If you were fired from the job where you were injured and you still are injured, you can still file a workers’ compensation claim. Just because you no longer work for that employer doesn’t mean your workers’ comp case is over.
In fact, some employers make up false reasons for firing injured workers because the employer doesn’t want to pay workers’ compensation. But make no mistake: it is illegal for your employer to fire you for filing a workers’ comp claim.
Furthermore, covering the cost of work injuries is exactly what the employer’s workers’ comp insurance is for — so you should get all the workers’ comp benefits you need and deserve. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Get the right information.
Some employers mislead their employees about workers’ compensation. For example, your employer might falsely tell you that you don’t have a workers’ comp claim because you no longer work at the company. Or your employer might falsely tell you that you have to go to the specific doctor the employer chooses. Or your employer might give you false information about what benefits you can get through workers’ comp.
The best way to get the correct information is to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney — one who represents employees and helps them get the maximum available benefits.
If you have questions about any of these matters, our Georgia workers’ compensation FAQ might be helpful.