Regarding workers’ comp claims, the circumstances of your employment status at the time of a work injury. Typically, medical benefits persist even if you resign from your job. However, if you voluntarily quit, it may impact your eligibility for wage replacement benefits.

The specific rules can vary, so understanding the nuances of workers’ compensation laws in your jurisdiction is crucial in determining how your resignation may affect your benefits.

The eligibility for workers’ compensation can be influenced by employment status. Generally, employees, whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal, are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Independent contractors and freelancers, however, may not be covered. Workers must be properly classified because misclassification can lead to complications in accessing benefits. (Learn more on reasons why workers compensation claim may get denied)

Can You File For Workers’ Comp After Leaving Your Job?

Yes, you can file for workers’ compensation after leaving your job under certain conditions. The key factor is that the injury or illness must be work-related, which occurred during your employment.

  • Timely Filing: Each state has a statute of limitations, a time frame within which you must file a workers’ comp claim. Even if you’ve left your job, you can still file a claim within this period.
  • Discovery Rule: Some states follow the discovery rule, allowing the statute of limitations to begin from when you discover or reasonably should have discovered the work-related injury or illness. This can be beneficial if the symptoms manifest after leaving the job. 
  • Occupational Diseases: If you develop an occupational disease due to workplace conditions, the time limits for filing a claim may vary. In some cases, it could be from the date of disability or from the date you knew or should have known that the disease was work-related.
  • Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: If your work aggravated a pre-existing condition, you might still be eligible for workers’ comp. The key is establishing that the workplace contributed to the worsening of your condition.
  • Independent Contractor Status: Workers’ comp typically doesn’t cover independent contractors. However, misclassification is common, and if you were misclassified as an independent contractor when you should have been an employee, you may still be eligible.

Is my Employer Allowed To Fire Me After An Injury At Work?

Employers are generally not allowed to terminate employees because they suffered an injury or filed a workers’ compensation claim. Such actions would be considered retaliatory and could lead to legal consequences. Employees have the right to a safe working environment; if they get injured, they have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits without fear of reprisal.

However, in certain situations, an employer might have valid reasons for termination after a workplace injury. For instance, termination may be lawful if the employee cannot perform essential job duties even with reasonable accommodations or if the company is undergoing layoffs unrelated to the injury. 

Both employers and employees must understand the labor laws and workers’ compensation regulations in their jurisdiction to ensure fair and legal practices in the aftermath of a workplace injury. 

Related Post: What Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?

Can You Collect Workers’ Comp After Being Fired?

In most cases, being fired does not automatically disqualify an individual from collecting workers’ compensation benefits. If an injury or illness occurred while the employee was still on the job and is directly related to their work, they may still be eligible for workers’ compensation even after termination. 

The key factor is the connection between the injury and the employment. However, the circumstances leading to the termination can influence the eligibility process.

If the termination was unrelated to the injury and the employee meets other criteria, such as reporting the injury promptly and seeking medical attention, they may still have a valid workers’ compensation claim. 

Will I lose Workers’ Comp If I Quit My Job?

Quitting a job does complicate the workers’ compensation scenario, but it doesn’t automatically mean losing eligibility for benefits. If employees voluntarily resign, they might face challenges in maintaining their workers’ compensation benefits. 

The key lies in demonstrating that the injury or illness directly affects the work environment. The employee might still have a valid claim if the injury occurred during employment and is well-documented. 

However, the circumstances leading to the resignation, such as quitting without providing proper notice or without just cause, can influence the outcome. 

Workers Comp Benefits Denied? Talk To An Attorney

If your workers’ comp benefits are denied, consulting with an experienced workers comp lawyer can be crucial. They assess the denial reasons, gather evidence, and build a strong case to present during the appeals, increasing the chances of a successful claim.