Workers’ compensation coverage protects employees in a variety of different circumstances. Those hurt due to issues with machinery or mistakes on the job can file claims for benefits. So can workers who acquire illnesses because of their employment.
Sometimes, there is clearly a third party to blame for a worker’s injury. Even then, they can likely file a workers’ compensation claim to request medical benefits and disability pay until they can return to work. In some cases, violence is what leads to a worker getting hurt.
A co-worker might assault them during an argument, or a member of the general public might injure them during the commission of a crime. Other times, the very people a professional intends to serve may hurt them. There are some professions, including the following that are associated with a much higher degree of risk than average for violent encounters in the workplace.
Healthcare careers
Workers in the medical sector face more violence on the job than many other professionals. In some cases, an individual under arrest or living in state custody requires medical care and could become violent in an attempt to escape. Other times, dementia, a poor reaction to medication or voluntary chemical intoxication lead to violence in medical settings. Employees ranging from social support providers to hospital workers are vulnerable to violence.
Education careers
Workers in the education sector may have to deal with children and young adults on their worst days. In some cases, the students in their care may become aggressive or violent. Professionals ranging from bus drivers and teachers to classroom aides are at risk of a student becoming aggressive and potentially injuring them. Such incidents can occur at many different ages, including at the elementary school level.
Service sector careers
Retail workers and other service professionals can experience violence due to a variety of factors. Customers may become angry or agitated due to a declined payment or an inability to purchase a desired item. Other times, they may hurt workers in an attempt to break the law. Retail employees and other service professionals may sustain severe injuries during an encounter with a customer or a criminal while on the job.
Professionals hurt by interpersonal violence are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Filing a claim can help them obtain medical care for their injuries and wage replacement until they can get back to work.