Workplace injuries are a common occurrence in the United States, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports around 12 fatalities in workplaces daily. There are many different causes of workplace accidents, including safety mishaps and honest mistakes. However, the National Institutes of Health points out that employee anger can also lead to these accidents, resulting in severe injuries.
At Kidwell & Gallagher, we understand the profound impact these incidents and injuries can have on workers’ lives. Our team of lawyers can support work injury victims to ensure they receive the proper compensation they deserve. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
When an employee is consumed by anger, their ability to make sound decisions becomes compromised. For instance, a construction site involves heavy machinery and equipment and requires precision and focus.
Unfortunately, an angered employee who is having a frustrating day might take a shortcut, bypassing safety protocols he’d usually follow. As a result, the heavy machinery they’re operating becomes a potential hazard. They may fail to notice a coworker nearby or misjudge the distance between the equipment, leading to a serious accident.
When tension and conflict are prevalent among employees, it’s challenging to collaborate effectively. Teamwork is essential in many workplaces, and when employees can’t cooperate due to anger, this can lead to errors and, eventually, accidents. For instance, in a manufacturing setting, a breakdown in communication among employees could result in machinery accidents.
In extreme cases, workplace tension can escalate into physical altercations. Verbal arguments or disputes can quickly become physical confrontations, and physical fights are now the third-leading cause of serious injuries in workplaces.
When anger pervades the workplace, communication can become strained. Employees may not express themselves clearly or may misinterpret what others are saying. This can result in misunderstandings about work procedures, safety protocols, or even the status of ongoing tasks. Such misunderstandings can set the stage for accidents because employees may not be on the same page regarding the necessary precautions or actions to be taken.
For instance, employees may not report potential hazards or unsafe conditions where anger prevails. Failure to address and mitigate these hazards often leads to accidents and injuries.
Prolonged irritation can develop into chronic stress, which, in turn, can impact an individual’s overall health. Stress-related health issues may decrease the physical and mental well-being of employees. This can potentially make workers more prone to accidents, leading to severe injuries and even wrongful death.
Workplace accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, mostly when orchestrated by anger. However, the employer is responsible for keeping the workplace safe, and victims of anger-related injuries may be entitled to compensation.
A workers’ compensation lawyer from Kidwell & Gallagher can help prove that the employer failed to take reasonable care of your safety and was responsible for the accident. We will guide you and determine the viability of your workplace injury claim and the best course of action. Call us at (775) 383-6482 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Craig W. Kidwell who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.