- Wrongful Termination: Your Job and Your Workers’ Comp Claim After a work injury, you may be hesitant to file a workers’ compensation claim for fear of losing your job. You’ve heard stories of employers retaliating against injured workers. This video will clarify your rights and explain why it is illegal for an employer to fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania.
- It’s Illegal to Retaliate: We’ll state clearly that it is against the law for a Pennsylvania employer to fire you or retaliate against you simply because you have filed a workers’ compensation claim.
- What is Retaliation? We’ll explain that retaliation can take many forms, including:
- Outright termination of your employment.
- Demotion to a lower position.
- Reduction of your hours or pay.
- Creating a hostile work environment.
- “At-Will” Employment and the Exception: We’ll acknowledge that Pennsylvania is an “at-will” employment state, meaning an employer can fire you for almost any reason. However, we’ll explain that there are key exceptions, and firing an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim is a prime example of an illegal “wrongful termination.”
- What to Do If You’re Fired: We’ll advise viewers to contact a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer immediately if they believe they have been fired in retaliation for a claim. An attorney can help you file a separate lawsuit against your employer for wrongful termination, which can lead to additional compensation.
This video is for any injured worker in Pennsylvania who is concerned about their job security after a work injury.