Law

Can I Be Fired For An Injury Outside Work?

Life is a rollercoaster, you never know what might happen to you in the next minute. While walking to work, you could fall and break your wrist. You can be involved in a car accident. The weekend football match you played can also result in injury. 

(Confirm your slip and fall payout here)

Despite your best efforts to safeguard yourself, anything can happen to you at any time. Does your job require certain physical skills? What if an accident hinders you from working? Can I lose my job if I am hurt outside of work? That is a valid query and poses a serious threat to your employment and financial stability. 

Continue reading to learn the answer to this crucial question.

What would happen if you were hurt while not performing work-related activities, such as if one of these occurrences happened to you? 

The rules become quite complicated when you cannot carry out your regular employment tasks. The fact that the injury didn’t occur while you were at work means that you won’t be eligible for worker’s compensation. 

You risk being fired if you can no longer perform your job duties. Often, that will be enough to cause you to lose your job. It depends on where you live and where your employer is.  In some states, companies are permitted to fire workers without any reason. As a result, it is much easier for companies to replace you without consequences. 

Steps To Take When You Get Injured Off-Work 

When it comes to off-the-job injuries, there are things you may do to safeguard your family and yourself. 

  • Get a diagnosis 

You must visit a doctor as soon as possible. You should also see a diagnosis and learn the full extent of the injury. 

You should consider getting a second opinion if it’s a significant injury. If your employer has any concerns about your capacity to work, you will be protected by doing that. 

  • Stay in touch with your employer 

You must inform your employer of the situation after your appointment with the doctor. You have a lot of alternatives. It depends on the severity of the injury and how long it will take you to recover. 

For instance, you can be permitted to spend your time off and vacation during this period provided your injury keeps you out for three weeks. You will have a job to return to because the company will find a way to fill your duties while you are away. Attempting to work from home is an additional option. 

  • Seek Legal Counsel 

What happens if you are hurt while not at work cannot be answered directly. There are many strings attached. You cannot be certain that you will be able to keep your job. 

If you do lose your work, you should take all essential safety measures to protect yourself. If you weren’t at fault for your injury, you might be able to file a personal injury claim.

By doing so, you will be able to recoup part of the bills incurred due to the injury, including missed wages and medical bills. 

Additionally, the attorney will defend your rights to ensure that you are not fired illegally.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

Related Articles

Back to top button