If you suffer an injury on the job, you may think it’s time to get a lawyer and sue your employer. Not so fast — in most cases, workers’ compensation keeps an employer safe from lawsuits ad covers the costs of treating an employee’s injuries and other losses.
If you simply suffered an injury in a workplace accident, suing your employer is usually not an option. The strongest course of action in these circumstances is often to consult with an experienced attorney to really maximize your workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if you suffered harm or injury because of an employer’s actions, then it is possible that you have grounds for a lawsuit. This legal area can get particularly tricky, so it is always wise to involve the guidance of an attorney who can help you understand the law that governs these conflicts and create a strong strategy for defending your rights.
If an employer does something intentionally to hurt an employee, this might serve as grounds to sue an employer outside of workers’ compensation. For instance, if your boss expresses frustration at you by striking you physically, that is assault. Assault is a crime whether it happens in a cubicle, a bar, or at a party.
Your employer could also harm you in other ways to justify a lawsuit, like defaming your name or inflicting ongoing emotional trauma on you. Each person’s experience is different and must be approached with care.
Workplace discrimination is still surprisingly common, unfortunately. If you believe that your employer discriminated against you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
How you proceed is very important. A good first step is obtaining any documentation you can get on your employers’ policies on discrimination. You can then consult with an attorney to make sure you understand the scope of the law governing discrimination and determine a path forward.
Finally, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against a former employer if they wrongfully terminated you. There are many ways that a termination could qualify as wrongful, so be sure to do your homework.
If you believe that you do have some legitimate grounds for bringing a lawsuit against an employer, don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced legal counsel for help building a strong case to protect your rights and keep the workplace safe and fair.
Your job is more than just a source of income. It is a major part of your lifestyle. If you have been the victim of wrongful termination, wrongful demotion or any kind of discriminatory business practices, it is time to take action and contact a Ventura employment law attorney that can help. Attorney Matthew A. Kaufman and the team at The Kaufman Law Firm bring experience and a vast arsenal of legal resources to help clients recover the money they deserve.
To learn more, contact our California law office today and schedule an initial evaluation to discuss your case.