Workplace violence can occur between co-workers, bosses and employees, visitors and employees, and on-site third parties and employees. Vendors, suppliers, and clients may also be involved in workplace violence. In some cases, the employer may be sued directly for negligence that leads to a workplace crime. Incidents of violence in the workplace can be just as traumatic as other violent acts.
If you or a loved one has been injured by workplace violence, the attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., may be able to help. We represent victims of assault, sexual assault, stabbings, and shootings as well as families of wrongful death victims who have suffered physical and mental injuries. We understand the complex emotional issues involved in violent crimes and will work to help you obtain justice and compensation.
Attorney Jeffrey Fritz leads our practice in this area. He has a proven track record, and he knows how to hold any type of negligent party accountable. Mr. Fritz is a charter member and past president of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, an affiliate of the National Center for Victims of Crime.
To schedule a free confidential consultation with one of our attorneys in Philadelphia, Allentown, Lancaster, Reading, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and New York, please call 215-929-7216.
Employer Negligence And Inadequate Security
There are various ways in which workplace violence incidents can occur. This includes criminal intent, in which a perpetrator has no relationship to the victim or establishment, but is motivated by other factors, such as theft. Additionally, workplace violence can also occur between a:
- Customer and client
- Worker and another worker
- Worker and a spouse or partner
In workplace violence cases, there may be multiple negligent parties that are liable for your losses. We will investigate your case to determine if there are issues such as:
- Employer negligence — This may include not performing background checks when hiring, lack of supervision, not responding to complaints about harassment or violence, not establishing zero tolerance violence policies and safety protocols, failure to conduct worker training to recognize violence, and failure to take precautions when firing employees.
- Employer security negligence — Negligence may include lack of secured entrances; lack of security cameras; and inadequate lighting in the building, grounds, and parking lots.
- Additional negligent third parties — There may be other liable parties such as your employer’s security company, maintenance company, or employee assistance program (EAP).
If we find evidence of negligence that was a contributing factor in your case, we can file a civil suit against the negligent party.
Common Types Of Workplace Violence Injuries
Victims of workplace violence can sustain various types of injuries. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our Philadelphia workplace violence injury attorneys regularly help clients who have sustained the following:
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Facial fractures
- Broken teeth
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Gunshot wounds
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Open head wounds
- Spinal cord trauma
Our lawyers also understand that workplace violence incidents can lead to a victim sustaining significant emotional and psychological injuries as well. Though emotional and psychological injuries may not be as visible as the acute traumatic injuries mentioned above, we understand that they can still significantly impact a victim’s ability to work and live their daily lives.
Time Limit To File A Philadelphia Workplace Violence Injury Claim
It is important to understand that victims of injuries have a limited amount of time to file lawsuits to recover compensation for their losses. The Pennsylvania personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the day the injury occurs. This gives victims a two-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe will result in the victim being unable to recover compensation for their losses.
The majority of these claims will fall outside of the workers’ compensation system in Pennsylvania and into civil court.
Types Of Compensation Available For Workplace Violence Injury Victims In Philadelphia
Those injured due to an incident of workplace violence should be able to recover various types of compensation for their losses. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our Philadelphia workplace violence injury attorneys have been able to help clients recover the following types of compensation:
- Full coverage of all medical bills related to the incident
- Lost income if a victim is unable to work while they recover
- Any household out-of-pocket expenses a victim incurs
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages against the allegedly responsible party
The total amount of compensation awarded in these cases will vary depending on the facts related to each particular situation.
Speak With One Of Our Workplace Assault Lawyers In New Jersey, Pennsylvania or New York
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to an incident of workplace violence, contact an attorney about your case as soon as possible. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we will not hesitate to use our resources to investigate what happened in order to prove liability. Our goal is to secure full compensation for losses. For a free confidential consultation, please call 215-929-7216 or contact us online.