Some jobs come with innate workplace hazards. Factory workers have to handle heavy machinery and may be exposed to caustic chemicals. Construction professionals handle dangerous tools and often work below grade or at an elevation, both of which can increase their risk of severe injury.
There are also hazards that tend to persist regardless of profession. For example, slip-and-falls and car crashes are top sources of worker injuries in many different industries. Workplace violence has also become more of a pressing concern for many modern professionals.
Contrary to what people might assume, those with the greatest risk aren’t necessarily in law enforcement or security-related professions. Healthcare workers, retail employees, taxi drivers and even teachers are at risk of violence on the job. How can those hurt by workplace violence and criminal activity cover their expenses?
Workers’ compensation can help
People frequently associate workers’ compensation coverage with incidents caused by employers. Most professionals realize that they can qualify for benefits if their employers don’t provide them with proper safety equipment or fail to maintain machinery.
However, eligibility for workers’ compensation does not stem from fault. The system actually provides no-fault coverage regardless of who may have caused the injury. Instead, what matters in a workers’ compensation claim is the connection between the medical issue and someone’s employment.
Almost any type of workplace injury could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Someone hurt by violence on the job can qualify for medical coverage and disability benefits. Regardless of whether the person who injured them was a member of the public or a coworker, they can request workers’ compensation coverage to pay for their injury-related expenses.
Workers’ compensation can potentially cover the full cost of medical care after a violent workplace incident. Workers may even be eligible for disability benefits that can replace their lost wages.
Reporting violence on the job and seeking out proper medical care are both important steps for those who may require treatment or a leave of absence to recover from their injuries. Employees facing complex workers’ compensation claims, including those related to workplace assaults, may need help handling bureaucratic red tape and getting the benefits that they deserve.