It seems as though we heard about a workplace violence incident quite frequently in the news. However, there are some forms of workplace violence, such as intimidation, bullying and threats, that are seldom reported.
According to federal statistics, between 1992 and 2012, there were 14,770 homicides. That is an average of 700 such deaths a year. Because of the amount of media coverage that occurs after a workplace homicide, it might seem as though these incidents occur more frequently than they actually do. It is much more common to have nonfatal incidents of violence at work.
The Bureau of Justice reported 572,000 nonfatal, violent incidents involving adults at work in 2009. That number might actually be low, as people who are pushed up against a wall might not report this seemingly minor violent act.
Disgruntled workers are usually blamed for nonfatal and fatal acts of workplace violence. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, though, shows that in two-thirds of homicides at work, the assailant didn’t have a personal relationship with the victims — at least not one that was known. It often occurs because of something else that is happening in their lives.
If you or someone you love were injured at work in an act of violence by an employer, employee or other individual, you have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. If your claim is denied, you may wish to speak to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you file an appeal. Injured workers deserve benefits such as paid medical expenses and payment of lost wages.
Source: CNN Money, “How common is workplace violence?,” Jeanne Sahadi, accessed Jan. 25, 2016
