Workplace Violence in Florida: Can You Get Workers’ Compensation for Assault Injuries?
Being injured on the job in Fort Lauderdale is bad enough, but when it happens due to an assault or other acts of violence, it can be particularly shocking and traumatic. Whether it involved an irate customer, angry patient, disgruntled coworker, or someone who selected your workplace at random, it can leave you suffering physical and emotional injuries that impact you long after.
Fortunately, Florida workers’ compensation covers these injuries and the expenses you incur during recovery. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer protects victims of workplace violence throughout South Florida. Find out when these incidents are covered and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Florida Workers’ Compensation For Injuries Caused By Workplace Violence
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that workplace violence is a leading cause of fatalities and leaves over 20,000 workers suffering serious injuries each year. People in healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, corrections, and other public-facing jobs face increased risks, but they can happen anywhere.
While these are criminal matters, situations in which you may be eligible for workers’ compensation in South Florida include:
- The assault happened while you were performing job duties.
- The attacker was a customer, patient, client, or member of the public.
- The incident occurred on work property or during work hours.
- Your job increased your risk of violence, such as handling cash, enforcing rules, or providing care.
Benefits are generally available through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation, provided your injuries arose out of and in the course of employment.
What To Do When Injuries Happen Due To Workplace Violence in Fort Lauderdale
When violence erupts in the workplace, it can leave you in a state of shock. You may not realize you were injured at first or the degree of harm suffered. To protect yourself and your rights to workers’ compensation benefits, take the following steps:
- Get to a safe location and alert your employer and the police immediately.
- Document what happened, including who was involved and what you were doing at the time.
- Get medical care right away, regardless of injury severity.
- Follow all your doctor’s recommendations, including any activity and work restrictions.
- Report new symptoms, such as increased anxiety, sleep issues, and flashbacks about what happened immediately.
Workplace violence can impact your physical and mental health for months or even years after it happened. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits in South Florida can help cover medical care, lost wages, and ongoing treatment.
To Get the Legal Help You Need, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injuries due to workplace violence in South Florida can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Get the support you need while you recover at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A.
Our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer protects your rights during this difficult time, deals with insurers on your behalf, and fights to get you the maximum amount of benefits you deserve. Reach out today and request a consultation in our Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, or West Palm Beach office.
Sources:
osha.gov/workplace-violence
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc