Can my employer retaliate and fire me after I file a workers comp claim?

If you happen to be injured at work, you might be concerned about filing for a workers’ compensation claim. In fact, employers aren’t generally happy to know about new claims since it can increase their insurance rates.

However, all states forbid employers from discriminating against their employees if they are injured at the workplace in a slip and fall accident or any other type of accident or file a workers’ compensation claim and Hartford, CT worker's compensation lawyers such as Melocowsky & Melocowsky are ready to pounce if there is any deviation or violation of this law.

What are my rights?

If you are an at-will employee you are liable to be fired at any time unless the reason for firing is illegal. In every state it is against the law for any employer to fire any employee simply because he/she happens to file a workers’ compensation claim. But if you mess up on the job, do not listen to your boss, show up late, are rude to customers, you can be fired. This is not Europe where it is impossible to be fired which is one reason why Europe’s unemployment rates are so high because a business is reluctant to hire someone since it is all but impossible to get rid of someone.

Life cannot get any worse can it?! You were hurt on your job because someone else on the job made a mistake and now you cannot work, play basketball, or even trim your own tree! When you put in worker's comp paperwork, for some strange reason, a couple of days later, your employer lets you go. What?! Yes, things can always get worse. You need a Hartford, Connecticut worker's compensation lawyer right away. This is where Melocowsky & Melocowsky come into the picture. Make the phone call. Someone made a terrible mistake and someone needs to pay! 

If they didn’t have this protection and moreover, employees would be too scared to claim their rights and employers could be lax in terms of having a secure or safe working environment. In fact if you are fired because you filed a workers’ comp claim, then you stand to gain additional compensation. It would be judicious to seek the assistance of a Connecticut worker's comp attorney, and the best in this area of law is Melocowsky & Melocowsky, for an accurate evaluation of your specific rights under workers’ comp law.

How to Know if an Employee was Fired because of His Workers’ Comp Claim

Sometimes it won’t be easy to identify if your employer is discriminating against you because of your workers’ comp claim. However, there are a few signs to look for. The very first thing is the timing of your firing. If you are fired in a matter of days or weeks after you filed your workers’ comp claim, chances are that your employer chose to retaliate.

Unacceptable!

You must pay attention to possible negative remarks from your supervisor or managers. If the management seems offended by your claim or has compelled you to give up your rights, you can bet your termination is retaliatory and you will need a Hartford, CT workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. The best law firm in this area of the country is Melocowsky & Melocowsky. They know how to win cases and have been doing it for years. If you have them on your side, you are on strong legal hands.

Finally, consider the reason mentioned for your termination. The reason should be comprehensible and related to the performance of your duties at work, the financial health of the company, or any other legitimate factor. If you happen to be a top performer without any history of indiscipline, and your company is financially sound, then your workers’ compensation claim can be the actual reason for your dismissal.

What can you do if you’re fired because of your workers’ compensation claim?

If your company fired you as a reprisal for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you are eligible for extra compensation which has been stated. In many states, the retaliation claim is usually channeled via the workers’ compensation system. Typically, you can seek job reinstatement as well as get paid for any lost wages. In some states, you are able to collect a penalty too. Some states allow you to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses such as the cost involved in looking for a fresh job, as well as the emotional distress suffered due to the illegal firing.

If you feel that you were wrongfully fired, your best bet is to hire a Hartford, Connecticut worker's compensation lawyer right away. Look no further than Melocowsky & Melocowsky (http://workers-compensation.usattorneys.com/connecticut/). They get the job done!