Legal Rights: Steps to Take in Handling a Workplace Assault
An assault at work is a situation that nobody wants to encounter. It’s traumatizing, can severely lower your self-esteem, and can result in a severe loss of income if you’re off work due to the incident.
It’s essential that you know how to handle workplace assaults and what steps you should take in order to regain your sense of safety and bring your attacker to justice.
While there are many aspects of dealing with an assault at work, this article will focus on these primary steps you should take.
Step 1: Report the Assault to Your Employer
The first thing you should do after being assaulted at work is report it to your employer. You may be reluctant to report the assault because you feel ashamed about what happened, but there are many reasons why reporting the incident is essential. Reporting can help prevent similar incidents and ensure that your company takes appropriate action against your attacker.
Step 2: Document the Incident
It is important to document the incident as soon as possible. This can help you remember what happened and provide evidence when you report the incident. You should keep a record of your injuries, witnesses who saw what happened, and other details that may be important in helping determine who was at fault for the assault.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
If you have been physically attacked, it is important to seek medical attention. It would be best if you visited your doctor or a hospital as soon as possible after the incident, so that any injuries sustained can be treated and documented. You may also want a copy of your medical records for your attorney. This will help them build their case against the assailant by proving just how serious your injuries are.
Step 4: Notify Law Enforcement
You should call the police at once. This will help them get a record of the incident and build their case against your attacker. You may also want to ask for an officer to accompany you when filing charges, as they can be helpful during this process.
Step 5: Seek Legal Help
It is important to seek legal help from a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the process of filing a lawsuit against your attacker and pursue compensation for any injuries sustained and punitive damages. The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit can be complicated and time-consuming. Your attorney can help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible and ensure your case is handled promptly.
Can I Take Legal Action Against My Employer?
If you are an employee, your employer is responsible for protecting you from assault. If your employer does not do so, they could be held liable for any injuries resulting from negligence. For example, if an employee was assaulted by a customer and the store failed to provide adequate security measures. The business could be held responsible for any injuries caused by the incident.
Conclusion
The steps above are the most important steps you can take to handle a workplace assault. If you find yourself in a situation like this in your workplace, work with a lawyer to guide you through the process of filing a case and getting the compensation you deserve.
If you have been the victim of a workplace assault and you need the best criminal lawyer in Georgia, then you can contact us at Hanks, Ballard & Barth. We take cases involving assault very seriously and have the experience necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.