When you show up at work, you expect to be in a safe environment. However, workplace injuries happen and unfortunately workplace violence and injuries caused by animals can happen. They are often completely unexpected and some, like an animal injury, could be an accident. However, they still constitute workplace injuries and could be covered by workers’ comp. All employees are eligible to file a workers’ comp claim for injuries sustained in the workplace, but in order to file a successful claim there are steps that must be taken prior to filing. Common Injuries That Occur Because of Workplace Violence and Injuries by Animals Workplace violence can happen in any workplace in the country. It can be a confrontation between employees that leads to a physical confrontation, or it can be something even worse. Injuries sustained in an incident of workplace violence could be covered under workers’ comp. Injuries from animals are also covered under workers’ comp guidelines. Whether you’re a zoologist or animal behavioral trainer at a pet store, or if you happen to encounter an angry owl in the warehouse, animal injuries are covered under workers’ comp claims. What To Do If you have been injured as a result of workplace violence or by an animal, you must report the injury to a supervisor or human resources immediately. If you do not report it, you cannot file a workers’ comp claim. If you have been the victim of workplace violence you also need to consider filing a police report if the police were not involved from the start. You also need to see a doctor because a doctor will certify the injury and outline the treatment plan. Including a report from a medical professional will help make your claim even stronger. If there were witnesses to the accident, talk with them and get their statements. Gather photographs of the accident scene, and obtain security camera footage if it is available. Remember, the more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be. Get Help Today If you have been injured due to workplace violence or an animal attack, you can file a workers’ comp claim but you have to make sure that you follow all of the necessary steps first. Filing a workers’ comp claim can be stressful and intimidating and so you might consider hiring a workers’ comp attorney who can help you navigate the process. A workers’ comp attorney can help you gather evidence, speak with insurance companies or human resources and make sure that your claim is filed properly and in a timely manner. Though working with a workers’ comp attorney does not guarantee that you will win your claim, it can help having an experienced expert advocating on your behalf, which increases the chances for a successful claim. Many workers’ comp attorneys will work on a contingency basis, so you do not pay upfront and will only pay if you win your case. Additional Resources Can I File a Claim? When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
