Bautista Leroy Law Firm can answer questions regarding whether workers' compensation could lead to you losing your job. Our attorneys offer services throughout Southern Illinois and St. Louis, with expertise in personal injury law cases, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, sexual assault/abuse and railroad crossing litigation. By specializing exclusively in these fields of law, we have developed an impressive track record that consistently delivers favorable results to our clients.

This article will explain what workers' compensation means, whether filing a claim will cost your job and the potential consequences of wrongful termination.

What Is A Workers' Compensation Claim?

Workers' comp insurance provides employees with protection in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Instead of filing costly lawsuits, injured workers can file claims for benefits such as medical treatment, wage replacement and rehabilitation assistance.

Claims may provide relief and assist workers to focus solely on healing rather than worrying about lost income or any financial burdens. Missouri has its own set of workers' compensation regulations that must be observed.

Can I Lose My Job While On Workers' Comp in Missouri?

Yes, but with some key limitations. Missouri law does offer protection to employees filing workers' compensation claims by prohibiting employers from firing them. This helps ensure injured workers don't face retaliation due to making claims. Unfortunately, this cannot always be guaranteed.

Employers have the legal right to fire employees for reasons other than workers' comp claims, including poor performance, misconduct or legitimate business purposes. Employees could file a wrongful termination suit if their dismissal appears linked with filing for workers' comp benefits.

What Are The Consequences Of Terminating An Employee While On Workers' Compensation?

Wrongful termination with an injury claim can have repercussions for employers.  If they terminate or punish an employee for filing a claim, this could have serious legal consequences:

• Lawsuits alleging retaliation
• Financial penalties and fines
• Potential reinstatement orders
• Liability for damages

Why Is Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Beneficial?

Dealing with workers' compensation claims may seem challenging. However, having assistance from a personal injury attorney offers several advantages:

• Legal Expertise
• Protect Your Rights
• Maximize Benefits
• Negotiation Power

When Should You Hire An Attorney?

After an injury at work, seek legal advice regarding filing a workers' compensation claim. Early legal assistance can protect claims by helping avoid errors and missed deadlines that might compromise their success.

If you lose your job while receiving workers' comp benefits, legal representation must be sought. They can uphold your rights and investigate to assess if the termination was related to any acts of retaliation by your employer.

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

• Expertise: Search for an attorney specializing in personal injury law and workers' compensation cases.
• Proven Skills: Choose an attorney with proven skills at effectively negotiating settlement offers while being prepared to defend you in court if needed.
• Communicate: Choose an attorney who can respond swiftly and keep you well-informed of developments in your case.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista LeRoy Law Firm understands the emotional and financial costs of workplace injuries. Our attorneys work to assist clients through each phase of legal proceedings.

We provide free consultations and quality legal services. As specialists on Missouri workers' compensation law, we specialize in optimizing benefits while upholding rights.

Suggested Action Steps

• Keep a detailed record of medical documents and communications between providers/employers.
• Understand Missouri's anti-retaliation and workers' compensation laws to know your rights.
• Do not wait until issues arise before consulting with a personal injury attorney.
• Do not admit blame or sign agreements without legal advice.
• Follow your doctor's advice to avoid claim disputes.

Workers' comp can provide essential protection to employees injured on the job, but it does not ensure our job will be safe. Should your claim or work become affected, an experienced personal injury attorney can support and guide you throughout the process. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.

Summary

Workers' compensation insurance protects employees when they get injured or develop an illness due to their job. Through this, they can file a claim to cover their expenses to recover and get wage replacement. Note that there are many states that have different regulations regarding workers' compensation claims. In Missouri, the law provides protection to employees who file this claim by not allowing their employer to fire them. There can be many consequences of terminating an employee just because they file a workers' compensation claim:

• Lawsuits alleging retaliation
• Financial penalties and fines
• Potential reinstatement orders
• Liability for damages

When this problem escalated, an experienced personal injury attorney can help employees in the legal process. They can help them by negotiating with the other party, and if an agreement is not met, attorneys are ready to take it to the trial court. A legal representative can protect your rights as an injured worker and can get your full compensation. 

The legal team of Bautista LeRoy LLC specializes in personal injury law and has experience in handling injury cases where workers' compensation is the issue. Through our personalized approach, you can trust that we will explain your legal options clearly. Contact us at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page.