Injuries Caused by Workplace Violence in Chicago: How Are They Distinct From Normal Workers’ Comp Claims?

In August of 2025, CBS News reported that an assailant assaulted a Chicago Transit Authority worker before pushing him onto the train tracks of a Grand Blue Line station. The 70-year-old worker suffered unspecified injuries, and the assailant was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. The incident highlights the level of violence many Chicago workers face, and the fact that these attacks can cause significant injuries. What can you do after suffering an assault-related injury at work? Can a Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer help?

Workplace Violence Can Still Lead to Valid Claims

Although workplace violence presents many unique issues compared to normal accidents, the general pathway toward compensation remains the same. After being attacked and injured at work, you can still file a workers’ compensation claim. This step can help you cover your medical bills and missed earnings while you recover.

Workplace Violence Often Leads to Psychological Burdens

While all workplace accidents can be traumatic, violence can take a serious burden on a victim’s psychological well-being. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common consequence of these attacks, for example. The victim might experience painful flashbacks and disturbing nightmares months or even years after the incident. PTSD patients may also struggle with social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, and many other issues.

While workers’ compensation does not cover “non-economic damages,” you may still be able to receive additional compensation for psychological workplace injuries in Chicago – especially if you have also suffered physical injuries in connection to the same incident. This may be something worth discussing with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.

Finally, you may want to explore the possibility of a negligent security claim. This is a type of personal injury lawsuit that you may file against a property owner for allowing violence on their premises. Although the workers’ compensation system prevents you from suing your own employers, this could still be possible under certain circumstances. A negligent security claim could potentially provide more compensation compared to a workers’ compensation claim.

What if My Loved One Died After Being Attacked at Work? 

If your loved one passed away due to a fatal workplace attack, you may still file a workers’ compensation claim on their behalf. Specifically, you can pursue “death benefits.” This can provide your family with enough to cover a funeral, plus compensation for wages the victim might have earned in the future. Finally, death benefits can cover medical bills your loved one might have accumulated before passing away, such as ambulance transport and attempted life-saving treatment.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help After a Workplace Attack?

A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you were assaulted at work. These incidents should lead to valid workers’ comp claims, allowing victims to pursue compensation for missed income and medical bills. However, the psychological burdens associated with these attacks may require additional legal steps to ensure fair compensation. Speak with Connolly Injury Law to plan your next steps in more detail.

Sources:

cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cta-worker-suffers-medical-emergency-blue-line-grand-stop/

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20is%20a%20mental%20health,uncontrollable%20thoughts%20about%20the%20event.