The workers’ compensation system is designed to allow for workers who sustain work-related injuries in the course and scope of their employment to receive proper compensation for their injuries and medical expenses. The amount of the compensation and how long the benefits will continue to be paid vary widely, depending on the nature and severity of the injury. The workers’ compensation process can take months or even years. Employers may be tempted to try to get rid of a troublesome, injured worker who has filed a workers’ compensation claim, but California law prohibits such actions.
California law provides that employers may not discharge or threatening to discharge an employee because an employee submits a workers’ compensation claim, files an application to have the California Division of Workers’ Compensation resolve a claim, states an intent to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, obtains a disability rating from a physician, settles a workers’’ compensation claim, or successfully wins an award of workers’ compensation. California courts have also found that “an employer may not discharge an employee because of the employee’s absence from his job as the consequence of an injury sustained in the course and scope of employment.” In other words, you cannot fire an injured employee simply because he or she must take time off work to get medical treatment for a work-related injury.
California law also provides that employers may not penalize an injured employee for having a work-related injury or for making a workers’ compensation claim. Under this provision, the employer is not allowed to taking any retaliatory action that is detrimental to the injured worker. Of note, not all actions that could potentially adversely impact the worker are necessarily retaliatory. For example, if an employer puts a policy in place that applies to all employees, stating that they are required to use sick leave for doctor visits, the injured employee would also have to abide by this rule. Although the employee may be adversely impacted, if the worker is not being treated differently than other workers, the action will likely not be viewed as retaliatory.
We have extensive experience helping our clients understand their rights and responsibilities with regard to their employees. Call us today for a consultation.