The law in Texas does not compel employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but most Texas employers carry the coverage, and if you are injured on the job, you will probably qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
After a work-related injury, keep and make copies of all the documents that are related to your accident and injury, and consult right away with San Antonio workers’ compensation lawyer Matthew S. Norris.
One good reason to keep and copy all of the paperwork is because there are still businesses in Texas that retaliate against employees who submit workers’ compensation claims. That kind of employer retaliation is against the law, and employers can be penalized for violating the rights of employees who file claims for workers’ compensation benefits.
Can Your Employer Fire You After You Return to Work on Restricted Duty?
If your injury caused a temporary or permanent impairment of your ability to perform your job, your doctor may allow you to return to work with limited duties. Your doctor should clearly spell out what you can and can’t do so that your employer can assign duties that you are capable of performing.
Federal law – the Americans With Disabilities Act – prohibits any discrimination or retaliation against disabled or restricted-duty employees. Still, it is essential for restricted-duty workers to have a doctor’s clear and detailed written list of the tasks they are and are not able to perform. Otherwise, an employer might try to pressure you into work that you can’t do and then terminate you for poor performance.
What Constitutes Illegal Employer Retaliation?
Employees who have been injured at work need to know what is considered illegal employer retaliation under state and federal law. Retaliation can include any negative employer action such as a demotion, disciplinary action, denial of leave, a wage or salary cut, shift reassignment, or termination.
Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim or for testifying at a workers’ compensation proceeding. If your employer retaliates or threatens to fire you, San Antonio workers’ compensation lawyer Matthew S. Norris can provide you with sound legal advice, and if necessary, take appropriate and effective legal action on your behalf.
You have an indisputable, absolute legal right to be free of employer intimidation, threats, and retaliation as you exercise your legal right to seek and receive workers’ compensation benefits.
If You Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation
The Law Office of Matthew S. Norris advises and represents injured workers in the greater San Antonio area. Whether or not your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you have the right to be compensated if you have sustained a work-related injury.
Attorney Matthew S. Norris will explain your rights and legal options after a workplace injury, and he will guide you through the complicated workers’ compensation application procedure. If your workers’ comp claim is denied, he will appeal that decision on your behalf.
If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to seek compensation with a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury attorney in San Antonio Matthew S. Norris offers aggressive, effective personal injury representation.
Learn more. A review of your case is provided with no charge or obligation. Call the Law Office of Matthew S. Norris at 210-549-7633 after a work-related injury, and put our legal team to work for you.