Assaulted at Work Claims

Suffering from an attack anywhere can be devastating, but being assaulted at work, in an environment where you should feel safe and protected, can be all the more traumatic. If you have been abused, threatened or physically attacked at work, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

An assault in the workplace could happen anywhere, but some jobs are more at risk. These include police, security workers, medical staff and shop workers.

Your employer has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect your health and safety at work. If they have failed to do so and you suffered an injury, call 0800 470 0474 to find out if you could start an assaulted at work claim. Alternatively, enter your details here to receive a call back from a friendly legal adviser.

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Table of Contents

• Jobs that are most vulnerable to workplace assaults
• What counts as an assault in the workplace?
• Am I eligible to make a claim?
• What should I do if I was physically attacked at work?
• What evidence do I need to make an assaulted at work claim?
• Can I still claim assaulted at work compensation if my employer was not at fault?
• Could I lose my job if I claim compensation?
• What is the legislation regarding workplace safety?
• Common scenarios leading to an assaulted at work claim
  • Working alone or with insufficient support
  • Failure to act on known violent behaviour
  • Failure to act following security incidents
  • Inadequate training or PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Common injuries caused by a physical altercation at work
• How much compensation can I claim for an attack at work?
• Is there a time limit to start an assault at work claim?
• Do solicitors offer a No Win No Fee service to claim for an assault in the workplace?

Jobs that are most vulnerable to workplace assaults

The Health and Safety Executive has defined violence at work as “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work.” All employers have a legal duty of care to their employees to minimise risks and provide protection from harm. These obligations are outlined by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The Act stipulates how employers can safeguard their staff from foreseeable dangers in the workplace, and this extends to assaults at work.

Several jobs are especially at risk or commonly suffer assaults in the workplace. These include:

• Care workers
• Medical staff, such as doctors, nurses and paramedics
• Police officers and security guards
• Teachers and education professionals
• Bus drivers, train conductors and other public transit workers
• Cash handlers
• Workers in bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues
• Taxi, couriers and delivery drivers
• Utility workers who enter private properties, like meter readers and cable technicians
• Those in positions of authority or responsibility

It is the responsibility of your employer to carry out thorough risk assessments to ensure that threats are minimised. Even if your employer conducted risk assessments and made appropriate provisions against potential risks, it may still be possible to claim compensation from a government body, and your solicitor will be able to help you determine the liability of your assault at work and direct your claim appropriately.

What counts as an assault in the workplace?

An assault in the workplace does not necessarily need physical contact or actual harm to occur. It also refers to any intentional act that causes someone to fear that they are about to be physically harmed. It focuses on the intent and the perception of the victim and may include:

• Making verbal or written threats to harm a coworker, supervisor, or anyone else in the workplace
• Gestures or actions that indicate an intent to harm, even without physical contact. For example, raising a fist in a threatening manner toward a coworker
• Throwing objects in a way that could potentially harm another person, even if they do not hit them
• Displaying a weapon with the intent to threaten or intimidate someone, even without using it
• Making explicit threats of physical harm, even if the threat is not carried out
• Any unwanted physical conduct like touching, groping, or sexual comments
• Being verbally abused or called names
• Being harassed, threatened or embarrassed online or over the phone

These are just a few types of abuse that may entitle you to make an assaulted at work compensation claim.

Am I eligible to make a claim?

If you have suffered from an assault at work due to an avoidable and foreseeable risk, your employer may be liable for your injuries and suffering. Unnecessary and recognisable risks should be apparent following a thorough risk assessment. If your employer has not acted according to the health and safety legislation, they will likely be considered negligent.

As a general rule, a solicitor will help you make an assaulted at work claim if they can prove the following:

• Your employer was negligent in their duty of care towards you
• You were involved in a physical altercation at work as a result of that negligence
• You suffered a physical or psychological injury due to the assault

If you were injured in the last three years and can prove a breach of duty, you are eligible to claim workplace assault compensation. You can usually start a claim if you were:

• Assaulted by a coworker
• Attacked by a service user
• Assaulted by a customer
• Attacked by a patient
• Assaulted by your manager or supervisor

What should I do if I was physically attacked at work?

If you were assaulted by a coworker, client, visitor or another individual at work, there are several steps you should follow. You should prioritise your safety and well-being while ensuring you have the evidence you need if you decide to claim compensation later. These steps include:

• Ensure your safety. If you are in immediate danger, try to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Find a safe location, and, if necessary, call for help or assistance from colleagues, security, or law enforcement.
• Seek medical attention. If you have sustained any injuries due to the attack, seek immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being should be your top priority. If you have suffered psychological trauma, reach out to friends, family members, or counsellors for emotional support.
• Report the incident. Notify your supervisor, manager, or employer about the assault as soon as possible. Provide details about what happened, when, where, and who was involved. All accidents at work, including assaults, must be recorded in the company’s logbook, which you can later use to support your claim.
• Gather and preserve evidence. Keep any evidence related to the incident, such as photographs of injuries, damaged property, or witness contact information. If you were the victim of a violent crime, you should also contact the police to report it. They will investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
• Seek legal advice. If you want to claim compensation for any injuries sustained due to the physical altercation at work, you should consult a personal injury solicitor specialising in workplace accidents or criminal injuries. They can advise you on potential legal actions you may take.

What evidence do I need to make an assaulted at work claim?

If you had the misfortune to be physically attacked at work, you may decide to make a compensation claim for your pain and suffering. Some evidence you could use to support an assaulted at work claim includes:

• Photographs and videos. If there is visible evidence of the assault, such as injuries or property damage, take photos or videos as soon as possible after the incident. That can help document the extent of your injuries and the scene.
• Incident details. Provide a detailed account of what happened, including the date, time, location and description of the assault. Note any verbal exchanges, threats, or actions that occurred before, during, and after you were physically assaulted.
• Medical records. If you sustained injuries as a result of the assault, obtain medical records and reports documenting their type and extent, treatment, and prognosis. These records can link your injuries to the incident.
• Police reports. If you have communicated the assault to the police, obtain a copy of the report and a crime reference number. These can provide an official account of the incident and are essential if you have to claim through the CICA.
• Witness statements. If there were any eyewitnesses to the assault, ask for their names and contact details. Your solicitor may contact them later for their account describing what they saw or heard. That can corroborate your account of the events.
• CCTV footage. Ask your employer for any CCTV footage of the assault from their security cameras. You will need to do this as soon as possible before the data is wiped.
• Counselling or therapy records. If you sought counselling or therapy to cope with the emotional impact of the assault, these records can demonstrate the psychological effects you experienced.
• Correspondence. Preserve any emails, text messages, or other correspondence related to the incident, especially if they provide evidence of threats or inappropriate behaviour.
• Journal or notes. Keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional injuries after the assault. Note down how the events unfolded and how the incident affected your life and well-being. Keep any evidence of your financial losses, such as invoices and receipts.
• Employer’s response. Document how your employer responded to the incident. This may include any actions they have taken to address your safety concerns or investigations conducted.

Can I still claim assaulted at work compensation if my employer was not at fault?

If your employer took all reasonable measures dictated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and relevant legislation, you will not be able to claim against them. In this case, whether a coworker or another person assaulted you, your employer cannot be held liable.

In such instances, you may be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA operates a compensation scheme for people injured through a violent crime. To qualify for criminal injuries compensation, you must meet the following criteria:

• You reported the crime to the police as early as possible and got a crime reference number;
• You cooperated with the authorities and the CICA in their investigations;
• Your behaviour did not cause or aggravate the assault;
• You sustained injuries;
• The assault occurred in the last two years, except when you have relevant evidence that you could not claim sooner, such as if you lacked mental capacity.

Even if the assaulter cannot be identified, charged or prosecuted, you may still be able to claim compensation for an assault through the CICA. An experienced solicitor can manage everything for you and make the claims process as smooth as possible. To arrange a free case assessment, call 0800 470 0474 or request a call back.

Could I lose my job if I claim compensation?

No. Making a legitimate claim following an assault in the workplace should not cost you your job. If your employer was to blame for not following the health and safety legislation, you are well within your right to claim compensation.

Employers are legally prohibited from sacking or penalising you in any way because of your claim or reporting unsafe working conditions. Whether your claim is successful or not, they cannot treat you any differently for taking this action. To do so would be classed as unfair or constructive dismissal, and you have the right to challenge this through an employment tribunal.

If the tribunal finds that your dismissal was unfair, they may order your employer to reinstate you, offer you compensation, or take other appropriate actions to remedy the situation.

If you are worried about starting a claim against your employer, you should also know they are legally required to hold employers’ liability (EL) insurance. This means they will not pay the compensation for assault at work themselves and will not be left out of pocket.

What is the legislation regarding workplace safety?

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of their employees during their work activities. These responsibilities are outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which forms the basis for health and safety regulations in the UK. Other relevant legislation to protect employees from an assault at work include:

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. These regulations require employers to assess and manage the risk of violence and aggression in the workplace.
• The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018. The act provides additional protection for emergency workers, including healthcare professionals, against assault while carrying out their duties.
• The Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This act provides legal protection against harassment, bullying, threats, or unwanted behaviour at work.
• The Equality Act 2010. This act prohibits discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on protected characteristics, including race, gender, and disability.

Some of the responsibilities that employers have to adhere to to keep employees safe include the following:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify situations, tasks, or areas that could expose employees to the risk of assault;
• Take appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce identified risks;
• Establish clear safety policies and procedures, including evacuation plans;
• Consider implementing physical security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and access controls;
• Provide comprehensive information on health and safety matters and promote a culture of respect and dignity in the workplace;
• Make sure employees have adequate training and personal protective equipment (PPE) if they are likely to encounter angry or violent people during their job duties.

If your employer was negligent in their duty of care towards you, they are liable for compensation in an assaulted at work claim. Your solicitor will be able to establish a breach of duty and will help you gather the necessary evidence to support your case.

Common scenarios leading to an assaulted at work claim

There are many ways in which your employer might be accountable for an assault at work. Some of the most common situations presented to personal injury lawyers include:

Working alone or with insufficient support

Employees who work on their own or in an environment with too few staff are more susceptible to health and safety risks. Adequately staffed workplaces are safer and help to provide security to colleagues. That helps prevent assaults and reduce the severity of any attack that does happen.

Failure to act on known violent behaviour

If an employer is aware that one of their staff members has acted violently in the past or that a patient or client has aggressive tendencies, they have a duty of care to take proper precautions. If they are aware of such behaviour and take no action and that person assaults a staff member, the employer may be liable for compensation.

Failure to act following security incidents

If an employer fails to revise workplace safety and security following a previous incident, they may be accountable for any similar future events. For example, if a workplace has been broken into previously and the employer has taken no action to strengthen the security, they may be seen as acting negligently towards their staff.

Inadequate training or PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

If an employer is aware of a potential risk to the safety of their staff or the job itself revolves around working in a high-risk environment, such as a prison or security role, the employer is legally obliged to provide staff with adequate training and protective equipment. Furthermore, the safety equipment must be in good working order.

If it can be proven that your assault was the liability of your employer or any other person, you will be eligible to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Common injuries caused by a physical altercation at work

A physical assault at work can lead to various injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening. The type and severity of the harm you suffered and its long-term effects on your life will be essential in determining your compensation award. Common injuries related to an assault in the workplace claim include:

• Bruises and contusions. These are common injuries from physical confrontations. They can range from minor to severe, causing pain and discomfort.
• Cuts and abrasions. Scratches, cuts, and lacerations can occur and can be severe if the attacker uses a weapon such as a knife. They may also cause scarring and disfigurement.
• Soft tissue injuries. Grappling, pushing, or sudden movements during fights can cause strained muscles, sprained ligaments, and torn tendons.
• Fractures. Impact during an assault can cause breaks in bones, such as the nose, fingers, or ribs.
• Head injuries. Blows to the head can lead to concussions, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures or other head-related injuries.
• Black eyes. Swelling and discolouration around the eyes are typical in disputes involving punches or blows to the face.
• Neck and back injuries. Sudden movements or impacts can cause strains, sprains, or more severe injuries to the neck and back.
• Dislocations. Joints can be dislocated due to forceful impacts, leading to pain and immobility.
• Psychological injuries. Physical fights can also impact mental health and cause emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Internal injuries. Serious assaults can lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or damage to blood vessels.

If you have suffered any injury without being at fault, an experienced solicitor can help you make a workplace assault claim. If you would like to arrange a free case assessment, please call 0800 470 0474 today or fill in our online claim form to receive a call back.

How much compensation can I claim for an attack at work?

The amount of personal injury compensation awarded to you will depend upon the level of suffering inflicted on you through the assault. Personal injury solicitors are committed to securing the highest possible awards on your behalf. They achieve this through thorough considerations of all potential areas of damage and loss. The following areas may be included in your claim:

• The physical pain and discomfort you suffered
• Impact on work abilities and income, both present and potential future effects
• Psychological damage and emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Cost of any medical treatment required
• Cost of transport to obtain treatment
• Impact on social life, including the ability to interact with others and engage in hobbies
• The cost of replacing any personal items damaged in the assault
• Any effect on your ability to live independently
• Cost of private medical treatments and aids

Your solicitor will build a case based on secure and thorough evidence to highlight all areas of loss inflicted on you through the attack. They will work with determination and focus on ensuring you achieve the maximum amount of compensation possible for your claim.

Feel free to refer to our online compensation calculator to determine how much you could receive if you were physically attacked at work.

Is there a time limit to start an assault at work claim?

There are strict time limits set out by the Limitation Act 1980 to start a claim for any injury at work, including a claim for assault. The claim limitation date is typically three years after the date of the attack, with a few exceptions:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the injury, the limitation period does not begin until you become a legal adult. Afterwards, you have until your 21st birthday to claim compensation. A parent or legal guardian can claim on behalf of a minor at any time.
• If an injury is not immediately apparent or you suffered psychological damage, the time begins to run from the date of your diagnosis.
• If the claimant lacks the mental capacity to start legal proceedings, the time limit is put on hold. A friend or family member could represent them in a legal case by applying to become their litigation friend.
• If your employer is not liable for damages, you have two years to start a CICA claim.
• If you suffered an injury while working in the military, you have seven years to claim compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
• Claims related to assaults while on work abroad may have different time limits, depending on the foreign country’s laws.

As a general rule, the sooner you begin your claim, the better. That will ensure that any details are fresh to you and witnesses and will make it easier for your solicitor to gather evidence. This way, you can be sure they have enough time to prepare a strong case before the claim limitation date. If you miss the deadline, your claim becomes time-barred, and the court will no longer consider it valid.

Do solicitors offer a No Win No Fee service to claim for an assault in the workplace?

If you have grounds to claim assault at work compensation, the solicitors we work with will be able to assist you on a no win no fee* basis. This service means you do not have to pay any fees upfront to start your claim, and there is no financial risk to you.

Your solicitor takes on the risk of litigation and will not be paid if your case fails. Furthermore, they will make sure you do not have to pay any legal costs either. This security is provided by the After the Event (ATE) insurance policy they will get before starting legal proceedings. The ATE is legal expenses insurance that will cover all the costs and disbursements incurred during the claim, such as:

• Police and medical reports
• Costs of printing and copying
• The defendant’s expenses and solicitors
• Court and counsel fees
• Travel expenses related to the case
• Barrister fees, if the claim goes to trial
• Expert witness fees

Under a no win no fee arrangement, you only pay anything if your claim is successful. You will keep the compensation awarded to you minus a few deductions:

• The cost of the After the Event insurance premium
• A success fee of up to a maximum of 25% of your settlement is paid to your solicitor for winning the case

If you want to find out whether you have a valid claim for an assault in the workplace, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a friendly legal adviser. Or you can request a call back by entering your details into the contact form below.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.