There’s nothing more frustrating, or mentally stressing, than the possibility of losing your job while on workers’ compensation benefits. The circumstances could be anything from the company outright firing you to being laid off due to workplace reduction. No matter the situation, it’s critical to understand what your rights are, and if you can continue to receive benefits with the aid of a lawyer, such as The Workers’ Compensation Law Firm. Here are three scenarios we commonly find our clients facing, and how we recommend they follow through with their case.
Scenario #1: I’ve returned to my job, but my responsibilities have changed. I’ve been demoted and am now receiving lower pay.
In many cases, employers treat employees unfairly upon their return in hopes of them quitting their job and ultimately, ending workers’ compensation benefits. Unfair conditions include demotions, lowered pay, changes in position/responsibilities and undeserved penalizing actions. All are considered types of illegal retaliation, which is not acceptable according to workers’ compensation law. No one deserves to be treated differently because of the outcome of a workplace injury. If you can prove there’s an identifiable change in your job as a result of injury benefits, then we strongly recommend getting the aid of a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you sue.
Scenario #2: I’m currently on workers’ compensation leave, and now I’m being laid off due to a reduction in workforce.
The first thing many of our clients ask is if their company is committing an illegal act because they assumed their job was protected while on leave. If your company openly admits they’re laying you off because you’re on workers’ compensation leave, then that could be an illegal retaliation in which you can sue against. If your company was planning on letting employees go, even if you were still on the job, being on workers’ compensation leave doesn’t always protect you from layoffs. No matter what, if your employer is planning to lay you off, they must prove that it has nothing to do with your workers’ compensation claim.
Scenario #3: My workplace injury prevents me from returning to my job and now my employer is looking to replace me.
Workers prevented from returning to their jobs because of their injuries may have the option to get assistance on finding another career, also known as vocational rehabilitation. It’s similar to temporary disability, which allows employees to receive partial income while looking for another job. Not all workers’ compensation benefits cover this option, which is why it’s important to know all your choices when filing a claim and agreeing on a settlement. That’s where our attorneys at The Workers’ Compensation Law Firm come in.
We know the possibility of losing your job while on workers’ compensation benefits is an emotionally draining thought. By hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer, you don’t have to worry about the risk of lost funds or unjustified biased treatment. At The Workers’ Compensation Law Firm, we fight for your case to ensure you can go back to your job without worry. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, contact us today for a free consultation. No matter your circumstance, we want to help!
Call today for a free consultation and explore your options - (910) 341-3202
Our Attorneys
Our attorneys specialize in workman's comp, personal injury, and dispute resolution services.
We have have a long history of building long-term client relationships founded on trust and mutual respect.
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Frank Prior
With over 25 years of experience in civil litigation and thousands of cases mediated, Frank specializes in the fields of workers compensation and personal injury law.
Sherman Lee Criner
Sherman is Licensed to Practice Law in North and South Carolina. He has extensive education in law and the mediation practice, professional experience and impressive memberships in many noteworthy political, civic and business organizations.
Ashley M. Edwards
Ashley is a NC attorney and certified mediator in North and South Carolina, Ashley has represented hundreds of clients and mediated thousands of cases for attorneys, insurance carriers and private companies.
Client Feedback
“These guys are awesome and care about their clients very much. I would suggest anyone hurt on the job to contact them. Cannot express my appreciation enough to them!"
“Ashley Edwards genuinely cares about his clients and holds himself to the highest standards in all of his professional interactions. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs help navigating the workers compensation process."
“Ashley has been practicing compensation law in the greater Wilmington area for 15+ years. I have often turned to him for advice and counsel. He knows the law, is trustworthy, listens to his clients, and fights to do the right thing for them. He is my first call!"
“Mr Edwards made my case feel like it was his most important case. He is so caring and attentive."
“This was the first and only law firm I contacted after being injured. Everyone there has been on point concerning my case and extremely professional. I highly recommend contacting workers comp first if injured. It will be as if it's the most important case they have and they will not disappoint. Thank you to the entire team."
“Wonderful Experience under difficult circumstances. They helped me understand my rights and options under the law. Mr. Edwards took the time to help and meet with me whenever I had questions. He is highly recommended for his expert advice and service. "
“This is the place to go if you get hurt on the job Ashley and his paralegal Janet are really nice and super easy to talk to and they take the time to really listen to your problems and get you the help you need and deserve."
“They came out took out time to listen very smart he knows what he's talking about he heard me out and took my case under difficult sircumstances and i highly advise this is the law firm to consider."
“Sherman is one of the best mediators that I know---he is extremely proficient in Workers' Compensation Law and he is an outstanding communicator. I give Sherman my highest rating!"
“Great Experience with a caring lawyer who took the time to actually meet with me. He handled my case to the end and explained everything. Highly recommended."
“Ashley is very knowledgeable and relatable to his clients, to opposing counsel, and to all parties when acting as mediator. "
“Ashley didn't always tell me what I wanted to hear but he always told me the truth. He is very knowledgeable and professional... I would highly recommend Ashley if you feel the need to hire an attorney. "
Get in touch with our team for a free consultation.
Call (910) 341-3202 or complete the form on this page and we'll follow-up with you as soon as possible.
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