Some jobs have a known association with violence. Security professionals and those working in law enforcement largely recognize that they could be at risk of others becoming aggressive toward them. Other types of careers, including professions in the health care, education and retail sectors, may also come with a concerning degree of risk of workplace violence.
People assaulted while on the job or injured due to another person’s violent behavior may have medical expenses and lost wages to address. How can workers hurt by violence on the job help limit their economic losses?
Workers’ compensation can help
Coworkers, members of the general public and disgruntled customers could all be the sources of violence in the workplace. The professionals hurt while working might not be able to recoup their losses by holding those parties directly accountable. Their assailant may not have the income or assets necessary to provide appropriate compensation.
Thankfully, employees injured on the job may be eligible for no-fault workers’ compensation benefits. They do not need to prove that their employer was at fault for the incident. They simply need to establish that their medical challenges are a direct result of their employment.
Injuries sustained due to workplace violence may allow the affected professional to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Employees can rely on medical coverage to pay for their treatment and disability benefits to replace some of their lost income.
Applying for workers’ compensation benefits in an unusual and stressful situation may be easier with the support of a legal professional. Employees affected by violence in the workplace might be eligible for benefits that help reduce the financial impact of another person’s aggressive and illegal behavior.