A teacher’s job can be exponentially rewarding, but it can also be just as challenging. Some of these challenges, however, can escalate to severe injuries or life-threatening situations. At Maison Law, we understand the risks of stress, hostile work environments, and the violence around campuses that teachers can face on the job. If you’re a teacher who has suffered mental or physical harm due to the nature of your job, contact the personal injury attorneys at Maison Law today to win financial compensation and justice for your injuries.
Risk of Violence Teachers Face on the Job
Most people pursuing a teaching career understand the job may require them to perform all types of roles, but one role that no teacher anticipates is that of a victim of violence. An unfortunate reality of the educational system these days is that violence against teachers is on the rise. Certain experts have even labeled the rise of violent acts a national crisis.
According to the American Psychological Association, 42% of teachers reported instances of violence against them in the classroom. Act of violence in the classroom are considered the following:
- Assaults
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Property damage
- Threat of violence
Teachers and the Risk of Job-Induced Stress
Stress is another risk teachers face. According to a recent study by the RAND Corporation, teachers are twice as likely to report having difficulty coping with job-related stress as other working adults. Teachers are also 10% more likely to experience burnout. Stress for teachers is typically caused by the amount of work demanded by the job. In certain cases, teachers must also serve as role models, security guards, and nurses for their students, on top of providing them with an education.
In order for a teacher to successfully claim injury due to stress in the Workers’ Compensation system, they must meet the following criteria”
- The prominent cause of injury is stress, which must be verified by a medical professional
- The stress cannot arise out of elements outside of the workplace
- A teacher must have been on the job for at least six months
It is important to note that stress does not have to occur due to a single traumatic event. Stress can be cumulative trauma as well. The most common symptoms of stress include high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Teachers?
Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers, especially when it comes to physically demanding jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 176,200 work-related injuries for teachers of elementary and secondary schools from 2021 to 2022. While workers’ compensation can be beneficial to injured workers, it may not comprehensively cover the full extent of your damages. Reasons for filing a lawsuit against worker’s compensation include:
- Your claim is denied: if your worker’s compensation claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you through negotiations.
- Your benefits are inadequate: if you believe your workers’ compensation benefits do not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, an attorney can help you seek the full benefits you deserve.
- Permanent disability: in cases of permanent disability, disputes over the level of impairment or the amount of compensation can arise, requiring legal representation.
If you find yourself at a loss after or while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the legal intricacies of workers’ compensation claims and get you the compensation you need. It is important to remember that you are not suing your employer when you file a workers’ compensation lawsuit, so taking legal action will not affect your employment status or relationship with your employer.
Contact a Teacher Worker’s Compensation Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one is a teacher and has had the unfortunate experience of being mistreated, neglected, or inadequately compensated by worker’s compensation, the attorneys at Maison Law will pursue the full extent of the damages you are owed. Whether you’ve suffered permanent injuries, or have been denied medical treatment through worker’s compensation, our firm is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law on your behalf. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront charges for our services and we only get paid if we win your case.
