Workplace Compensation Claims and Employer Retaliation

Workers’ compensation programs were designed to protect both employers and employees in the event of a workplace accident. Benefits can include lost wages, rehabilitation costs, medical care, and more. These programs are state-mandated insurance, and typically, states require that companies establish this program through a state or private insurer. Depending on the kind of industry and provider, the cost of insurance will vary.

Despite the best intentions at reducing conflict between employee and employer, workers’ compensation programs may fail to provide workers with the care they need to recover. This is especially true for accidents that resulted in substantial injury, as it tends to reflect badly on the employer and can cause them to lose money. 

Sadly, employers may go as far as intentionally hindering an employee from receiving benefits, or they may outright retaliate against them. Signs that your employer has retaliated against you for filing for or using workers’ compensation benefits include:

• Transferring you to a less desired department
• Demotion or pay reduction
• Being left out of meetings or training
• Creating a hostile working environment
• Unfair reviews or unwarranted disciplinary actions
• Reducing hours or changing the schedule
• Firing the employee

As a Workers Compensation Attorney from Rispoli & Borneo P.C. knows, cases of employer retaliation after a workplace accident can and do happen all the time. Employees who fully understand their rights and eligibility can take action against an employer right away who exhibits signs of unlawful retaliation.