The Difference Between Horseplay and Assault at Tampa Workplaces

Assaults at Tampa workplaces are fairly common, and they often lead to workers’ compensation claims. These claims are vital, providing injured workers and their loved ones with financial stability after traumatic, potentially life-altering attacks. But what happens if your workers’ compensation claim is denied after an assault? What if your employer and their insurer claim that what you experienced was actually “horseplay?”

Amazon Worker Assaulted Outside Workplace Facility 

In May of 2025, multiple sources reported that an Amazon worker had been assaulted outside his place of employment. The aggressor was a co-worker, and the victim suffered several injuries. The assault was so severe that the victim required surgery on his eye. He also suffered head trauma and other facial injuries.

The co-worker who carried out the assault was quickly arrested. He also admitted to committing the crime. Police have not yet released a motive for the attack, but there is a strong chance that it was caused by some kind of workplace dispute. These kinds of incidents are becoming increasingly common throughout Florida.

How Is Horseplay Different? 

Horseplay may seem very similar to a workplace assault – at least at first glance. A worker might “playfight” with another employee, potentially causing injuries in the process. However, horseplay-related injuries are accidental – even when the underlying behavior is dangerous. For example, a worker might throw an object at another worker as a joke. If this object hits the worker and causes a facial injury, a workers’ comp claim could be denied due to the “horseplay defense.”

The key distinction involves intent. When the co-worker approached the Amazon employee outside the facility, their intent was clearly to assault the victim and cause serious bodily injury. If this were not the case, the defendant wouldn’t have kicked and punched the victim while he lay on the ground.

Another key thing to consider is whether the victim actively participated in the horseplay. If they were an innocent victim of a prank gone wrong, they would still likely have the opportunity to file a workers’ comp claim. However, they may lose this right if they actively choose to participate in the dangerous behavior.

For example, two workers might decide to “duel” with planks of wood at a construction site. If one of these workers suffers a traumatic brain injury as a result, they may struggle to successfully file a workers’ comp claim.

If a worker simply decides to swing the plank at an unsuspecting co-worker however, this “prank gone wrong” would likely lead to a valid claim. The victim in this situation had no knowledge of the horseplay ahead of time, and they did not choose to participate.

Can a Tampa Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help With a Denied Claim?

Whether your claim was denied due to horseplay or any other issue, a Tampa workers’ comp lawyer may be able to help. The line between horseplay and workplace assaults can be quite thin, and a lawyer can help you provide compelling evidence in this situation. Past cases have shown that it is difficult to deny claims based on the “horseplay defense.” Take the next step by contacting The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources: 

myfloridacfo.com/division/risk/workers-compensation

lexisnexis.com/community/insights/legal/workers-compensation/b/recent-cases-news-trends-developments/posts/a-guide-to-understanding-workplace-violence-and-florida-workers-compensation