A workplace accident can lead to various complications for a Missouri worker and his or her family. In addition to being unable to work, you may also find yourself with expensive medical bills, painful injuries and other issues that will stand between you and a full recovery. This is why workers’ compensation insurance exists, and you have the right to seek what you need to get better and move forward.
If you have a valid claim, you have the right to pursue the benefits you need to recover your financial losses and ensure you have the physical support you need. In addition to this, you have the right to file a claim without without fear of retaliation or punishment from your employer. Workers treated unfairly after pursuing rightful benefits may have grounds to pursue legal action.
What to do after a work injury
A work injury can be much more than just a painful inconvenience. If it is serious enough, you may not be able to work, which in turn will affect your ability to pay your bills, take care of your family and much more. Workers’ compensation benefits cover your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, and you can even get support that will benefit you as you attempt to return to work or find new employment after your recovery.
Why would an employer retaliate?
An employer may try to retaliate against an employee because his or her insurance rates went up as a result of an employee filing a workers’ compensation claim. It is against the law to retaliate for exercising one’s rights by filing a claim through an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Retaliation can come in many forms, but it may include termination, demotion, transfer to another department, reduction in pay and much more.
What can you do?
If you suspect that you are experiencing retaliation as a result of filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have options. It is possible to hold your employer accountable for his or her unfair and unreasonable actions. You are entitled to a full and fair recovery after a work accident, and this likely includes seeking workers’ comp benefits. You should not suffer additional harm and financial loss simply because you exercised your rights.
