Workers’ compensation benefits are for individuals who suffer injuries while at work or as a direct result of their work conditions. Workplace violence is also a valid reason to seek compensation, yet many people are either unaware of their right to financial support or unaware of the fact that anyone in any profession could find themselves the victim of violence at some point.
While no California workplace can be completely immune from violence, employers bear the responsibility of eliminating as many risks and threats to safety as possible. If you are the victim of workplace violence of any type, you will find great benefit in seeking legal help in order to discover your legal options and secure the compensation you deserve.
Who is at risk?
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence can include any act or threat of the following behaviors:
- Intimidation
- Physical violence
- Harassment
- Threatening or disruptive behavior
These behaviors can affect anyone in your workplace, including visitors, managers, employees and others. Workplace violence is so prevalent that it is the fourth most common reason for workplace fatalities in the United States. Everyone is at risk, and all employees and workers would be wise to know their rights and how to protect them in cases of a violent incident at work.
Eliminating hazards and threats to safety
Statistics gathered by OSHA indicate that as many as two million Americans report incidents of workplace violence every year. These numbers also prove that workers in the following fields report more incidents than in other types of jobs:
- Health care workers
- Delivery drivers
- Public workers
- Law enforcement officers
- Customer service agents
- People who work with the public
With high-risk jobs, employers should consider all risk factors and carefully determine how to best protect their employees. By making the effort to identify and eliminate safety threats, it is possible to reduce the risk of assault and injury.
Your right to workers’ compensation benefits
If you suffered any type of injury in the workplace, you have the right to compensation, regardless if that injury is the result of a serious accident or a physical assault. The claims process is not easy to navigate, and it can be a complicated process to secure rightful benefits, even when meeting all requirements.
By working with an attorney from the beginning of the process, you may be able to more effectively navigate any challenges and get the money you need for a full and fair recovery.