Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Were you injured at work recently? Are you confused about your options for obtaining benefits through a workers’ compensation claim? We often hear clients express worries about losing their job if they file a workers’ compensation claim. At Hardison & Cochran, we want to emphasize that there are laws to protect workers from being fired as retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim after an injury on the job. Your employer cannot fire you because you sought workers’ compensation benefits.

How a Lawyer Can Help with a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Many employees in the Raleigh area who sustain a work injury and want to seek workers’ compensation benefits ask: Will I be fired? A workers’ compensation lawyer in North Carolina can help to ensure that you are protected from any kind of retaliation that might result from filing a workers’ compensation claim.

You should not have to worry about losing your job just because you got hurt at work. North Carolina workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees and to ensure that workers who get hurt on the job receive medical care and compensation for lost wages. However, sometimes employers put pressure on workers not to file a claim. If you are in that situation, you should consult with an experienced Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer who can advocate for your rights. If you sustained a work injury, an advocate at Hardison & Cochran is ready to assist.

How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights?

How can we help to protect your rights? We regularly assist clients with issues of retaliation in the workplace, and we know that the law is on your side.

Depending upon the specific facts, including the type of industry in which you work (and where you got hurt on the job), there are federal laws to protect injured employees’ rights to seek benefits. A handbook from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes that, under federal law, employers are required to take steps to prevent injuries at job sites and are prohibited from any kind of retaliation against workers for using their rights under the law, including their right to report a work-related injury or illness.

There are North Carolina laws that protect employees against retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim. The N.C. Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act protects workers from being fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. The statute defines retaliatory action as “the discharge, suspension, demotion, retaliatory relocation of an employee, or other adverse employment action taken against an employee in the terms, conditions, privileges, and benefits of employment.”

The Act makes clear that any kind of retaliatory action taken against an employee for asserting his or her rights under the N.C. Workers’ Compensation Act can be sued. A lawyer can help you obtain a right to sue letter and to file a civil action against your employer as permitted under the N.C. Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act if you are fired (or even demoted) just because you sought workers’ compensation benefits.

Learn more North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Myths.

Contact a Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

The dedicated attorneys at Hardison & Cochran have been serving injured workers in North Carolina for 30 plus years, and we want to ensure that all injured employees understand their rights.

If you are fired or have any other kind of retaliatory action taken against you because you applied for workers’ compensation benefits, you may be able to file a lawsuit. A knowledgeable Raleigh workers’ compensation attorney at our firm can answer your questions today. Contact Hardison & Cochran to learn more about how we can help you.

About the Author

Hardison & Cochran was established based on the conviction that a modern approach was essential in today’s legal landscape. Focused on delivering exceptional results through a skilled team, the firm prioritizes personal attention, integrity, and client needs. Each attorney, paralegal, and staff member is dedicated to this vision. Over three decades, with Ben Cochran overseeing daily operations, the firm has evolved into a highly respected practice.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *