Are Missouri Workers Covered in a Workplace Attack?

Employees have a right to expect a certain level of safety in the workplace.

How common is workplace violence? Accourding to OSHA, murder is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the workplace. If you are the victim of a violent act while at work you need to speak with a St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney. Any medical bills for your injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation.

Four Examples of Workplace Violence

Stranger attacks – This is most often seen in a robbery situation. Work places that are at risk for robbery will have special systems in place to protect their employees, but these are not always effective. Even if such a system is in place and you are injured, you may still be entitled to be compensated for your injuries.

Customer attacks – For a St. Louis employee who is dealing with the public on a daily basis, this is a possible scenario for workplace violence. If a customer or client has harmed you, speak with a St. Louis work injury lawyer about being compensated for your injuries. They may also direct you to a personal injury attorney depending on the circumstances.

Co-worker violence – Even though workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance, there are certain rules when it comes to violence among co-workers. If it is found that you were the person who initiated the fight, your claim could be denied. Teachers who are attacked by a student may be entitled to workers’ compensation if injured. For example, a teacher in Missouri was injured by a student. Not only did the schools workers’ compensation pay the medical bills and lost wages in the amount of $18,500, the teacher was able to sue the family of the student in a personal injury lawsuit.

Domestic violence spillover – When a violent situation at home extends to the workplace and an employee is injured by another family member while working, this is known as domestic violence spillover. The victim may be compensated through a personal injury lawsuit against the attacker, but if the victim was working at the time, the medical bills may be paid for by workers’ compensation insurance.

Workplace Injury and Accident Causes