If you are injured on the job and unable to return to work, you may realize that filing a workers’ compensation claim is the best step you can take. By doing this, you are in position to receive regular payments until you can return to your job.
This is easier said than done, as your employer may argue that you should not receive workers’ compensation benefits. Along with this, some employers scare injured workers into believing that they will lose their job if they proceed.
Here is what you need to remember: It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a person for filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. In the event that this happens, the employee not only has the right to collect workers’ compensation benefits, but he or she can then take civil action against the company.
In addition to termination, there are many other forms of retaliation as the result of making a workers’ compensation claim. This can include everything from a salary reduction to a demotion.
You should never be scared to seek workers’ compensation benefits if you were injured on the job. This is a bad situation for all parties involved, but you have the right to seek compensation.
If your employer retaliates in any way, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights. You didn’t do anything wrong, and you should never let your employer intimidate you. It’s only natural to want to collect the compensation you deserve as you recover from your injury and attempt to get back to work in the near future.
Source: FindLaw, “Workers’ Comp: Employers’ Responsibilities,” accessed June 28, 2017