In our experience as work comp attorneys, we know that injured workers don’t always know and understand their rights when they become injured. We have found that many clients worry about whether their employer can retaliate against them if they file a workers’ comp claim. Some common questions about employer retaliation include:
- Can my employer fire me for filing a work comp claim?
- Can they cut my pay?
- Can they demote me?
- Can they change my job responsibilities?
- Can they discipline me?
Under Iowa Workers’ Compensation law, employers cannot punish employees for filing work comp claims. Injured workers have a right to make a work comp claim to receive compensation for their medical bills, expenses, etc., and employers have a responsibility to allow those claims without retaliating against the employee. Unfortunately, many employers don’t always know or follow the law. They wrongfully terminate injured workers or try to get away with paying as little as possible to them. That is one reason why employees should seek legal representation when they get injured at work.
If you feel that your employer has retaliated against you because of a work comp claim, you can take legal action. You will want to contact us and talk to a specialized workers’ compensation attorney for assistance in determining the best course of action.
Learn About Iowa Workers’ Compensation Law
Knowing your rights as an injured worker is an important step in protecting yourself when you’re injured on the job. Be smart and advocate for yourself by learning all you can about Iowa Workers’ Compensation—ideally, before you become injured.
Here are a few Workers’ Compensation rules you should know:
- Workers’ Compensation still applies, even if the accident is your fault. Learn more
- You can still claim Workers’ Compensation for a work injury, even if your employment ends. Learn more
- You should report a work injury within 90 days — the sooner, the better. Learn more
If you do get injured at work, follow these four steps, and contact an experienced work comp attorney for help navigating your work comp claim. The attorneys at Wertz Law want you to get the proper medical treatment and compensation for your on-the-job injury. We also want to help you through any legal action if your employer retaliates against you for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. Contact us for a consultation.