If you have been injured in the workplace, you may, like other injured workers, be hesitant or fearful about making a workers’ compensation claim, even if you have suffered financial damages. There are many reasons why you may not want to file a workers’ compensation claim, but dismissing the possibility of doing so without understanding how the law would apply to you could mean that you miss out on significant financial compensation.
The following is an overview of some of the most common workers’ compensation fears, and why they probably won’t be an issue. Read on to get a better understanding of what could happen if you apply for workers’ compensation.
Worried about losing your job after filing for workers’ compensation
If you are employed at will, technically your employer can dismiss you at any time. However, you as an employee are always protected from retaliatory firings. This means that your employer can never fire you because of the fact that you filed for workers’ compensation, and you can take legal action against them if they do.
Worried that notifying your employer of your disability will make you unemployable
Some workers who become disabled as a result of their disability may worry about telling their employer about this because of fear that it will make them unemployable. Firstly, a person cannot be fired because they become disabled — reasonable accommodations should be made so that the employee can work in a more suitable role. Second, by filing for workers’ compensation, you will be able to gain access to rehabilitation pay, which could include disability payments for lost wages incurred.
Worried about seeking medical attention
You should never avoid seeking medical attention if you have been injured. If you were injured at work, it’s likely it will be covered by workers’ compensation in the future.
It is important that you are aware of your rights to compensation after a work injury. Make sure that you don’t miss out because of fear.