Were You Wrongfully Terminated After Being Injured At Work?
Last updated on May 14, 2025
After your serious on-the-job injury, did your supervisor or employer interfere with your attempt to obtain workers’ compensation benefits? Were you wrongfully terminated by your employer after you applied for or received workers’ compensation benefits in Minnesota? Wrongful termination due to work injury is a serious matter. It’s important to know that you have rights.
If you were laid off after a work injury in Minnesota, we at Bosch Heacox Law Firm can protect your rights. We are committed to standing up for employees who have unfairly lost their jobs after getting hurt at work. We represent the underdogs in these cases with skill and determination. Our Minneapolis area wrongful termination attorney, Gerald W. Bosch, has more than 25 years of experience. For a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you, call 651-333-8300. Based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, we serve clients throughout Minnesota.
What Does Minnesota Law Say About Your Rights?
Minnesota law guarantees that injured workers have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits without interference or retaliation from their employers. If your employer has tried to convince you not to apply for benefits or has terminated you after you applied for benefits, then your employer is in violation of the law. Wrongful termination claims can also stem from violations of federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our attorney can assess which specific laws your employer is violating and take appropriate action to advocate for you.
Employers have been known to claim that a worker was terminated for a reason other than his or her application for workers’ compensation benefits. Once the employer has stated its reason for firing the employee, we compare that reason to other employees in the same situation. We can often root out false reasons for terminating employment and present a strong, well-documented case.
Common Scenarios Of Wrongful Termination After A Work Injury
There are many situations where employers illegally fire or terminate employees after work injuries. Examples include:
- Losing your job after filing an inquiry about a workers’ compensation claim
- Being terminated while on medical leave
- Getting fired when you have diminished working capacity due to a work-related injury
Work injuries can span a wide range of ailments, from catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries and broken bones to repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and work-related mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Employers are often more likely to wrongfully terminate employees who have mental health conditions or repetitive stress injuries. No matter your circumstance, we can evaluate your situation and provide an honest assessment of whether you have a wrongful termination claim due to a work injury or illness.
Legal Protections Against Wrongful Termination
Both state and federal laws protect employees from losing their jobs as a result of work-related injuries. Minnesota’s workers’ compensation framework specifically prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their right to pursue workers’ comp. Likewise, federal laws such as the FMLA and ADA prohibit employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights. Retaliation includes firing, layoffs and demotions.
Steps To Take If You Were Wrongfully Terminated
Losing your job is a frightening experience, especially if you were already injured or suffering from health issues. Here are some steps to take:
- Gather evidence: Keep thorough documentation of everything related to your job, your injury or illness, and your termination. Having thorough documentation – such as evidence of you reporting the injury to your employer, medical records and the timeline of your job loss – can play a big role in building a strong case.
- Talk to a lawyer: As soon as you can, seek a professional legal opinion on your options. There are time limits involved in filing a claim, so you don’t want to wait too long to seek legal help.
- Consider filing a complaint: You may also wish to file a complaint with the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Division, an agency within the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry that is responsible for workers’ comp claims and legal violations. Our lawyer can provide guidance on this process. If illegal employment discrimination was also at play, you may also wish to file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Filing an administrative complaint may be a necessary first step before you can pursue a claim in court.
How Bosch Heacox Law Firm Can Help
Our workers’ compensation lawyer has a wealth of experience handling wrongful termination cases related to workplace injuries. We offer a personalized, hands-on approach. You can expect to receive clear guidance with open lines of communication throughout your case. We will work diligently to uphold your rights and secure the legal protections you deserve.
Injured At Work In Minnesota? Contact Us For A Free Consultation.
If you have been the victim of retaliation for filing a workers’ comp claim, you may be entitled to back pay and front pay damages, as well as attorney fees and costs. But you must act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. Strict statutes of limitation could wind up working against your filing of a claim against your employer.
Do you have questions about your wrongful termination? Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer. Call us at 651-333-8300. You can also email us. Home and hospital visits are available upon request. Our law firm’s contingency fee policy means that you owe no attorney fee unless we win your case.
