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The US Post Office Treats Workers Unfairly

On Behalf of | Nov 21, 2018 | Workplace Injury |

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All across the country, the US Post Office uses workers classified as non-career employees. This status is similar to the temporary status that other government offices use and does not grant employees the benefits that full-time government employees receive.

These non-career employees handle large workloads and we are now learning that they are often fired if they report an injury.

Chevon Webb worked for the USPS as a rural carrier assistant. Before her 90-day probation period was up, she injured her knee. She told her supervisor and the postmaster, but they did nothing. When she went to the doctor, she learned she had torn her meniscus and needed surgery.

She was fired for improper conduct. Why?

Because her supervisor said she did not follow the correct injury reporting procedure.

This case is not isolated. According to the article, temporary workers “say they are uniquely vulnerable to mistreatment at a federal agency with one of the highest rates of workplace injury in the United States.”

At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we know that this type of behavior is wrong, but it is not isolated to federal jobs. Many employers engage in similar workplace injury tactics. If you need an El Centro work injury attorney, you can count on our team to be by your side.

What Can Happen?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million workplace injuries and illnesses reported last year. When it comes to the most dangerous jobs, the construction industry is at the top of the list. The transportation and warehouse industries are not far behind.

We know that many people have certain types of injuries in their mind when it comes to workplace incidents. Usually, people think of traumatic injuries that can happen: falls, getting struck by objects, getting into vehicle accidents, getting cut by tools, etc.

Traumas are the most common type of workplace injuries, but we also need to consider the following:

  • Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome are common, yet harder to pinpoint on workplace causes. Because of this, a worker is more likely to be denied an injury claim even though the injury can be debilitating and can keep them from performing their jobs appropriately.
  • Mental health illnesses often arise due to workplace conditions, especially in high-stress jobs. These can include social work, law enforcement, high-level management, healthcare industries, and more. These injuries, though “hidden,” often develop into physical symptoms and should be taken seriously by employers as workplace injuries.

What Are Your Options

If you have been injured at work and your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, or if you have been fired for reporting your injury, you need to seek legal assistance. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need in the aftermath of a work-related accident. When you need an El Centro work injury attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.

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