If you were a victim of a robbery or crime at work, you might qualify for workers’ compensation even though you didn’t sustain any injuries. According to the FBI, approximately 300, 000 robberies happen every year in the U.S. They estimate that the total losses experienced total to $465million. However, no one wakes up one day expecting to be a victim of a robbery so what happens to the workers who come face to face with the criminals?
Unfortunately, criminals do not discriminate against who they will rob They target anyone including businesses and employees.
What’s the Difference Between Theft, Robbery, and Burglary?
Robbery
When someone unlawfully takes property away from you by using the threat of force or by force, then they are committing a robbery. According to the FBI, most robberies occur in the workplace and it is a felony in every state.
Burglary
It is also sometimes referred to as illegal breaking and entering. Burglary and theft can happen at the same time but they are categorized as different crimes. Burglary can happen without theft. The main focus of burglary is to illegally enter a building with the intention of committing a crime.
Theft
This is defined as taking someone else’s property without causing serious bodily harm. Victims of theft usually do not realize that their property is missing until much later after the crime has occurred.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Getting Robbed at Work
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation benefits cover:
- Funeral expenses
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
Unfortunately, pain and suffering are not included in the benefits.
If you are robbed at work, you need to notify your employer immediately after your safety is assured. Your employer should then provide you with a form where you will fill out a workers’ compensation claim. The form needs to be filled within a certain timeline so ensure you file your claim as soon as possible.
Know Your Rights
As someone who has gone through such a traumatic experience, you are entitled to:
- Ask about court proceedings involving the criminal
- Protection from the assailant
- Fair treatment from law enforcement and prosecutors
- The right to speak in court proceedings, hearings, and arraignment of the criminal
Victim Compensation Fund
How Does it Work?
The victim compensation fund is financial compensation given to survivors of violent crimes. Every state has a crime victim compensation program that allocates funds for survivors of violent crimes.
The state of Massachusetts has a Violent Crime Assistance program that can compensate victims of violent crimes up to $25, 000.
What Expenses are Covered?
If your workers’ compensation benefits do not fully coveryour expenses the victim’s compensation fund can reimburse you for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Dental and medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of financial support for dependents of the victim
- Counseling expenses
The fund does not compensate for pain and suffering or property loss.
Who is Eligible?
- Family members and dependents of the victim
- The robbery victim
- Any person responsible for planning for the victim’s funeral
What Do You Need to File a Claim?
- The robbery must have been reported within five days to the police
- You must work together with the police to assist them in their investigations
- You must apply for compensation within three years of the crime
What if You Have Post Traumatic Stress from the Robbery?
You do not need to be physically injured from the crime in order for you to receive compensation. Psychological workplace injuries are real and should not be overlooked. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to prove psychological injuries.
The good news is that mental health experts can diagnose PTSD and understand the impact it has on victims.It’s therefore important to seek specialized help if you experience the following symptoms:
- Lack of sleep
- Fear
- NIghtmares
- Crying
- Anxiety
When Do You Need to Hire a Hyannis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You can handle your own workers’ compensation claim if you didn’t suffer any physical or psychologial injuries during the robbery at your workplace.
However, you might need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Hyannis if your workers’ compensation claim was denied or your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance.
Going through a robbery odeal at your workplace or any other place can be a traumatizing experience and can result in physical injuries. Workers’ compensation insurance might not give you the full amount of compensation including compensation for pain and suffering.
At Kevin P Landry Law Offices, we can evaluate your claim free of charge. Contact us today at 508-775-1660 to schedule your free initial consultation.
