Most Pennsylvanians who have been injured on the job want to get back to work as soon as possible. However, in many cases, their doctors place some restrictions on the types of duties they can perform or the number of hours they can work, at least temporarily. This is particularly true if a job involves physical labor such as lifting.
Federal as well as state laws require employers to protect employees when they return to work after being injured. This may involve limiting the amount of physical work they’re required to do. It may also include giving them another job within the company where the physical demands aren’t as great. Further, employers cannot lawfully pressure employees to return to work before they are able to do so, even if the company’s doctors disagree with the worker’s own physician.
Employees are protected under the law from discrimination involving any disability. This includes retribution or termination because they were injured and/or because they filed a workers’ compensation claim.
At Wolf, Baldwin & Associates, P.C., we work to protect Pennsylvania workers from retaliation by employers after a work-related injury. This retaliation may not be as overt as being fired. It can include salary reduction or demotion.
You may need to take a different job in the company, at least for a time, due to the nature of your injuries. However, if you believe that you are being penalized for having filed a workers’ compensation claim, you may have cause for legal action. The attorneys at Wolf, Baldwin & Associates, P.C. can advise you and work to help you if you have suffered retaliation. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation.