What are my legal rights on workplace violence?

If you are injured at work, or suffer ill health as a result of the job you do, you may be entitled to recover personal injury compensation from your employer. This could cover the injury itself ('pain and suffering'), and financial losses and expenses caused by the injury.  See the personal injury claims section.

You may be able to make a personal injury claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). 'Personal injury' includes both physical and mental injury or illness. The mental injury needs to be a medically recognised condition, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress. To qualify:

• You must have suffered a personal injury as a result of an acct of violence, or attempting to prevent an offence.
• The incident should have been reported to the police, and be serious enough to qualify for a minimum award of £1,000.
• Claims should be made within 2 years of the event.

Compensation is assessed on the extent of your injuries; loss of earnings; and special services, eg cost of care. For further information and a claim form, contact the CICA, www.cica.gov.uk tel: 0800 358 3601.