Workplace violence can lead to serious injuries for employees and create safety hazards at work. Understanding when injuries qualify for workers compensation coverage is crucial for businesses and employees.
Workers injured due to workplace violence may be eligible for wage replacement, medical benefits, and other compensation through the state workers compensation system. A North Carolina workers comp attorney can help you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Workplace Violence
Workplace violence can stem from a variety of causes. Some common factors include:
- Employee relationships: Conflicts between coworkers, employees, and supervisors may escalate to violence. Bullying, harassment, and discrimination can also provoke violence.
- External threats: Customers, clients, patients, former employees, or domestic partners may threaten or attack employees at work.
- Job stress: High-stress levels due to work pressures, workload issues, or interpersonal conflict may increase the risk of violence.
- Substance abuse: Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol have impaired judgment and self-control, raising the likelihood of violent behavior.
- Mental health issues: Workers suffering from certain mental illnesses like personality disorders, depression, and anxiety may act violently, especially if their conditions are untreated.
Employers can take steps to reduce the risk of workplace violence. This may involve training employees to recognize warning signs, implementing security measures, establishing reporting procedures, and fostering a respectful and supportive work environment.
Types of Injuries Sustained From Workplace Violence
Workplace violence can lead to a variety of injuries for employees. Some common types of injuries from workplace violence include:
Physical Injuries
Physical injuries are the most common result of workplace violence. Things like bruises, fractures, stab wounds, or gunshot wounds can all stem from violent acts at work.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the leading cause of death from workplace violence is homicide, so the physical impacts can be devastating.
Psychological Trauma
Experiencing or witnessing violence at work can also lead to lasting psychological harm. Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and insomnia are all possible consequences.
The trauma of these events may haunt victims for years through frightening memories, nightmares, and a constant sense of being on guard. Psychological counseling and medication may be required to help cope with the emotional scars.
The Claims Process for Workplace Violence Injuries
If you suffer an injury due to workplace violence, report it to your employer immediately. Provide details about what happened, including the time and location of the incident. Get medical attention right away, even for minor injuries. The medical records will serve as evidence for your workers comp claim.
File a Claim
You must file a workers compensation claim for your injury within 30 days in most states. The claim documents will ask you for information about the incident, medical records and treatment, lost time from work, and other details.
Receive Medical Care
Continue to get medical care for your injuries. The workers comp insurance will cover the costs. Follow the recommended treatments from your doctor to improve your condition. Keep records of all medical appointments, prescriptions, physical therapy, or other care.
The insurance adjuster will review your medical records to determine if your claim should be accepted. Non-compliance with medical care can result in denial of benefits.
Benefits Determination
An insurance adjuster will review your claim, medical records, and the details surrounding your injury. They will determine if your injury arose out of your employment and if you are entitled to workers comp, wage replacement, medical, and other benefits. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. An attorney experienced in workers compensation can help you through the appeals process.
Return to Work
Work closely with your doctor and employer regarding when you can return to work, either full- or part-time. Your benefits may be reduced or terminated if you do not cooperate with return-to-work efforts once your doctor has released you. Make sure you get final approval from the doctor before going back to your job.
Are You a Victim of Workplace Violence? Get in Touch With an NC Workers Comp Lawyer
If you have been injured due to workplace violence, you may be eligible for workers compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Contact an experienced North Carolina workers compensation attorney as soon as possible to discuss your claim and rights.
An attorney can help guide you through the workers comp claims process, ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, and fight for a fair settlement if your claim is denied. Call our firm today at 919-328-2336 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
