From inclement weather to machinery malfunctions, there are many serious safety hazards that are completely outside of the control of individual employees. Many serious work injuries generate medical expenses and force workers to take time off or accept lower-paid light-duty work. In those cases, employees may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Occasionally, the source of a work injury may be a crime that occurs in the workplace. What forms of compensation are potentially available when a crime is the reason for an injury?
Workers have multiple options
Typically, whenever a criminal act causes physical injuries, property damage or lost income, the person affected by the crime has the option of taking legal action against the person who committed the crime. Those affected by an attempted theft that leaves them injured, an assault in the workplace or other criminal activity can theoretically hold the criminal who caused their injuries responsible through civil litigation.
However, lawsuits are lengthy, and recovering funds from a criminal can be a challenge. Thankfully, injured professionals typically also have the option of filing a workers’ compensation claim. They have that right regardless of whether or not they take legal action against the person who committed the crime.
The no-fault workers’ compensation program can pay for medical care and provide disability benefits to anyone with a serious medical condition caused by their employment. A crime that occurs while someone is on the clock could make them eligible for workers’ compensation.
Documenting a work incident and exploring every option is important for those who have medical expenses and lost wages to consider. Discussing different options with a workers’ compensation attorney can also be a smart move for those concerned about covering injury expenses after a crime occurs at work, given all that is at stake.