Workplace Violence and Virginia Workers’ Compensation

Sometimes workplace relationships can escalate into violence. A common example is when two employees get into a fight at work. Sometimes an employee may lose their temper and cause harm to themselves or another person by acting recklessly or causing intentional harm. In these cases, the employer may ask why they should be held accountable when injuries occur. Victims may ask if they have any other remedies.

The essence of workers’ compensation is that it pays employees who are hurt regardless of fault. Still, violence is a red flag that will get insurance companies to think about their options.

If you are a victim of workplace violence and you did not contribute to the violence, then you should be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits. You shouldn’t be penalized if you were just doing your job. In addition to workers’ compensation benefits, you may also have a right to file a civil claim against the person who committed the intentional act of violence.

If you were partially responsible for the violence, the employer will probably challenge your right to benefits. One argument will be that violence is not part of your job description and you therefore can’t get benefits if you were doing something not within your job duties.

Learn More by Contacting a Norfolk Workers’ Comp Lawyer

If you were injured in an act of workplace violence that you did nothing to contribute to, our team at Joe Miller Law, believes you should not be responsible for covering the resulting costs of your injuries and other losses. To learn more about the legal options available to you if you have been injured in an act of violence while on the job, contact Norfolk workers’ comp lawyer Joe Miller at Joe Miller Law, today by calling (888) 694-1671.