Workplace shootings

Although it seems that workplace shootings have grown more common, the workers comp implications get little media attention.

Few news stories are written about work comp claims stemming from workplace shooting rampages. But a new Hartford Courant story reports that a woman engaged to one of 8 people killed in a workplace shooting wants workers compensation benefits.

The woman lived with the deceased for four years, according to the story available here. The employer and insurer say the fiancée is not entitled to benefits because she is not a family member.

I once asked industry professionals how workplace shootings impact an employer’s claims experience. The response I got is that there is not much of an impact because it’s not something that is expected to frequently recur.