How can my employer cheat me out of my benefits by giving me light duty work and then firing me on my first day back on the job?
Virginia case law has held that, when your employer gives you light duty work to do that’s within your work restrictions given by your workers’ compensation treating doctor and then fires you for cause, your workers’ compensation benefits may be terminated for good. “Cause” for being fired could be a violation of a minor infraction, i.e. being five minutes late to work.
It is harder than ever to receive benefits and it is the employers’ strongest tool for getting you off the payroll and off workers’ compensation insurance.
If you have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney representing you there is far less likelihood that the workers’ compensation insurance company or your employer will find “cause” to fire you or engage in otherwise abusive or dishonest practices.
About the Author: Michele Lewane
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers’ compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.