harassment, acts of intimidation, assault, or battery. A common misconception is that to seek restitution and file a claim, an injury must have been caused by a coworker, supervisor, or by conditions inside one of the main office locations; however, this is not always the case. Violence perpetrated by customers, visitors, or contractors can also lead to a claim. In certain cases, an incident may still qualify which takes place outside of a normal work location, such as if an employee is in the field.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that around 2 million U.S. workers are victims of workplace violence each year. However, many incidents may go unreported and the true number may be much greater. While OSHA identifies industries including law enforcement, healthcare, public service, and customer service among those at the greatest risk, workplace violence can happen in any profession.
Factors which may lead to an increased risk of workplace violence can include:
- Working with mentally unstable coworkers or patients
- Working at a location which serves alcohol
- Working a graveyard shift or in isolated locations
- Job duties including conducting monetary transactions with the public
- Working in areas with a high crime rate
If you were injured or suffered damages due to workplace violence, it is important to take action, inform your employer, and file a claim immediately. Workers’ compensation insurance programs often have strict deadlines and missing a cutoff date may hurt your case. To learn more about your case or if you think that your employer is treating your claim unfairly, contact the Percy Law Group, PC. Our Bristol County worker’s compensation attorneys possess more than 20 years of experience and can fight to get you the money that you deserve.
Call (508) 206-9900 or contact us online to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim.