Security guards and corrections officers work in some of the most dangerous environments in Pennsylvania. Whether providing security at hospitals, schools, office buildings, retail stores, correctional facilities, or detention centers, these workers face daily risks of physical assaults, workplace violence, falls, and other serious injuries.

At Stern & Cohen, we represent injured security guards, corrections officers, detention officers, prison employees, and other public safety workers who have been injured on the job. If you suffered a work-related injury while protecting others, our Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to help.

Common Causes of Security Guard and Corrections Officer Injuries

Security and corrections professionals frequently encounter dangerous situations that can result in serious workplace injuries.

Common causes of security guard and corrections officer injuries include:

• Physical assaults by inmates, detainees, customers, or visitors
• Workplace violence incidents
• Altercations while restraining individuals
• Slip and fall accidents
• Stairway and walkway accidents
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Training exercise injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents while on duty
• Falls during emergency response situations
• Injuries caused by lifting or transporting individuals

Because these workers often respond to unpredictable situations, injuries can occur without warning and may have long-lasting effects.

Common Security Guard and Corrections Officer Injuries

The physical demands and risks associated with security and corrections work can lead to both traumatic and repetitive injuries.

Common injuries include:

• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Wrist and hand injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Herniated discs
• Fractures and broken bones
• Concussions and head injuries
• Facial injuries
• PTSD and psychological injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries

Many injured workers require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work before they can safely return to duty.

Workplace Violence and PTSD Claims

Security guards and corrections officers are exposed to workplace violence more often than many other professions. Assaults, threats, inmate attacks, and traumatic incidents can result in both physical and psychological injuries.

Workers’ compensation may cover:

• Physical injuries resulting from assaults
• PTSD following traumatic workplace events
• Anxiety and psychological injuries related to workplace violence
• Medical treatment and counseling
• Wage-loss benefits during recovery

Psychological injuries can be just as serious as physical injuries and may significantly impact a worker’s ability to return to their job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can security guards receive workers’ compensation after being assaulted?

Yes. Injuries caused by assaults that occur while performing security duties may qualify for Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits.

Can corrections officers receive workers’ compensation for PTSD?

In some situations, yes. Corrections officers who develop PTSD or other psychological injuries following traumatic workplace events may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Are injuries sustained while restraining an inmate or suspect covered?

Yes. Injuries that occur while performing job-related duties, including restraining inmates, detainees, suspects, or other individuals, may qualify for workers’ compensation coverage.

Contact a Pennsylvania Security Guard & Corrections Officer Injury Lawyer

A workplace injury can leave security guards and corrections officers facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. If you were injured while working in security, corrections, detention services, or a related field, the attorneys at Stern & Cohen are ready to help.

Contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation claim and learn about your legal options.