Should Employers in Chicago Do More to Prevent Workplace Shootings?

With so many workplace shootings occurring in Chicago, many argue that employers should be doing more to prevent future incidents. If you were injured in one of these incidents, you may blame your boss for failing to take basic security steps. What can you do in this situation? Can a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago help you pursue fair compensation and justice?

The Number of Workplace Shootings in Chicago Suggests That Employers Can Do More

The sheer number of workplace shootings in Illinois suggests that employers may be able to do more to prevent these incidents. A recent high-profile workplace shooting occurred at an office in Lansing, while CTA workers frequently die in fatal shootings. This summer, an employee was also shot and killed at an Amazon facility in Matteson. This was not the first Amazon shooting, and it probably won’t be the last.

What Can Employers Do to Reduce Gun Violence at Work?

The first thing employers should do is educate themselves about some of the most common catalysts for workplace shootings. Often, former employees return to their workplaces after being fired from their positions. These workers are angry, scared about the future, and willing to destroy the lives of their managers and co-workers.

By handling terminations in a more sensitive manner, employers may be able to reduce the number of these incidents. One option is to offer free counseling sessions to employees who are being terminated. Another easy solution is to offer severance pay or some kind of assistance after the termination.

With all that said, sometimes it is impossible to protect against an employee who has made up their mind to carry out a shooting. Since some shootings are inevitable, it makes sense to remain vigilant for weeks after a worker is terminated. Employers should maintain strict security protocols even if the danger appears to have passed. On the same note, employers should not assume that certain employees are incapable of violence just because they were nonviolent or agreeable in the past.

Can I Sue My Employer for Allowing a Workplace Shooting in Chicago?

The workers’ comp system generally prevents you from suing your employer directly, even if you believe their security lapses contributed to the shooting. That said, workers’ comp is still a viable option if you need compensation. This no-fault program should cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. If you believe that a third party, such as a security contractor, may have contributed to the shooting, consider speaking with your lawyer about legal options.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chicago Help Me? 

There is no question that many employers in Chicago could probably do more to prevent violence in the workplace. These incidents are far too common, and they often leave workers with debilitating injuries. Many shootings prove fatal, leaving families grieving and without primary wage-earners. If you’d like to explore your legal options after a fatal workplace shooting in Chicago, consider contacting Connolly Injury Law at 312-626-5328.

Source: 

cnn.com/2019/02/19/us/company-security-when-firing-employees