Which Jobs in Chicago Are Most Likely to Face Workplace Violence?

Violence should never be part of someone’s workday. There is no excuse for allowing employees to be harmed by aggressive individuals, but this has unfortunately become quite common in Chicago. Which employees are most likely to face workplace violence? You might be asking this question if you’re searching for a new line of work. Perhaps you have already experienced violence at work, and you need a safer work environment. If this is the case, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago.

Fast Food Workers

Fast food workers face some of the highest rates of violence in the nation. Sometimes, this violence is carried out by unruly customers. In other situations, employees fight among themselves, often with fatal consequences. Finally, employees might be caught in the crossfire when a shooting breaks out inside a fast food restaurant.

According to the National Employment Law Project, certain fast food restaurants are especially negligent in protecting their workers from violence. Long hours are reportedly to blame for increased numbers of violent incidents in certain fast food restaurants. When workers operate long into the night, they naturally come into contact with violent criminals and other unsavory characters.

While some of these incidents involve shootings and stabbings, deadly weapons are not necessary to inflict lasting harm or even death. Notable incidents in the past have involved customers throwing scalding hot coffee into the faces of workers. These incidents not only cause physical harm, but also psychological issues. 

Healthcare Workers 

The “pandemic” of violence among healthcare workers is well-documented across the entire country. In 2025, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that healthcare workers in Illinois “need better security” due to rising violent crimes in emergency rooms. Whether you work in a hospital or you have visited one recently, you probably already know that these places can become extremely violent.

The statistics are staggering. Up to 82% of all nurses report experiencing some kind of workplace violence. The number is even higher for emergency physicians, as 92% of these doctors report that violence is increasing in emergency rooms.

Delivery Workers 

Delivery workers are also extremely vulnerable to violent incidents. These people have to venture onto private property in order to deliver food or other items. This can be extremely dangerous, as a worker might accidentally come into contact with a confused, belligerent resident. Often, these residents are armed and dangerous. The consequences are both predictable and terrifying.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help After Workplace Violence? 

Although some might assume that workers’ comp only applies to “accidents,” this insurance system also covers intentional, violent incidents. Whether you’re a fast-food worker, a healthcare worker, or anyone else, you deserve compensation for everything you have had to endure. Workers’ compensation in Chicago can help. Consider expanding on this conversation by contacting Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

nelp.org/insights-research/behind-the-arches-how-mcdonalds-fails-to-protect-workers-from-workplace-violence/

chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2025/03/19/emergency-rooms-violence-risk-health-care-workers-illinois-emergency-physicians-erfdre