Can You Get Fired for Being Injured on the Job?

Losing your job due to a work-related injury can be a scary and nerve-wracking thought. The good news is that states have regulations in effect to protect workers; however, companies may try to find loopholes.

Can you be fired for being injured on the job? The answer is not black and white. Termination can occur depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Continue to read to learn more about how a workplace injury can result in lawful and unlawful termination.

Can You Be Fired for Being Injured On the Job?

Yes, you can. If your injury prevents you from being able to complete the core components of your role, a company can terminate you.

However, the Americans With Disabilities Act requires companies to provide accommodations within reason. Businesses have an ethical and legal obligation to assist an injured employee.

Some companies are more willing than others to provide aid to injured employees. Some businesses will terminate employees prematurely and without remorse.

The most important thing companies need to remember is that termination is the last resort. If an individual no longer has the ability to perform their job even with accommodations or support, termination is lawful.

Getting fired due to experiencing a work-related injury is illegal. If you were terminated without receiving appropriate accommodations, contact an injury lawyer today. Visit joneslawsc.com for more information.

Can You Get Fired While on Injury-Related Leave?

Yes, if the reason for your termination is not related to the injury. As an example, the company decides to eliminate your role and add your responsibilities to another position. This was done as a cost-saving measure, therefore it is a legal termination.

Worker’s Comp Related Termination

If an employee is fired because he or she filled worker’s compensation, this is an unlawful termination. Termination as a retaliation approach is not only a matter of ethics, it is also illegal.

Workers who experience an injury have every right to report their injury and file for worker’s comp. Compensation can provide necessary financial aid while an employee is recovering. The amount of worker’s compensation one receives will be determined by the severity of the injury and additional factors.

Be Mindful When Returning to Work

As highlighted above, some companies will go out of their way to terminate an injured employee. They will look for any reason to legally fire the employee. This is why it is important to behave well and perform to the best of your ability when you return to work.

These companies would much rather fire you than provide accommodations and special benefits. In turn, if they see a small behavioral issue, they may use it against you.

Learn More About Your Legal Rights Today

Can you get fired for being injured on the job is one of the many legal questions we address. For more information on your legal rights, check out more of our blogs today!