Violence in the workplace is becoming more prevalent than ever before. Over 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. Injuries can occur at any time. In fact, they can occur from other employees. In many cases these injuries are covered under the Minnesota Worker’s Compensation act.
Typically, the law does not allow an injury to be compensable from a co-employee unless the injury was unintentional, or, if intentional, it was motivated by the employee as an employee.
When an employee’s intentionally harms another employee’s the law requires an analysis of the workplace violence about why the harm was caused. Was the co-employee motivated by personal animosity towards the victim or was it wholly unconnected to the employment? If the workplace violence was solely personal it would not be covered. On the other hand, if it was solely out of an activity as an employee or, if neither as an employee or even personal, then it would be a covered work injury.
In these cases it’s important to understand whether it was the “work connection” that resulted in the provocation or injury to the employee. If the injury is covered the injured worker then would be allowed Minnesota workers compensation benefits. See Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits.
If you, a friend or a loved one has suffered workplace violence and have sustained injuries whether it be physical or emotional, contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys to evaluate your entitlement to Minnesota workers compensation benefits.
