If you were fired, demoted, or treated unfairly after filing a workers’ compensation claim, you may have a legal case. Both Kentucky and Ohio protect employees from retaliation for asserting their right to workers’ compensation benefits.
At Thompson Legal, we help workers fight back when employers punish them for getting hurt on the job. If you think you’ve been retaliated against, call or text (502) 366-2121 now for a consultation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Retaliation?
Retaliation happens when your employer takes negative action against you because you filed for workers’ comp or reported a workplace injury. This can include:
-
Termination or wrongful discharge
-
Demotion or loss of hours
-
Pay cuts or loss of bonuses
-
Harassment or hostile treatment
-
Threats for filing a claim or seeking medical care
Retaliation is illegal in both Kentucky and Ohio, and you have the right to hold your employer accountable.
Workers’ Compensation Retaliation in Kentucky
Under KRS § 342.197, it’s illegal for a Kentucky employer to fire or discriminate against an employee for filing or pursuing a workers’ compensation claim.
Key facts:
-
You don’t need to win your comp claim to bring a retaliation case.
-
The retaliation can be obvious (like firing you) or subtle (cutting your hours or excluding you from work).
-
Employers often try to hide their real motive. We know how to uncover the truth.
If you were fired after a workplace injury or after filing a claim with the Department of Workers’ Claims, you may be entitled to lost wages, emotional damages, and even punitive damages.
We handle workers’ comp retaliation cases across Kentucky.
Workers’ Compensation Retaliation in Ohio
Ohio protects workers through Ohio Revised Code § 4123.90, which makes it unlawful to retaliate against someone who:
-
Files a workers’ compensation claim
-
Institutes, pursues, or testifies in a claim
-
Reports a workplace injury
Ohio law has strict deadlines. You must give written notice to your employer within 90 days of the retaliation and file your lawsuit within 180 days. That’s not much time. If you wait, your rights could be gone.
We take cases throughout Ohio.
Example: Retaliation After Filing a Claim
James works in a warehouse in Kentucky. One day, a heavy box falls on his shoulder, and he suffers a torn rotator cuff. He reports the injury and files a workers’ compensation claim to cover medical treatment and lost wages.
A week later, his supervisor starts acting differently. James is written up for minor issues that were never a problem before. He’s moved to a less desirable shift, and his hours are cut in half. A month later, he’s fired for “performance issues.”
James suspects the real reason for his termination was the workers’ comp claim—not his job performance. He contacts our firm, and we file a retaliation lawsuit under KRS § 342.197.
What You Should Do Next
If you suspect you were retaliated against for getting hurt at work or filing a comp claim:
-
Document everything
-
Don’t quit without speaking to an attorney
-
Save your medical records, emails, texts, and termination paperwork
-
Call or text (502) 366-2121 to speak with a lawyer who understands your rights
At Thompson Legal, we focus on fighting for employees—not employers.
Why Choose Us
-
Experienced in both Kentucky and Ohio retaliation claims
-
We know the deadlines and tricks employers use
-
We treat clients with respect and keep you informed
Call or text (502) 366-2121
Kindly contact (502) 366-2121 promptly to arrange your complimentary consultation. Refuse to tolerate any form of retaliation from your employer. Let us advocate for your rights effectively.
now to schedule your case evaluation. Don’t let your employer get away with retaliation. Let’s stand up for your rights.