Can I Be Fired For Reporting A Workers Compensation Injury?

If an employer fires you or threatens to fire you for reporting a work injury they are in violation of Minnesota Statute 176.82;

“Any person discharging or threatening to discharge an employee for seeking workers’ compensation benefits or in any manner intentionally obstructing an employee seeking workers’ compensation benefits is liable in a civil action for damages incurred by the employee including any diminution in workers’ compensation benefits caused by a violation of this section including costs and reasonable attorney fees, and for punitive damages not to exceed three times the amount of any compensation benefit to which the employee is entitled. Damages awarded under this section shall not be offset by any workers’ compensation benefits to which the employee is entitled.”

It’s rare that an employer is stupid enough to commit a violation of Minnesota law but it does happen from time to time. I strongly urge injured workers to pursue these claims which we refer to as “82 Actions”. To deter an employee from filing a work injury isunconscionableasbest and illegal at worst. I have seen cases where employers, supervisors and co workers have actually convinced seriously injured workers to tell a emergency doctor that their injury did not happen at work. Telling them the company will lose jobs, workers will lose bonuses, and they will “take care of you”. BULLSH!T They are liars.

If you have been injured at work ANY DELAY in reporting the injury or seeking treatment will often result in a denial of your claim by insurance companies and without an experienced lawyer your claim may also be denied by a workers compensation judge. If you have been hurt the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment and tell the doctor exactly how you were hurt or the pain developed, then report the injury, and finally contact an attorney! Consultations with any workers compensation lawyer are free and the good lawyers like those at Atkinson Law Office will never, ever pressure you to hire an attorney. We explain your rights, recommend a course of action and YOU decide what to do.

If you have been hurt contact the Minnesota workers compensation experts at Atkinson Law Office today for a free, no obligation consultation. Call us at 651-333-3636 and visit our website at www.mndisability.com.