You’re a dedicated employee who works hard every day—whether it’s crawling under a customer’s car, driving to client sites, or climbing a ladder to make repairs. Then one day, what begins as a normal shift suddenly changes: you suffer an injury while on the job. It could be a minor slip and fall or a serious accident requiring surgery and years of rehabilitation. You see a doctor, miss some work, and follow medical restrictions. As is your right, you apply for workers’ compensation.
Sometimes, after you apply for workers’ compensation, your employer begins treating you differently. It may start subtly—perhaps you’re made to feel less valued than before, or your work suddenly faces new criticism that never existed previously. In more extreme cases, it could involve humiliating comments or hostile behavior, such as “if you hadn’t applied for workers’ compensation, none of this would have happened.” These actions can lead to demotions, disciplinary write-ups, or even termination—all potential signs of retaliation.
If you are being treated differently after filing for workers’ compensation, you may be experiencing retaliation, and the law protects you from that. There are important steps you can take to make sure your rights are upheld. You can contact an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation retaliation cases, or you can make a written report to your employer outlining your concerns. This type of report should protect you from further retaliation—or at minimum, strengthen your legal claim if your employer ignores the issue.
Recovering from a personal injury can already be stressful and overwhelming. Dealing with workplace hostility on top of that can make recovery even harder. Focus on your healing, but also understand that you may have legal options that can protect your career, your income, and your family’s future.
If you have questions or concerns about how your employer is treating you after filing for workers’ compensation, call or text us for a free consultation at (612) 465-8733. Our experienced workers’ compensation and retaliation attorneys have handled these situations many times and can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.