Unfortunately, this happens way too often. In the case of a severe injury that permanently prevents you from returning to work, the first thing we do is try to assist you with obtaining whatever benefits might be available for someone in your situation. This could include a long-term disability policy with your employer.
There may be benefits relating to your injury if it was suffered on the job in terms of workers compensation benefits. We often refer our clients to worker’s compensation attorneys who are specialists in this field to make sure they get all the advice they need in this situation.
Social Security Disability Benefits May Be Available
There are also social security disability benefits that may be available–depending on your situation–and even state disability income, a temporary means of obtaining income while you’re disabled. We’ll also work with your old employer and try to show–using that person’s input and the input of your coworkers–that but for this severe injury, because you were a valued employee you would have continued to work there long into the future and thus continued to earn the same wages that you were earning at the time of your injury.
Employers Can’t Always Hold Your Job If You’re Injured
For a less severe injury, where you’re temporarily off work but able to return eventually, employers can’t always hold your position for you, so, unfortunately, there are times when one loses their job even if they are physically able to return. In this situation we also work with your ex-employer, showing that but for your injuries, you would have continued to work there and continued to earn on into the future.
What Should You Do?
We also counsel you to go out and try to find work in your field as soon as you reasonably can, so then in your case we can show that you’ve mitigated or minimized your wage loss damages, which the law requires you to do. In either case we ultimately work with your employers, with their records, with doctors and economists to calculate the full amount of the wage losses that you have as a result of your injuries, whether it’s temporary or the full life due to the severity of the injury.
The Importance of Obtaining Benefits After a Severe Injury
Sustaining a severe injury can be a life-changing event, affecting your ability to work, care for yourself and your family, and enjoy your usual activities. In these situations, obtaining whatever benefits might be available for someone in your situation is critical. The first step is to understand what benefits you may be entitled to, such as long-term disability policies with your employer, workers’ compensation benefits, and social security disability benefits. However, the process of obtaining these benefits can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s essential to have the right legal assistance by your side.
At our personal injury law firm, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complicated web of benefits and compensation programs. Our experienced attorneys can help you identify all potential sources of benefits, complete the necessary paperwork and documentation, and fight for your rights in case of denial or delay of benefits. We understand the financial and emotional toll that a severe injury can have on you and your family, and we’re committed to helping you obtain the support and resources you need to move forward.
Losing Your Job Due to Injury: Understanding Your Rights
Losing your job due to an injury can be a frustrating and difficult experience, especially if you’re physically able to return to work. Unfortunately, in some cases, employers can’t always hold your position for you, leaving you without a job and a source of income. However, you do have rights in these situations, and it’s essential to understand what they are.
Under the law, employers cannot discriminate against employees with disabilities or injuries and must make reasonable accommodations to help them perform their job duties. In some cases, this may mean allowing you to return to work with temporary or permanent modifications to your job duties, schedule, or workplace. If your employer fails to make these reasonable accommodations or terminates your employment, you may have legal grounds to file a claim for wrongful termination or discrimination.
At our personal injury law firm, we have helped numerous clients navigate the complex landscape of employment law and fight for their rights in cases of wrongful termination or disability discrimination. We understand the emotional and financial toll that losing your job can have, and we’re here to provide the legal assistance and support you need to protect your rights and pursue justice.
How Employers Can Help You After an Injury
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job or while performing your job duties, your employer may have a legal obligation to provide you with certain benefits and accommodations to help you recover and return to work. Under the law, employers must provide a safe work environment, workers’ compensation benefits for job-related injuries or illnesses, and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
These accommodations can take many forms, depending on the nature and extent of your injury. For example, your employer may need to modify your job duties or schedule to allow you to perform your work while accommodating your injury. They may also need to provide you with assistive devices, such as ergonomic chairs or handrails, or make physical modifications to your workplace to improve accessibility.
Note: GJEL Accident Attorneys is a California Personal injury law firm that only handles serious injury and wrongful death cases.