Losing Your Job After a Work Injury in St. Louis

By James M. Hoffmann  Apr. 11, 2016 10:13a

Work-related injuries are more common than many think. Some industries are by nature hazardous work environments and put employees at greater risks to serious injuries. Often, the after effects of some workplace injuries could put employees in a position, where they cannot resume work (in cases of life altering, severe injuries), or can affect the quality of the work output of employees.

New research has shed light on the fact that workers who sustain work-related injuries are at greater risk of losing their jobs. In this post, our St Louis worker compensation lawyer will discuss this issue in detail.

Worker Injuries and Loss of Job

The researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public health situated in Boston collated information regarding the number of workers who had reported injuries and those who did not from nursing home industry workers over a span of six months. The statistics revealed that the workers, who have reported injuries and resumed work, were twice as likely to lose their jobs within a period of six months.

The employment of 1330 direct-care employees from about 30 different nursing homes in the New England region were analyzed by the researchers at the work, family and health Network. Originally, the aim of the study was to evaluate workplace policies in a bid improve the safety of workers, well-being and health. These direct care employees were interviewed in four stages – from the start of the interviewing process and then after every six months until 18 months. They were queried about whether they were injured at work and how often were they injured, whether they were fired, or they chose to leave. The findings were similar to the responses of workers in other industries as well.

The study revealed that –

• Six months after injury, about 30% workers were more likely to be not employed
• Workers who sustained repeated injuries left their jobs voluntarily
• The possibility of being fired by the employer after injury was higher

This data further prompted researchers to conclude that –

• The injured workers were probably fired because the employers found that the injured workers could either no longer perform their jobs well, or that they could be injured again
• Those who chose leave, left due to fear of repeated injury and the employers failed to provide safety measures against repeated injury.
• Another aspect was that some of the employees were fired as they chose to file for compensation and reported the injuries to concerned regulatory bodies.
• Some companies try to reduce the amount of insurance payment made.

The Legal Front

Workers in such cases did not or would not be able to file for worker compensation benefits that could prove to be a big help. Ideally, any company that chooses to retaliate against employees who are protected by injury claims violates those norms and legal action can be initiated against them. However, generally speaking, this retaliation can be proven only if -

• You are entitled to workers compensation benefits
• You are protected by a claim for compensation
• Your employer takes action that could cost you your job
• This action was taken because you initiated protection against the company.

If your employee is attempting to retaliate against your claim for injury it would be in your best interests to speak with an experienced attorney. At the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann we have collected over $50 Million in compensation for our injury clients. We understand that each case is unique and can evaluate your claim for free. Call us today at (314) 361-4300 to schedule a free consultation.