Workplace Violence in Louisville
Representing Victims of Workplace Violence
If you are a victim of workplace violence, Biesecker Dutkanych & Macer, LLC can help. We provide compassionate, yet aggressive representation to employees who have been subjected to various forms of workplace violence. Our Louisville employment attorneys focus exclusively on employment law issues, and we solely advocate for employees, we do not represent employers.
With more than 50 years of combined experience, and distinguished accolades in the legal field including the AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, and selection for inclusion in Indiana's Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list, you can be rest assured that your case is being handled by true professionals.
What is workplace violence?
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace violence as any act or threat of violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs in the workplace. Such violence ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational (CFOI), of the 4,547 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in 2010, 506 were workplace homicides. Further, homicide is the leading cause of death for women in the workplace.
Factors that Increase the Risk of Violence
According to OSHA, nearly 2 million workers report being the victims of workplace violence each year, and many more cases go unreported. Workplace violence can strike anywhere, at any time, no worker is immune. Research has identified certain factors that increase the risk of workplace violence, some of these include:
- Exchanging money with the public
- Working with unstable or volatile people
- Working alone
- Working in an isolated area
- Providing services and care
- Working where alcohol is served
- Working in areas with high crime rates
Other risk factors include time of day, and location of work. Those at the highest risk include workers who exchange money with the public, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, public service workers, and those who either work alone or in small groups.
You Have the Right to a Safe Workplace
As an employee, you have a right to a safe workplace, and the law requires that employers provide working conditions that are free of known dangers. The OSHA law prohibits employers from retaliating against their employees who report an injury or raise a safety concern.
If you have been a victim of workplace violence, we urge you to contact a Louisville employment law attorney from our firm right away. In an evaluation, we can learn more about your case and inform you of the various legal options that you have available.
