Getting injured at work is already a stressful experience. But when that injury is followed by getting fired, the emotional and financial toll can feel overwhelming. If you’re thinking, “i got hurt at work and they fired me,” you’re not alone—and you may have legal rights and options that can help you seek justice and compensation.

This article will walk you through your rights, what to do if you've been wrongfully terminated after a workplace injury, and how to protect yourself moving forward.

Understanding Workers’ Rights After an Injury

Most employees are protected under workers’ compensation laws. These laws require employers to provide medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits if a worker is injured on the job. In exchange, employees typically cannot sue their employers for negligence.

But what happens when you get injured, file a claim, and then are fired afterward?

Is It Legal to Fire Someone After a Workplace Injury?

The short answer is no—employers cannot legally retaliate against employees simply for getting hurt or for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

This is called retaliatory discharge or wrongful termination, and it’s illegal in most states. Some common forms of retaliation include:

Firing you after you report an injury
Demoting or reducing your hours
Creating a hostile work environment
Denying your rightful workers’ comp benefits

Even if your employer claims you were fired for another reason, the timing of the termination can be used as evidence if you choose to file a lawsuit.

What To Do If You’re Fired After an Injury at Work

If you’ve been injured and then let go, take the following steps to protect your rights:

1. Document Everything

Write down details of your injury, when you reported it, who you spoke to, and the circumstances surrounding your firing. Save emails, text messages, and performance reviews that show you were in good standing before the injury.

2. Request a Written Reason for Termination

Ask your employer to provide a written explanation of why you were terminated. If the reason is vague or inconsistent with your record, it could support your wrongful termination claim.

3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim (If You Haven’t Yet)

Even if you've been fired, you're still entitled to benefits for the injury you suffered on the job. Don’t let termination scare you away from filing the claim.

4. Contact an Employment or Workers’ Compensation Attorney

An experienced attorney can help you determine if your termination was unlawful and guide you through the next steps. In many cases, consultations are free and lawyers work on contingency—meaning they only get paid if you win.

What You May Be Entitled To

If your employer violated the law by firing you after a workplace injury, you may be eligible for:

Back pay (lost wages due to being wrongfully terminated)
Reinstatement (getting your job back)
Pain and suffering damages
Workers’ compensation benefits for your injury
Punitive damages in some cases of malicious intent

Common Employer Excuses—And How to Challenge Them

Employers often try to cover up retaliation with other justifications such as:

“You were underperforming.”
“We’re doing layoffs.”
“You violated company policy.”

If these reasons only came up after your injury, they may not hold up in court—especially if your prior performance was strong.

Your lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain internal documents that may reveal the real reason for your termination.

Federal and State Protections

In addition to workers' compensation laws, federal protections like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may apply if your injury qualifies as a disability or if you need time off.

Many states also have their own anti-retaliation laws, which offer even broader protections.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking, “I got hurt at work and they fired me,” don’t assume you’re powerless. What your employer did may be illegal—and you have options to fight back.

The key is to act quickly, document everything, and speak to an attorney who can advise you based on your specific circumstances. You deserve to be treated fairly, especially after enduring an injury. Don't let fear or confusion keep you from pursuing the justice and compensation you're entitled to.