If you were hurt on the job, you aren’t just dealing with physical recovery, but you may also face emotional and financial stress. Unfortunately, some workers who file for workers’ compensation claims face additional challenges, such as retaliation or discrimination from their employer. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against or retaliated against after an injury, it’s important to meet with our Maryland workers compensation lawyer to understand your rights and how to take action.
Understanding Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for asserting their rights. In the case of a workplace injury, retaliation might happen if an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, takes time off for recovery, or even reports unsafe working conditions that led to the injury.
Retaliation can take many forms. You might experience a sudden reduction in your hours, a demotion, an unwarranted pay cut, or even termination. In some cases, an employer might give you less favorable assignments or make your working conditions more difficult. The key here is that the negative treatment is happening as a direct result of you exercising your right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Signs Of Discrimination After An Injury
Discrimination in the workplace due to a job-related injury can happen when an employer treats you differently or unfairly because of your accident or the workers’ compensation claim you filed. Unlike retaliation, which is typically a punitive action, discrimination is often a more subtle form of bias that can be just as harmful.
You might experience discrimination if your employer treats you unfairly when it comes to promotions, job assignments, or benefits after an injury. For example, you might find yourself passed over for a promotion or denied a raise because of your injury, even if you are fully capable of performing the job. In some cases, employees may even be denied reasonable accommodations to help them return to work after their recovery.
How Employers May Respond To Workers’ Compensation Claims
Unfortunately, some employers view a workers’ compensation claim as a disruption to their business. As a result, they might seek ways to punish you for filing a claim. Retaliation and discrimination are illegal actions, and workers are protected by law from these behaviors.
Employers are legally prohibited from discriminating against or retaliating against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you’re dealing with retaliation or discrimination, it’s essential to document everything. Keep detailed records of any conversations, emails, or actions taken by your employer that might indicate you’re being treated unfairly due to your injury or claim. Our workers’ compensation attorney will leverage this evidence to strengthen your case.
What You Can Do If You Experience Retaliation Or Discrimination
If you believe your employer has retaliated or discriminated against you after a workplace injury, the first step is to talk to our experienced lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation and employment law. Our managing partner, attorney Alfredo J. Antezana has dedicated his legal career to standing up for injured workers. He will help you assess the situation and determine if your employer’s actions are illegal by gathering evidence and filing complaints with the appropriate authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the state’s labor department. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, or damages related to discrimination or retaliation.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim should not lead to unfair treatment at your job, and our team is here to help you hold your employer accountable for any unlawful actions.
Standing Up For Your Rights After A Workplace Injury
Discrimination and retaliation are serious issues that workers shouldn’t have to face after an injury. If you’ve been treated unfairly because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, it’s vital to know that you have legal protections in place. Our attorneys at Antezana & Antezana LLC have over 20 years of experience defending the rights of injury victims and we are committed to recovering the maximum amount of monetary compensation for your losses. Don’t let retaliation or discrimination stand in the way of your recovery and well-being. Contact our office today to discuss your case. We’re here to help you get back on your feet. Call now to get started with a free consultation.
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