Assault Injury At Work

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the world. To prevent its transmission, officials require wearing masks. Masks have been a proven and effective method of preventing the virus. Many businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey began their own mask policy. But, when companies ask employees to enforce the mask policy, customers can get upset. As a result, we’ve seen an increase in assault injury cases involving employees.

Mask Rule In PA & NJ

Masks have been met with scrutiny whether dining out or retail shopping. Many people believe they do not have to wear masks. But several states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, require masks. This is seen as a health and safety need to combat COVID-19 outbreaks.

Putting Employees In Harm’s Way

Employers are asking employees to enforce the mandatory mask policy. The problem is, many employers don’t train staff on how to work with difficult customers. This has caused many issues for employees required to enforce the mask policy. Assaults of employees are on the rise as people refuse to mask up. Additionally, an assault injury may leave employees confused about their options.

Assault On Employees on The Rise

We understand mandatory mask policies are a hot button issue. Tensions are high. But, a difference of opinion should not lead to an assault. Customers assaulting an employee face criminal charges. But, these assaults can cause serious injuries.

Assault injuries can result in:

• skin lacerations
• broken bones
• traumatic brain injury
• paralysis
• death

Employer Responsibility

Employers are responsible to protect their employees and provide a safe working environment. When an injury happens at work, the employee has a right to compensation under workers’ comp laws. This includes assault injuries.

Assault At Sesame Place

A 17-year-old Sesame Place employee in Pennsylvania was viciously assaulted by guests. After reminding guests to wear their masks, the guests became upset. The teen walked away to avoid further confrontation.

Later, the guests saw the employee again and they punched him in the face. The two guests continued to assault the employee while he was unconscious on the ground. Additionally, they assaulted another employee that tried to intervene.

The victim needed jaw and tooth surgery to repair injuries from the assault. Additionally, he required hospitalization for his injuries. While the guests were later arrested, the employee was a minor. As a minor, his employer should never have expected him to enforce the mask policy.

Employee Safety

It is the duty of the employer to keep workers safe. When an employee is injured, there can be a claim against the employer for compensation. Anyone injured at work should talk to a workers’ comp lawyer for advice.

What To Do If You’re Attacked at Work

If you’re assaulted at work for enforcing mask policies, call the police immediately. File a police report and reach out to your supervisor, manager, or owner. If you have injuries, talk to an experienced attorney for advice.

Workers’ Comp Injury Claims

Seek medical attention and get your medical records. You may have a workers’ comp claim for the assault injury. This claim can result in your employer paying for your medical bills and recovery. Additionally, your employer may owe you compensation for time off work.

Local Injury Attorney

You deserve the right to work in a safe, protected environment. If you’re assaulted at work, contact an injury lawyer today. They can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Free Injury Consultations

At Kane & Silverman, we understand the financial hardships an injury causes. That’s why we offer free injury consultations. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you.

Kane & Silverman is a local injury law firm with offices in Philadelphia, PA and Marlton, NJ.