Assaults at Work.

Assaut at Work Compensation Claims.

All workers deserve to be kept safe from potential hazards and danger in the workplace.

Legislation in the UK imposes strict duties on employers to keep their employees safe from injury, including injuries inflicted by deliberate acts of violence like an assault or attack in the workplace.

If an employer fails to minimise or eradicate the risk of violence against their staff, they may be held liable if an assault occurs in the workplace. Whether you have been assaulted by a colleague, customer, or service user, if it happened in the workplace you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation against your employer.

Our Personal Injury Team can advise you on the validity of your claim, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to find out if you have the grounds for a successful claim.

Am i Eligible to make a Claim after an Assault at Work?

If you have been assaulted at work in England or Wales, you may be eligible to claim compensation depending on the circumstances and impact of the assault. Here are key points to consider:

  1. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA): Victims of violent crimes, including assaults at work, can seek compensation through the CICA. Eligibility hinges on promptly reporting the incident to the police and fully cooperating.
  2. Employer’s Liability Insurance: If the assault resulted from negligence by your employer or a colleague, you may be able to claim damages through their liability insurance.
  3. Civil Claims: You may pursue a civil claim against the perpetrator or your employer for damages, such as personal injury or financial losses stemming from the assault. Successful civil claims require proving negligence or breach of duty.
  4. Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor specialising in personal injury claims promptly. They can evaluate your case, provide guidance on the best legal approach, and assist with navigating the claims process effectively.
  5. Time Limits: There are strict time limits for making claims. Typically, you have two years from the incident for CICA claims and three years for civil claims, although exceptions may apply.

If you have been assaulted in the workplace and you are unsure about your rights, please get in touch with us and our expert personal injury solicitors will be happy to assist you. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure that everyone who is entitled to claim compensation after a workplace assault is successful in doing so.

Our Expertise with Assaults at Work Claims

Here at Lanyon Bowdler we have a wealth of experience handling personal injury claims involving assaults in the workplace, so you can be assured that your case is in good hands. We have a proven track record of successfully negotiating the maximum amount of compensation in each case. In addition to helping you seek justice and financial reparations after your workplace assault, we are also able to facilitate access to private medical treatment to aid you on your journey to recovery.

Our empathetic and experienced team have the necessary knowledge and understanding to ensure that you are treated fairly and kept up to date throughout the legal proceedings, minimising any additional impact on your physical and mental health. To find out more about how we can help you to move forward after your assault, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our Personal Injury Team will be happy to help you.

Legal 500 Recommendations

The Personal Injury Team is recognised in Tier Two for the West Midlands in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500, which states: ‘The entire team is client focussed and will not hesitate to go the extra mile even if the costs of doing the same are not recoverable’.

Testimonials

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 includes the following testimonials:

‘This team have wide ranging skills and provide a very good service. They have a very personal touch with their clients. They are very approachable and supportive‘.

‘The team at Lanyon Bowdler are very easy to talk to and are always there to help when needed. No question went unanswered’.

‘They actually listened and go through everything thoroughly explaining any jargon’.

Work Highlights from Legal 500

The 2024 of The Legal 500 includes the following work highlights:

Acted for a claimant who was injured during the course of his employment after falling down a stairwell void. This resulted in him sustaining life changing brain injury involving 47 fractures to the right temporal bone and organic injury to the frontal lobe. Awaiting a pathways meeting and case is still ongoing.

Acting for a claimant who had worked at the same company for 18 years and sustained stress-related injuries. This matter is of significant importance to the client, as he thought he had a job for life with the company, before being forced out, also medical evidence indicates it is unlikely he will be able to return to an employed role, though he has recently set up his own small business.

Chambers UK 2024

Chambers UK 2024 rank the department in Band One in the Midlands and states ‘Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a leading Shropshire firm advising on an extensive breadth of personal injury cases, including high-value RTA and accident-at-work claims. The firm is particularly experienced in acting for clients with spinal and cerebral injuries. The team is skilled in handling military cases and accidents abroad. It also works alongside clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to fully support clients’.

Strengths

“The Lanyon Bowdler team are very competent at handling complex cases.”

“A dedicated team who are all specialists in their field.”

“The group does brilliant work for their clients.”

Your Assaults at Work Compensation questions answered

What is classed as assault at work?

Under UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, a workplace assault includes any physical attack, threat, or aggressive behaviour which causes harm or fear. Types of assault include:

  • Physical Assault: Forceful acts like hitting, pushing, or throwing objects.
  • Verbal Assault: Threats, abusive language, or bullying.
  • Sexual Assault: Unwanted touching, sexual comments, or rape.
  • Psychological Assault: Stalking, harassment, or intimidation.

If you have experienced any type of assault or violence in the workplace you may be eligible to claim compensation. Our specialist team of personal injury lawyers can offer advice and guidance, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What kind of injuries are sustained in assaults at work?

In workplace assaults, employees can sustain a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. These injuries can be categorised as physical and psychological. Physical injuries include:

  • Bruises
  • Lacerations
  • Fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Sprains and strains.

Psychological injuries include anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and sleep disturbances such as insomnia.

What are the most common causes of assaults at work?

The most common causes of workplace assaults typically vary by industry, but generally include interactions with frustrated or angry customers, financial disputes, workplace bullying, personal grudges, and unmanaged mental health issues in employees or clients. High-stress environments, overwork, fatigue, and substance abuse also contribute to aggression. Organisational factors such as the lack of clear policies against violence, and poor management practices can exacerbate the risk, as can inadequate security measures and unsafe work environments. External factors like domestic violence can spill over, and the risk of robbery in certain sectors can also play a role.

Is my employer liable if I was assaulted at work?

There are several circumstances where an employer might be held responsible if an employee is injured in an assault in the workplace. This includes environments in which employees are working alone or the premises are understaffed, leaving workers vulnerable to potential assaults. Employers who fail to provide adequate training and/or PPE to workers can be held liable if an employee is then assaulted due to being in a situation for which they are ill-prepared. Employers can also be held liable for a workplace assault if they have hired somebody without adequate vetting, e.g. a DBS check, or they have hired someone despite knowing they have a violent background, and this worker has gone on to commit an assault in the workplace.

How should my employer keep me safe from an assault at work?

Employers have a duty to ensure a safe working environment and take measures to protect employees from assaults at work. Here are some of the key steps they should take:

  • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential situations that may place employees in danger.
  • Have clear and concise policies regarding violence and harassment in the workplace, and ensure all employees are aware of these policies.
  • Provide ongoing training to enable employees to recognise, prevent, and respond to workplace violence.
  • Implement security measures such as cameras, access controls, and alarm systems, and ensure that all areas are adequately lit.
  • Design the workplace to minimise the risk of assault, e.g. clear escape routes, and partitions to protect employees from aggressive customers.
  • Implement a comprehensive response plan for dealing with violent incidents, and conduct regular emergency procedure drills.
  • Ensure that all policies and procedures in the workplace are fully compliant with the relevant legislation, and regularly review and update as necessary.
  • Foster a positive workplace culture by ensuring the work environment is inclusive and respectful, and address signs of bullying or harassment promptly.
What duties do I have as an employee to prevent an assault at work?

As an employee, you have responsibilities to help prevent workplace assaults by following policies and procedures, reporting incidents and concerns, maintaining a secure and organised work environment, and practising clear and respectful communication. Stay vigilant for potential violence, support a positive workplace culture by avoiding and not tolerating aggressive behaviour, use personal safety measures, participate in safety programs and drills, and seek help if you experience stress or mental health issues. By fulfilling these duties, you can help to foster a safer and more secure workplace for everyone.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.

Rachel Dodwell
Community Case Management Services Ltd

As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.

Shelley Lewis
AJ Case Management

Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.

Anthony Reddiford
Guildhall Chambers

The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.

Jenny Whittall
JMW Ltd

Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.

Professor Tony Elliott
Director UK Centre for Medico-Legal Studies

Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.

Matthew
via ReviewSolicitors

From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.

Jayne
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact our Assault at Work Solicitors

Our Assault at Work Solicitors have decades of experience supporting claimants through compensation claims related to workplace violence and harassment.

Contact us today to discuss your case and receive personalized legal advice. If you’ve been the victim of an assault at work, whether due to a violent coworker, customer, or unsafe working environment, our expert team can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making an Assault at Work Claim. Call us today or complete the online inquiry form to find out how we can support your claim.

Lanyon Bowdler is a highly recognised Law Firm in Wales serving Herefordshire, Shropshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, and the Midlands. We offer a full range of legal services, often acting on a fixed-fee or No Win No Fee (CFA) basis.

As a leading law firm, we regularly act for clients on Work Injury Claims from our offices in ShrewsburyBromyardHerefordLudlowOswestryTelford, and Conwy in North Wales, helping claimants across England and Wales. Contact us today for a free assessment of your Assault at Work Claim.

Our people

Meet the team.

Dawn Humphries
Dawn Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Debbie Humphries
Debbie Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Phillip Roberts
Phillip Roberts
Partner
Personal Injury
Isabella Drummond
Isabella Drummond
Paralegal Apprentice
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
Amanda Clarke
Amanda Clarke
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Helen Gale
Helen Gale
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Kelly Gibbons
Kelly Gibbons
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Amy Burgoyne
Amy Burgoyne
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Karen Clarke
Karen Clarke
Associate Legal Executive (FCILEX)
Personal Injury
Phyllis Smith
Phyllis Smith
Senior Litigation Assistant
Personal Injury
Alexander Spanner
Alexander Spanner
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Morgan Thompson
Morgan Thompson
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Cameron Petch
Cameron Petch
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Tabassum Jamil
Tabassum Jamil
Trainee Solicitor
Personal Injury
Jo Kneller
Jo Kneller
Solicitor
Personal Injury
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Jane Miles
Jane Miles
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Miriam Homer
Miriam Homer
Solicitor
Personal Injury
David Hughes
David Hughes
Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study
Grass in sunlight

Injuries Sustained to Non Dominant Ring Finger

The claimant worked for a firm of solicitors and sustained injuries to her non dominant ring finger when using a ladder ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

Damages Awarded After Claimant Fell From Ladder

The claimant fractured his neck after falling from a ladder whilst spraying a wasp’s nest through a long lance and wea...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

Claimant Awarded £1m After Work Accident

The claimant required major reconstructive surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The claimant suffered complete loss of ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£5,000 for Work Shoulder Injury

The claimant had not received training from his employers in the use of the truck, nor in manual handling....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£1m for Claimant Blinded at Work

The Serious Injury Claim settlement made provision for the fact the claimant suffered complete loss of earnings capacity...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Leaves in the shade

Falling Machinery Causes Accident at Work

As the piece of machinery was being laid down to a horizontal position, the weight overcame all involved causing the mac...
28 Jul 2023
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Case Study
Grass in sunlight

Injuries Sustained to Non Dominant Ring Finger

The claimant worked for a firm of solicitors and sustained injuries to her non dominant ring finger when using a ladder ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

Damages Awarded After Claimant Fell From Ladder

The claimant fractured his neck after falling from a ladder whilst spraying a wasp’s nest through a long lance and wea...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

Claimant Awarded £1m After Work Accident

The claimant required major reconstructive surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The claimant suffered complete loss of ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£5,000 for Work Shoulder Injury

The claimant had not received training from his employers in the use of the truck, nor in manual handling....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Lanyon Bowdler case study icon

£1m for Claimant Blinded at Work

The Serious Injury Claim settlement made provision for the fact the claimant suffered complete loss of earnings capacity...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
Leaves in the shade

Falling Machinery Causes Accident at Work

As the piece of machinery was being laid down to a horizontal position, the weight overcame all involved causing the mac...
28 Jul 2023
Blog

Could Jurassic Park Be Held Liable?

I thought to celebrate the release of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, I would look at the responsibility Jurassic P...
Dawn Humphries • 13 Jun 2018
Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

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