If you were a FedEx employee who was injured on the job, you might be concerned as to whether you could be fired for being injured at work. Laws protect workers who pursue workers’ compensation claims. You cannot be terminated for filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Sometimes a worker cannot return to his or her same position because of the severity of an injury. For example, a worker suffered a serious back injury that impacted his ability to lift. Because of that, he can no longer continue with the heavy lifting required by his job. In some situations, the worker might be retrained to do a different job. In other situations, the worker might be able to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits until he can return to work or the rest of his life depending on the decision rendered by the judge, or until he or she enters another line of work. In some situations, the worker can get workers’ compensation benefits the rest of his life. State Laws Affect Your Employment Where you live can affect your employment status. If you live in an “at will” state, you can be terminated at the employer’s will. You are not entitled to your job, so you can be fired. However, FedEx terminating you from your position could result in it taking you longer to return to work because of your inability to do heavy lifting. Because of that, your physician might not release you and you might end up being out of work longer, continuing to receive workers’ compensation benefits for a longer timeframe. There are some states where an employee cannot be terminated unless the employer has probable cause to terminate him or her from the position. As an example, you were hurt on the job, but you tested positive for drugs in a random drug test. You could be terminated for the drug violation. Documentation And Witnesses Are The Key To have a successful personal injury claim, you need to maintain thorough documentation that shows what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. Keep a copy of the accident report, your statement, and the statement of any witnesses to the incident. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts as well. Your personal injury attorney will help you create a file of documentation that shows you were hurt while working and why you were injured. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have been injured on the job and are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney in your area. A lawyer licensed in your state will be familiar with all the state laws regarding workers’ compensation where you work and live. To get your claim on the right track, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. Your details will be shared with an attorney licensed in your state. That lawyer will go over your case and help you determine how to proceed with your claim. Additional Resources Hurt On The Job At FedEx?* What Evidence Do I Need For My WC Claim Against FedEx*? *Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against FedEx or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
