When you work for a living, no job is an easy job. Unfortunately, some jobs are made even more difficult due to unsafe working conditions, the handling of hazardous materials, or the requirement of intense physical labor each day. In these types of positions, it is sadly not uncommon for individuals to experience personal injuries on the job. When such injuries occur, it is possible to get leave and compensation through workers’ compensation laws. And while securing that compensation — a fight with which attorney Bryan Caulfield can assist you — is a victory from a worker’s perspective, the battle for respect and fair treatment sometimes does not end there. In some cases, workers may find they are being targeted unfairly by their employers after returning to the job from workers’ compensation leave.
Although rare, it is possible that, if you return from leave based on a workers’ compensation claim, your employer will unfairly target you with poor treatment. This may occur for a variety of reasons, depending upon your boss – he may not be pleased about the unwanted publicity stemming from your successful claim, or may be unhappy that insurance premiums went up as a result of the claim. It is important to be aware that this behavior might happen so that you be ready for it and understand your rights in the situation. You should also recognize when this sort of improper and discriminatory activity is taking place so that you can recognize when and whether it is appropriate to contact an attorney and get more information about your legal rights and options.
Whatever the reason, you may find this treatment occurring in several different ways. Your employer may single you out to undertake the least desirable jobs at your workplace, or may make disparaging remarks about you. In addition, your employer might make remarks about wanting to dismiss you, reduce your pay, or demote you. You should know that any negative differential treatment you receive when coming back from workers’ compensation leave is improper, and you don’t have to put up with it. But you should also refrain from retaliating in any way. In some cases, it may be enough to simply speak with your employer and note the inappropriate behavior. However, if you cannot find such a simple way to resolve the matter, you do have the option to speak with a lawyer and can put your employer on notice of your intent to do so. In most cases, an employer will respond to reason, but if not, speaking to an attorney is a wise option. Contact attorney Bryan Caulfield today to get started on your case.