Workplace violence has been an increasing issue in many different professions. Retail workers, medical professionals and even teachers have faced alarming levels of violence in the workplace in recent years. People never know when a co-worker or a member of the general public might become aggressive and cause them physical injuries.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits can help those dealing with the aftermath of a violent altercation with another person. Provided that the incident occurs while someone is on the clock, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Those dealing with the aftermath of violent job incidents may need help optimizing their benefits, as their injuries may cost more than they initially anticipate. What can make violence-related injuries so costly?
1. Primary medical expenses
A single blow to the head by an angry visitor at a business might be all that is necessary to cause a traumatic brain injury. The person struck might have permanent changes in their cognitive or functional capabilities.
Violent incidents often require emergency trauma care. The injured person may also require ongoing medical support as they recover from their injuries. Workers’ compensation can potentially help cover all of the treatment costs associated with workplace violence.
2. Mental health consequences
A violent incident can cause a trauma response in the attacked professional. In cases where people fear for their safety, they could potentially develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is notoriously difficult to treat and can take years to address effectively.
In some cases, people may develop anxiety or new phobias because of an attack that occurs in the workplace. They may require mental health interventions because they cannot return to life as normal even after they physically recover from their injuries. They may have an uphill battle seeking coverage for mental health care due to strict state rules.
3. Difficulty returning to work
In some cases, the lingering physical consequences of a workplace attack could affect an individual’s ability to perform their job. Someone with a brain injury or a broken bone might require weeks away to heal.
In more significant cases, they may not be able to continue working the same job due to trauma or physical injuries. They may need disability benefits to cover some of their lost wages and help address the drop in income triggered by their traumatic experience.
Having support when filing a complex workers’ compensation claim can help increase an employee’s chances of success. Workers who recognize the possibility of long-term financial setbacks may be more assertive about seeking compensation after experiencing violence in the workplace.