If you have filed a claim for workers’ compensation and then fired, you should know that this kind of retaliation is illegal. Contact a lawyer who can explain your rights under the law and help you defend them. In Pennsylvania, firing someone purely because they were injured or filed a claim is prohibited. Additionally, employers may not discriminate or retaliate against workers who file for workers’ compensation benefits by demoting, reassigning, denying a promotion, reducing benefits, or otherwise penalizing them.
If this happened to you, it is critical to have documented evidence about when you were injured, the date you notified your employer, and when you filed a claim for benefits.
How Can I Protect My Rights After a Workplace Accident?
If you are injured in a work accident, there are essential steps you must take to ensure you have the evidence to support your claim and protect your rights so that you are less likely to experience a delay or denial of benefits. For any work injury, you should always do the following:
- Get medical care right away – even for something you consider minor, as minor injuries can develop into major ones.
- Be sure to use a doctor on your employer’s list of pre-approved physicians unless you need emergency treatment.
- Report your injury after the accident to your supervisor or manager as soon as possible.
- Consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Can I Collect Workers’ Compensation Benefits After I Was Fired?
The answer to this question is yes – provided you can prove your termination was related to the injury or if the benefits were approved before you were terminated. You may also be able to seek damages for wrongful termination. An experienced lawyer can help you build a case for benefits and damages.
Contact Our West Chester Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Today
Retaliation against someone who files a workers’ compensation benefits claim is prohibited. If you need help with your claim, contact our experienced West Chester workers’ compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC today. We will advocate to get you the benefits you need and deserve. Call 610-594-1600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.