I was fired while on light duty at work after being injured on the job. I went to get unemployment but was denied because I was unable to work with the injury. I then contacted my employer and am now on medical leave but still fired.

A: In Iowa it's illegal to fire an employee just because they reported a work injury, but proving "just because" is harder than you might think. No employer, well, very few, are stupid enough to say, "Hey you filed for work comp so I'm going to fire you!” Not when they can fire you because they don't like your personality, or the way you dress or (make up just about any other reason and insert). You get the picture. What did they say was the reason in the unemployment hearing? You will be able to reapply for unemployment after you've been released back to work. Call me if you want to talk about it.

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer. Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for over 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois. Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney