Workplace Retaliation for Filing Workers’ Comp – Fort Dodge Wrongful Firing Lawyer
Filing a workers’ compensation claim after a job-related injury is your legal right in Iowa. Unfortunately, some employers respond with retaliation—firing workers, cutting hours, or creating a hostile work environment. If this happened to you, Schnurr Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. We fight for employees in Fort Dodge and surrounding Iowa communities who’ve been punished for exercising their rights.
Can Employers Retaliate for Workers’ Comp Claims in Iowa?
No. Iowa law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who file a legitimate workers’ comp claim. Retaliation can take many forms:
- Termination or demotion after filing a claim
- Reduced hours or pay
- Harassment or intimidation in the workplace
- Negative performance reviews based on injury-related absences
If your boss is punishing you for filing a claim, you may have a wrongful termination or retaliation case.
Understanding Workers’ Comp Retaliation
How Do You Prove Workers’ Comp Retaliation?
Retaliation cases often come down to timing and evidence. We look for:
- Close timing between your claim and the employer’s action
- Negative treatment after the injury compared to before
- Comments or documentation suggesting your claim influenced their decision
Employers rarely admit retaliation outright—but with the right evidence, we can build a strong case.
What Compensation Can You Recover for Retaliation?
If you were fired or mistreated for filing a workers’ comp claim, you may be entitled to:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Reinstatement to your former position
- Compensation for emotional distress
- Attorney fees and court costs
Our goal is to restore what you’ve lost and hold employers accountable for illegal actions.
How Schnurr Law Firm Protects Workers’ Rights
When you hire us, we take the pressure off your shoulders and go to work:
- Investigating your claim and gathering emails, memos, and witness statements
- Filing legal action against your employer if retaliation is proven
- Fighting for compensation and, when possible, your job reinstatement
For more than 35 years, Jerry Schnurr has stood up for Iowa workers facing unfair treatment and wrongful termination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp Retaliation
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ comp claim?
No. It’s illegal to fire, demote, or harass someone for filing a legitimate claim in Iowa.
What if my boss is treating me differently after a work injury?
Document every change in behavior or job conditions and call us to review your rights.
How do I prove retaliation?
We use timing, performance records, and internal communications to show a connection between your claim and the employer’s actions.
What if I quit because of harassment?
You may still have a case. Forced resignation due to retaliation is known as “constructive discharge.”