Harrassment & Violence at Work Solicitors

What is workplace violence?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a clear definition of work-related violence. It refers to any situation where someone is harmed or attacked due to their job responsibilities. However, this isn't just about physical harm; it also includes verbal threats and abuse, which can happen in person, over the phone or even online. The source of this violence could be the general public, customers, clients, patients, students or service users. The key thing to remember is that for any act of violence to be considered "work-related", it needs to be directly linked to the person's job activities.

Here are some examples that don't fit this criteria:

• Personal disagreements between employees and others, such as relatives.
• Acts of violence between individuals who are not on duty, for example, service users or customers.

Occupations most likely to experience harassment and violence at work

Some occupations are inevitably more likely to experience harassment and violence at work. While no profession is immune, there are some environments and roles that are more vulnerable than others. Here's a more detailed look at these high-risk professions:

• Police officers: Since they're responsible for upholding the law and handling potentially hostile situations, they often face confrontations that could lead to violent behaviour.
• Security: Prison officers and security guards are included in this group. Enforcing rules and maintaining order puts them in direct contact with potentially aggressive individuals.
• Healthcare workers: Medical professionals, especially those in emergency settings, often deal with emotionally charged situations, distressed patients or family members. This can sometimes lead to verbal or physical confrontations.
• Educators: Teachers don't just teach; they also manage classroom behaviour. Disruptive students or even confrontational parents can potentially lead to harassment or violence.
• Retail employees: Retail workers have to deal with many customers. Disputes over pricing, returns, or even misunderstandings could lead to aggressive behaviour.
• Entertainment venue staff: Employees in bars, nightclubs, and similar venues often work late hours and deal with people who might be intoxicated, so confrontations are more likely.

How do I make a workplace violence compensation claim?

To pursue a workplace assault compensation claim, you'll need to provide specific evidence:

• First, pinpoint where the assault took place.
• Write down the details and identify the person responsible for the assault.

If you want to hold your employer accountable for your injury, you must demonstrate that they didn't properly ensure your safety and that is what led to the assault.

Remember to always report any work-related assaults to the police, regardless of the circumstances.

How much compensation can I claim for workplace assault?

It's hard to figure out the exact amount you could get for workplace violence – it all depends on the specific details of your case. The nature of the assault, the intensity of the injuries, and the long-term effects on the victim's life and well-being all come into play.

While it’s challenging to provide a figure upfront, our team is here to make sure you get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Here's a breakdown of the two main categories you might be entitled to:

1. General damages: This looks into how the victim is affected physically and mentally. Injuries, recovery time, and disruption to the victim's lifestyle are all factors that will be considered. As an example, general damages would be applied if the assault caused a long-term injury that affected the claimant's hobbies.
2. Special damages: Here is where the financial implications of the assault are looked into. This could involve lost earnings due to time off work, medical expenses, costs related to travel for treatments, or even modifications needed in the victim's home or vehicle due to the injury.

If you believe you deserve compensation after a workplace attack, please reach out to us. Initiating your claim today might be the first step in finding resolution and justice.

How long will a personal injury claim take to process?

The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim will vary. There are three main things to consider: how quickly evidence can be gathered, whether the party responsible accepts blame, and the specifics of your injury. For example, if evidence is readily available and the other party admits fault, things can move faster. But if your injury is complex or severe, it might take a bit longer to figure out fair compensation. Every case is unique, so the timeline can differ.