Security guards are the first line of defense for many businesses, retail establishments, apartment complexes, gated communities, and many other places that people go on a regular basis. Your job as a security guard is to keep the peace and keep people safe. Will you and your family be financially safe if you are hurt during your patrol? If the thought of that scared you, we have good news. Each state requires most businesses, including those in the security sector, to carry workers’ compensation insurance to help those who are hurt on the job. Workers’ Compensation Protects Security Guards If you are injured during your shift, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation to get help with any medical expenses, surgeries, therapies, or medications that you need in order to get well. You can also get some of your wages that you’ll lose from being unable to work through workers’ comp. This is a program provided at no cost to you. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous companies that may try to discourage you from making a claim. They might tell you that because you are a security guard that you have assumed certain risks and aren’t eligible for workers’ comp. If you’re told these things, contact a competent workers’ compensation attorney that experience representing security guards or law enforcement professionals. Security Guards Have Special Risks As a security guard, you are responsible for the safety and welfare of others. Since your job is to help keep the peace and enforce rules, you are put into precarious situations. If you’re chasing someone while waiting for the police, you may slip and fall. If you are attacked while you are making your rounds, you could suffer permanent or severe injuries. This is why it is important that you understand that workers’ comp is there to help you. Hurt During Your Shift as a Security Guard? If you’re hurt during your shift, you need to know what to do. Regardless of how the injury occurred, you need to contact your supervisor immediately. Report your injury right away even if you think you’re not really injured. You should also let your supervisor know if you’re going to be able to complete your patrol shift. Complete an accident report as soon as you can. As you know, it’s easier to put all the details in a report if you complete it after an incident. An accident report is no exception. Visit a doctor right away or get emergency care if you need it. You can call 911 and ask for an ambulance. The paramedics can help evaluate your injuries and the police can help secure the scene. Even if you don’t feel like you’re hurt, you may have injuries that you can’t feel because of the adrenaline rushing through your body. Workers’ comp policies list a doctor that you can see at no charge. You also have the right to see your own doctor, but you will pay upfront. Keep all of your receipts if you pay out of pocket so that you can be reimbursed. Make an appointment to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you protect your legal rights. Your employer and their insurance company will look to settle the claim for as little as possible. You have rights that must be protected. An attorney can help you get all of your medical bills paid and get you the proper compensation for your injuries. This is especially important if you were involved in physically restraining or chasing another person. Contact a Qualified Workers’ Comp Attorney If you are a security guard and you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t try to work with the workers’ comp insurance company or your employer alone. You could sign away your rights and not get the settlement that you deserve. Make sure that you have a partner looking out for your best interest; one that can get you job training if you can no longer work as a security guard. Don’t wait. Contact a qualified workers’ comp attorney to learn more about your rights as a worker.
