When you plan a career in the medical industry, you probably do not expect to suffer on-the-job injuries due to workplace violence. Unfortunately, violence has long been a companion to medical workers and is a top cause of employee injuries.
Recently, Scripps Health, a medical care system in San Diego, reported a 17% surge in violence (and injuries) involving many of the healthcare workers it employs. The challenging events of recent years have only added to patient hostility, putting even more California medical workers at risk of violence-related injuries.
Does workers’ compensation cover these injuries?
In most circumstances, injuries arising from violence qualify for workers’ compensation. The California program is a no-fault system. That means that you can file a claim and receive medical and financial benefits regardless of fault.
Two times violence-related claims are denied.
The occupational violence and subsequent injuries you suffer must be related to your employment. The scenarios below describe two situations when violence claims may result in denial:
- One: Your ex comes to your work and assaults you, leading to a head injury. Such situations are personal and unrelated to your job or duties, typically leading to a denial.
- Two: If you seek a claim for injuries suffered in a workplace fight but were the instigator, you may also be unable to get benefits. It is typically hard to prove you deserve to succeed with your claim in situations like this.
The state knows of the violence that harms our medical workers and addresses these matters through legislation. While this approach may promise safety improvements in the long-term, it does not answer the injured worker’s immediate need—relief from medical and financial hardships.
Staying accurate with current and emerging laws can ensure you get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve after a workplace injury.