When you are injured at work as an employee, you will likely be entitled to compensation through a workers' compensation insurance policy. This is a program your employer is required by law to maintain. While they are required to maintain a workers' compensation policy and process your claim, you might wonder if filing a workers' compensation claim will hurt your relationships at work.
Retaliation is Not Allowed
An employer is not allowed to retaliate against an employee if they have filed a workers' compensation claim. For example, your employer is not allowed to fire you, deny you a raise, or deny you a promotion because you filed a claim.
If you have become injured at work, this might affect your workplace relationships and this might be unavoidable. For example, if you are not able to work as much and your coworkers are forced to work extra hard, this might affect your relationships.
Your Employer Cannot Pressure You
Your employer might also pressure you to return to work. However, you should not return to work until you have fully recovered and your employer tells you that it is safe for you to do so. Otherwise, you might exacerbate your injuries and it may take longer for you to fully recover.
A Workers' Compensation Lawyer Can Help
If you are being harassed by your employer, it's time to visit a law firm for a free workers' compensation consultation. An attorney can guide you through the process of filing a complaint with the appropriate authority in your state so that the appropriate action can be taken.
For example, an attorney will guide you through the process of recording each act of harassment by your employer so you can make a case for why you deserve a legal remedy for your situation.
You Must Prove That The Employment Action Was in Retaliation
If you believe that your employer is retaliating against you, a workers' compensation lawyer will assist you in gathering the evidence necessary to prove this.
You must demonstrate that you were entitled to benefits, you suffered an adverse employment action, and that the employment action was motivated by your employer wanting to punish you for taking advantage of benefits you are entitled to.
In some states, the reason for your termination must have only been the workers' compensation claim. For instance, if you had an excellent performance review prior to your injuries, this might be used as evidence that your termination was a result of the workers' compensation claim.
To learn more, schedule a workers' compensation lawyer consultation with a legal professional in your area.
