Violence Against ER Doctors On The Rise In Massachusetts
Working in emergency rooms can be chaotic under any circumstances. Now, many emergency room workers must also contend with violent attacks against them. Massachusetts law regarding assaults on medical professionals is strict. However, it doesn’t always stop offenders from committing violence.
Violence becoming increasingly prevalent in hospitals
Working as an ER doctor is becoming an increasingly dangerous job, according to a recent survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians. The survey, which questioned more than 3,500 ER doctors across the United States in August 2018, found:
- 47 percent of ER doctors experienced physical assault on the job by patients, relatives of patients, and friends of patients.
- More than 25 percent of ER doctors who experienced violence suffered injuries.
- Nearly 70 percent of ER doctors reported a rise in violence on the job over the past five years.
- 70 percent of ER doctors who experienced violence reported that their hospitals responded; however, only 3 percent of cases result in charges being pressed.
Another survey published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine questioned ER doctors in Michigan who experienced violence at work:
- 72 percent were assaulted on the job within the past year.
- 22 percent reported being continually fearful of experiencing violence at work
In most cases, those who commit violence against medical professionals are:
- Involved in gang or domestic violence,
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or
- Suffering from mental illness
Have you experienced violence on the job? We can help
There is absolutely no reason why ER doctors should experience violence on the job. Yet every day, those who protect public safety risk their lives and health to earn a living.
If you’ve been injured at work because of the malicious behavior of another party, you may be unable to perform your basic job functions. Additionally, your physical, mental, and emotional well-being may be so affected by a violent incident that you may need months of treatment and therapy.
When this happens, you should be eligible to collect workers’ compensation benefits while you recover. However, it’s important to do so with the guidance and advocacy of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Filing a claim in Massachusetts can be a complex and confusing process. In far too many cases, workers with legitimate injuries are denied benefits.
The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl has decades of experience and legal knowledge helping injured employees obtain compensation while they are unable to work. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.