Workplace Assault: When Employers Must Pay
In this significant episode of P.I. Case Note, we examine the New South Wales District Court decision in Chopra v NSW Health Service – South Western Sydney Local Health District [2024] NSWDC 76, which addresses employer liability for workplace assaults under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW). The case demonstrates when employers can be held responsible for violent acts committed by their employees against colleagues.
The court’s credibility findings and liability analysis provide important guidance on establishing employer negligence in workplace violence cases. This decision highlights that employers who fail to address known risks of workplace aggression or ignore warning signs of potential violence can face significant liability. The judgment emphasises the importance of workplace safety policies, proper supervision, and taking employee complaints seriously to prevent foreseeable harm.
Listen for our comprehensive analysis of this workplace assault liability decision. If you’ve been injured in a workplace assault or due to workplace violence, your employer may be liable for failing to provide a safe working environment. Contact accident legal for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and understand your rights to compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.