[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is not uncommon for workers to hesitate reporting an injury that occurs on the job. Many workers assume that reporting a work injury could lead to trouble with their managers or that opening a workers' compensation claim could lead to professional punishment, or even termination. While we cannot guarantee that retaliation will not occur, we can tell injured workers that retaliation for reporting a work injury is strictly prohibited and can be pursued by an employment law attorney. Delaying treatment for a work injury, or failing to report it, can have its own negative consequences, especially for your health and well-being.
Why should work-related injuries be reported immediately? Because the sooner an injury is reported through the proper channels, the faster an injured worker can receive necessary medical treatment and return to work. Workers' compensation insurance is no-fault; regardless of how a work injury occurred, injured workers are entitled to medical care, work accommodations, and mitigation of lost wages through temporary disability. Failing to report an injury immediately can put all of these benefits at risk. Worse, delayed medical treatment runs the risk of more permanent or chronic injuries. Injured workers may find it more difficult to pursue a successful workers' compensation claim for an injury if they only seek treatment weeks or months after the initial incident.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth helps injured workers pursue their workers' compensation claim. We strongly encourage reporting your injury as soon as possible and documenting any possible incidents of retaliation you experience as a result. While our workers' compensation attorneys help you pursue your entitled benefits, our employment law attorneys will examine your case to ensure that you are not being treated unfairly by your employer in your time of need. Retaliation can take many forms. Write-ups, demotion, poor performance evaluation, and termination are what most people think of when they think of employer retaliation, but it can also take the form of physical or verbal abuse, threats or action over immigration status, or other harassing behavior.
Injured workers can receive a free legal consultation by calling 888-517-9888 today. We provide consultations in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
