When Employers Fail to Protect Workers, We Fight Back
Workplace violence doesn’t just happen—it often stems from an employer’s failure to screen, supervise, or secure their workplace. When you’re attacked or assaulted on the job due to negligent hiring, retention, or security, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim—even beyond workers’ compensation.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we represent workers across the state of Texas who are injured by violent acts in the workplace that could have been prevented with reasonable care.
What Is Employer Liability for Workplace Violence?
Under Texas law, employers can be held liable if they fail to:
- Conduct background checks on employees with known violent histories
- Supervise or discipline employees who make threats or display aggression
- Provide adequate security measures in high-risk workplaces
- Respond to complaints of harassment, stalking, or intimidation
- Maintain safe facilities, including lighting, locks, and access controls
If your employer knew or should have known that a person posed a danger, or failed to take action despite warnings, they may be civilly responsible for what happened.
Common Workplace Violence Scenarios
| Situation | Example |
| Coworker assault | A violent employee attacks after making known threats |
| Customer violence | A patron assaults a worker in a business lacking security |
| Ex-partner/stalker incidents | A former partner enters the workplace despite prior complaints |
| Armed robbery or invasion | A retail store without security is targeted during a known crime wave |
| Security failure | Lack of cameras, alarms, or personnel enables a violent act |
| Retaliation or harassment | Management ignores complaints about targeted abuse |
Even if the attacker was not an employee, the employer may still be liable if proper security and screening could have prevented the incident.
Who Can Bring a Workplace Violence Claim?
You may have a legal claim if:
- You were injured during a violent act at your workplace
- You previously raised concerns that were ignored
- Your attacker had a known history of violence or misconduct
- You work in a high-risk setting (retail, healthcare, service industry)
- You were a third-party contractor, visitor, or vendor, not just a W-2 employee
Workers’ compensation may not be your only remedy. In some cases, you can file a negligence lawsuit for additional damages like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and punitive damages.
Types of Injuries Caused by Workplace Violence
We represent workers who suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Gunshot wounds or stabbing injuries
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Broken bones and soft tissue trauma
- PTSD and long-term emotional distress
- Pregnancy-related injuries due to assault
- Wrongful death (for families of deceased workers)
We coordinate medical care, gather expert opinions, and build strong evidence to reflect the full impact of what you’ve endured.
What to Do If You’re Attacked at Work
- Report the incident to the police and your employer immediately
- Get emergency medical care, even if injuries are not visible
- Document any past threats, complaints, or warning signs
- Request a copy of the employer’s internal report or incident file
- Preserve emails, texts, or witness names
- Speak to a lawyer before accepting workers’ comp or employer settlements
The sooner we act, the better the chance of preserving security footage, HR records, and hiring files.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on your case, you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses (emergency and ongoing care)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological counseling
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Funeral expenses and wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages for egregious employer negligence
We pursue full compensation, not just what the employer’s insurance wants to offer.
Why Choose Williford Law?
At Williford Law, PLLC, we’re not afraid to take on employers who fail to protect their workers. We build cases that expose:
- Ignored red flags in hiring
- Inadequate background checks or screenings
- Security system failures
- Internal communications that prove the danger was foreseeable
We act fast. We build strong cases. And we don’t get paid unless we win.
