Indianapolis Workplace Violence Lawyers

Each week, an average of 20 workers are murdered at their work place and over 18,000 are assaulted. These startling statistics amount to an estimated one million employees who are verbally or physically attacked annually in the U.S. while at work. Violence in the workplace is currently the second leading cause of occupational death across the nation.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines workplace violence as any violent acts, including physical assaults and threats of assault, directed toward persons at work or on duty. According to NIOSH, violence in the workplace ranges from offensive language all the way to homicide. Federal employment law mandates employers must provide a safe workplace.

Types of Violence in the Workplace

Unfortunately, no particular industry or occupation is immune from workplace violence. Although some work environments are more prone to violent encounters, workplace violence can occur anywhere and at any time.

Cornell University divides workplace violence into four categories:

• Criminal intent: Perpetrated by individuals who have no relationship with the affected establishment and usually involves theft. Workers who exchange cash with customers, work at night, or work alone are the primary victims.
• Customer/client: Customer or client attacks an employee. Common victims are health care workers, school employees, public transportation operators, and social workers.
• Employee to employee: Attack on a fellow co-worker. Most of these incidents involve some type of workplace dispute, making supervisors and managers more vulnerable to this type of workplace violence.
• Outside personal relationship: Outside disputes or violent actions may spill into the work environment. The majority of victims in this category are women and typically involve domestic violence. 

Employer Liability for Workplace Violence

OSHA regulations state that employers are required to provide a place of employment that is "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm." This includes injury or death resulting from workplace violence.

Employers have a duty to protect their clients and may be held liable if:

• They knew or should have known about the potential for violence
• They failed to do background checks before hiring employees
• Threats against an employee were known, but the employer failed to take action
• Workplace premises were not adequately secured

According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence causes employees to lose over 1.7 million days of work and $55 million in wages annually. If you have been subjected to any type of workplace violence, you have a legal right to hold your employer accountable for the damages resulting from their negligent actions. Contact our Indianapolis employment attorneys to seek the justice you deserve.

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We understand you may still be reeling in the aftermath of a violent workplace incident. Our compassionate lawyers can provide the insightful legal counsel and unwavering support you deserve to get through this difficult time.