There are many ways in which workers throughout the nation might find themselves injured while at work. While the injuries incurred are often due to equipment that is necessary to the completion of one's job, at times they can be due to violence on the part of another person. While this is of course the last thing most want to think about, as recent stories in the news illustrate, though not very often, it can be an issue.

Because there is always a possibility that workplace violence can occur, just as employers have plans for how to deal with machinery malfunction or a fire that breaks out, it is also important that they have a plan in place for dealing with it. In addition to creating a procedure for handling such violence, this may lead to the creation of rules regarding the presence of weapons at work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011, throughout the nation, a total of 358 workers were hurt due to gunfire which occurred on-the-job. In the worst cases death was the end result. Three of these occurred in Pittsburgh.

As is the case with other workplace injuries, an employer is responsible for employees who are hurt due to workplace violence. This responsibility is addressed via workers' compensation policies. Workers who are hurt while doing something in the course of their job can seek workers' compensation benefits by filing a claim.

Whatever the reason for the claim, in situations where claims are not initially accepted, it can be helpful to consult a workers' compensation lawyer.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Plans to prevent workplace violence urged," Gabrielle Banks, Feb. 11, 2013