Employers often times send signals when you should get a Workers’ Comp attorney. Let me preface that by saying, once you get hurt at work, you should seek a Workers’ Comp attorney. However, the way an employer responds to the reporting of a work injury should be a red flag to injured workers.
What do employers do to injured workers that should be a red flag?
First, when an employer refuses to complete an accident report, that is a red flag that they are not taking your injury seriously. Injuries, no matter how minor, should be reported right away and injured workers should ask for an incident report.
Second, if an employer offers to pay your medical bills without submitting a claim to the insurance company, be wary. First, they will only do that for so long. Second, that could be an indication that the employer either does not want to report the injury to the insurance carrier or may not have workers compensation insurance coverage.
Third, if an employer completely blows off your injury, that is a big red flag.
Fourth, if the employer mentions to you that the condition is pre-existing and not covered, that is a huge red flag that they are not taking the injury seriously.
Fifth, if the employer refuses to accommodate light duty restrictions, but also refuses to submit a claim for wage loss benefits, they are leaving you in a hole by yourself. Don’t stay in that hole.
Sixth, if an employer begins treating you differently, criticizing your work after a work injury, harassing you, writing you up, you need to seek legal counsel. You do not have to accept beinn bullied because you were hurt on the job.
Seventh, if you are terminated after providing notice of a work-related injury, call legal counsel right away. First, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, your employer may have also created additional liability for retaliation for reporting a work injury.
Finally, if your employer is discussing you injury and events with fellow co-workers, that should be a red flag to injured workers.
Many employers follow proper procedure when a work injury is reported. Some do not. I hear it all to often. Bottom line is this — when you are injured at work, injured workers get treated differently, ignored, and advised of things that are just not true. Do yourself a favor and call Mooney Law right away when you have been injured at work. Follow these steps. Our consultations for injured workers are ALWAYS FREE. Call and talk to me. I can help. Call today at 717-200-HELP or 717-632-4656. You can also email us for a consultation at info@mooney4law.com or by completing the Schedule a Consultation form on our website.
