Were you hurt on the job in Delaware? Is your boss trying to get you to avoid reporting your accident? Do not listen. You should always report your work injury. In this article, our Delaware workers’ comp lawyer discusses why your boss might be discouraged from reporting, provides an overview of the law, and explains what you should do if you are injured while on the job.
Your Employer Wants to Reduce its Own Costs
Why would a boss (employer) want you to avoid reporting a work injury? The answer is straightforward: They want to save money. In other words, that boss is looking out for the company, not what is best for you and your family. Businesses in Delaware have to pay for workers’ comp insurance coverage When employees report injuries, their insurance costs can go up. Your boss might be worried about the company’s expenses increasing or about having to deal with extra paperwork. Even if your boss tries to convince you that they can resolve the matter informally, they are putting their own interests ahead of yours—and they are breaking the law.
Know the Law: You Have the Right to Report and Injury and Cannot Be Punished for Doing So
An employer in Delaware cannot lawfully dissuade a worker from reporting an injury or filing for workers’ compensation benefits. The Delaware Department of Labor says it best: State law “prohibits the employer from firing or in any other manner discriminating” against an employee who files for work injury benefits. In other words, your employer is legally forbidden from punishing you in any way for reporting an injury. You cannot be pressured into not reporting your injury, and you cannot be demoted, fired, or otherwise punished for filing for benefits.
The Bottom Line: If your boss in Delaware tries to intimidate you into staying quiet, they are not only putting your health at risk but also breaking the law.
You Should Always Notify Your Employer of an Injury and File for Workers’ Comp Benefits
Do not wait to notify your employer of a work-related injury. You have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits—even if you made a mistake that contributed to your own injury. The sooner you report the accident, the sooner you can get the medical treatment that you need. Workers’ comp is designed to cover your medical bills and a portion of your wages if you are unable to work because of your injury. Waiting too long to report your injury could undermine your claim.
Set Up Your Free Case Review With a Delaware Workers’ Comp Lawyer
At Freibott Law Firm, our Delaware work injury attorney is a passionate advocate for injured workers. We help people secure the maximum financial benefits. Contact us today for your no-cost, no-obligation case assessment. We fight for the rights of injured workers throughout Delaware, including in Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Bear, Milford, Hockessin, and Brookside.