You have the right to seek the benefits you deserve

Taking care of your health is a critical part of life. This is why the federal government has passed certain laws to protect the health and health care rights of American workers. Unfortunately, not all companies abide by these laws and regulations.

Recently, a railway company unfairly disciplined one of its train conductors after the man took a leave of absence to recover from an illness.

According to a news release by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the conductor visited his doctor and was told to take the rest of the day off work. He promptly reported this to his supervisor and took the time off as his physician had ordered. Nevertheless, the railway company subjected him to disciplinary proceedings for supposedly violating the attendance policy.

OSHA investigated the situation and confirmed that the company violated the law by disciplining the man for taking medical leave. Now the courts have ordered the railroad to pay the conductor in question $12,000 in addition to taking other corrective action. 

Railroad employees are not the only ones with legal rights, of course. All types of qualifying employees who suffer on-the-job injuries may be eligible for long-term disability insurance benefits.

If you are eligible for such insurance benefits, your employer is not allowed to wrongfully terminate your position, demote you, harass you or discipline you for seeking them. Likewise, the insurance company cannot refuse to provide the coverage you deserve.

If your company does take action against you for seeking the benefits you are entitled to — or if the insurance company refuses to pay — it may be worthwhile to consult an experienced attorney in your area to learn more about your legal options.

Share