Tax season can be very stressful not only for taxpayers, but also for the financial professionals who help clients file tax returns and resolve taxation issues. In February of this year, workplace violence affected three tax preparers in different parts of the country. In Florida, a tax preparer working in an office had a bullet narrowly miss her head. In addition, IRS officials sometimes receive threats of harm.
Safety experts say that more violence is possible as tax deadlines on April 15 draw near. Frustrated taxpayers may act aggressively or may resort to violence in some cases. In addition, tax preparers and other financial professionals are under additional pressure at this time of year and many offices hire seasonal workers for tax season. All of this can add up instances of workplace violence and other safety issues.
According to industry experts, it is important for tax preparers and tax preparation services to take steps to provide adequate security on their premises. If they do not and violence affects workers, clients, or others, the business could be held liable in an inadequate security claim in Miami or their city.
There are many things that tax preparers can do to curb violence in the workplace:
•Install security cameras, surveillance systems, or metal detectors, if needed
•Hire security guards
•Have a written safety policy that helps workers deal with aggressive clients and other safety issues
•Properly screen new workers, including seasonal and temporary workers
•Secure the premises with properly functioning doors and windows
If you are a taxpayer and have been injured when visiting a tax preparer or tax preparation service, you may be able to seek compensation that can help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. This is the case whether your injuries were caused by violence, inadequate security, or a slip and fall accident or other preventable injury on the premises. When you visit a business, you expect the business owner to take steps to keep you safe. If they do not take reasonable measures to keep you safe and you sustain injuries as a result, you may have a legal claim.
If you are a tax preparer and have been injured in the workplace, you may have a workers compensation claim in Miami or your city. You may also have a premises liability claim if your workplace was not adequate secure and your employer did not take adequate measures to keep you safe. If you have sustained a work injury in Miami or any Florida city, contact a good personal injury attorney to review your legal options.
Would you like to speak with a personal injury attorney in Miami? Flaxman Law Group has offices right in the city as well as two other locations in Hollywood and Homestead. We are proud to serve the entire South Florida area and we are pleased to be able to offer a no-cost, no obligation initial consultation for all new clients. If you have been injured and would like to know whether you have a case, do not hesitate to contact our full-service firm.