Workplace Violence Causes Fatalities in Orlando

Violence in the workplace recently struck again when 5 Fiamma employees were killed at work by a disgruntled former employee.

The killings occurred in a Fiamma warehouse located northeast of Orlando. The former employee entered the building armed with a handgun and knives and targeted his attack on certain individuals while others were allowed to escape. The perpetrator then killed himself. Fiamma manufactures and sells RV awnings and is headquartered in Italy.

Workplace Violence Kills an Average of 550 Individuals Each Year

Violence at work incidents resulting in worker deaths are all too common. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, on average, more than 550 workers in the U.S. are killed each year in work-related homicides. The vast majority of the deaths are from shootings - 78% - and most occur in the private sector industries of retail and leisure and hospitality.

Workplace violence includes violent acts such as physical assaults and threats of assault that are directed to individuals at work or on duty. These acts can range from threats, intimidation and harassment to physical assault, violence and homicide.

Can an Employer be Sued for Workplace Fatalities?

In many cases, an employee cannot sue the employer for workplace injuries because they are usually covered by Workers' Compensation.

However, if misconduct or negligence is a factor in a workplace death, the deceased worker's survivors may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. To succeed in this claim it must be proved that:

• The worker died due to another's negligence, and
• The surviving family members suffered some type of monetary injury because of the death.

Florida employers must adhere to workplace safety regulations established by the federal agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers must take reasonable steps to protect their employees. A victim's survivors may be eligible for compensation under a wrongful death claim if the employer did not comply with an OSHA safety regulation, for example because of lack of or inadequate or negligent security.

Let Us Help if You are a Victim of Workplace Violence

If you or a family member is a victim of workplace violence or other premises liability incident, or any type of personal injury, please contact the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. immediately. Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.

---