Aug 28, 2014

Termination After Filing Workers’ Compensation Claim

A worker who is injured on the job and then files a workers’ comp
claim often fears losing his or her job, according to this article,
Firing Fear Among New Predictors of Workers’ Comp Outcomes. That lack of trust in the workplace can mean for slower recuperation
times for injured workers.

Eight state-specific studies (titled Predictors of Work Outcomes) were
conducted by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) and 3,200
workers were interviewed by phone in these states: Indiana, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
On average, the interviewees had been injured more than three years prior
to the study.

The study aimed to determine how to get better outcomes for injured workers.
“Better information about the predictors of poorer worker outcomes
may allow payers and doctors to better target health care and return-to-work
interventions to those most at risk.”

The study found, not surprisingly, that workers who were very worried
about being fired did not return to work as quickly as others. Workers
who were not worried returned to work in greater numbers and took less time off.

The study also found that workers with high blood pressure, heart problems,
and/or diabetes were slower to return to work.

Have you or a loved on been injured as a result of an incident at your
workplace? Such an injury may mean compensation is available under worker’s
compensation laws. Nate Hansford can help you understand if you have a
case. Contact Nate by phone at 770-922-3660.