- July 14, 2023
- Workers' Compensation
The safety of employees in the workplace is essential for any organization. Unfortunately, incidents of workplace violence are not uncommon. Have you ever wondered if your employer’s workers’ compensation policy covers such situations?
In this article, we will explore whether workers’ comp covers workplace violence and what steps to take if you’re a victim of such an incident. It’s crucial to understand your rights as an employee and why you need an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer to protect them.
Workplace Violence Is a Serious Issue
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, workplace violence is a serious issue that affects employees across different industries. Workplace violence can take many forms, including worker conflict and customer-on-employee violence.
Between 1992 and 2019, a number of 17,865 people lost their lives as a result of workplace violence. And, every year, 1.3 million nonfatal violent acts take place in the workplace. This is a conservative number because not all instances of workplace violence are reported to the authorities.
But, what you need to know right now is if you can file for workers comp benefits if you were injured as a result of workplace violence. The answer is yes, in certain situations.
Worker Conflict
Worker conflict is a common cause of workplace violence. It can occur between coworkers, or between an employee and their supervisor. Some common causes of worker conflict include personality clashes, differences in work styles or approaches, competition for resources or recognition, and misunderstandings.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re experiencing worker conflict that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s important to report the incident to your employer immediately. They may be able to intervene and help resolve the issue before it escalates.
However, if you are injured, contact an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer to help you file your workers’ comp claim.
Customer on Employee Violence
One of the most common forms of workplace violence is customer-on-employee violence. This type of violence occurs when a customer becomes aggressive or violent towards an employee, usually because they are dissatisfied with a product or service.
Customer-on-employee violence can take many forms, from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults. In extreme cases, it can even result in serious injuries or death.
Unfortunately, many employees who experience customer-on-employee violence do not report the incident to their employer. They may be afraid of losing their job or facing retaliation from the customer.
If you have experienced customer-on-employee violence in Atlanta, it’s important to report the incident to your employer immediately. You should also contact a workers compensation lawyer about your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Criminal Actions at Work
Criminal actions at work are a type of workplace violence that can cause significant harm to employees. These actions may include theft, assault, or even homicide. In some cases, the perpetrator is an outside individual who has entered the workplace with criminal intent. However, in many instances, it may be a coworker who engages in such behavior.
It is essential for employers to take measures to prevent criminal activity from occurring in the workplace. This can include implementing security protocols and performing background checks on new hires.
If you have been a victim of criminal activity at work, it is important to report the incident immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. Workers’ compensation may cover any resulting injuries or damages.
However, it is also crucial to consult with an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer as not all instances of workplace violence are covered by workers comp.
Report the Violent Incident to Your Employer Immediately
If you experience workplace violence, it is important to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in an inability to file a workers’ compensation claim or other legal action.
When reporting the incident, be sure to provide detailed information about what happened and who was involved. This can help ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent future incidents and protect other employees.
In some cases, employers may have their own policies in place for handling workplace violence. It is important to follow these procedures and document all communications with management regarding the incident.
Additionally, if you feel unsafe or threatened at work following a violent incident, speak up and request additional security measures or accommodations. Your safety should always be a top priority in any workplace environment.
Some Instances of Workplace Violence Are Not Covered by Workers’ Comp
At this point, it is important to note that not all instances of workplace violence are covered under workers’ comp.
For instance, if an employee is attacked by a co-worker who has a history of violent behavior and the employer knew about it but failed to take any preventative measures, the incident may not be covered under workers’ comp.
Additionally, if an employee was injured while engaged in illegal activities or violating company policies at the time of the incident, they might not be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits.
It’s important to note that even if an injury resulting from workplace violence isn’t covered under workers’ comp, employees still have legal options for seeking damages. They could file a lawsuit against their employer or pursue criminal charges against their attacker if applicable.
If you’ve been the victim of workplace violence and are unsure whether your injuries are covered, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer.
An Atlanta Workers Compensation Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights!
If you were a victim of workplace violence in Atlanta, it is crucial to understand your rights and options. While workers’ compensation can cover some instances of workplace violence, there are also situations where it may not apply.
Having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side can make all the difference. We will fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal system to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
If you were injured due to conflicts with coworkers or customers, criminal activity at work, or any other form of workplace violence, don’t hesitate to contact our Atlanta workers comp lawyers today.
