Filing a workers’ compensation claim is a right—not a reason to be fired. In Missouri, employees who suffer a workplace injury have the legal right to file for workers’ compensation benefits without fear of retaliation. However, many injured workers worry about the potential consequences of asserting that right. At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping Missouri workers understand their legal protections and options if they believe they’ve been wrongfully terminated.

Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation Retaliation Law

Missouri law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who file a workers’ compensation claim. This protection comes from Section 287.780 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which states that no employer may discharge or discriminate against an employee for exercising their rights under the workers’ compensation law. This includes filing a claim, testifying in a workers’ comp case, or seeking medical treatment related to a work injury.

What Retaliation Might Look Like

Retaliation doesn’t always take the form of immediate termination. It can also include:

• Demotion or loss of hours
• Sudden disciplinary action
• Hostile treatment from supervisors
• Being passed over for promotions

If you experience any of these changes soon after filing a claim, it may be a sign of retaliation.

At-Will Employment vs. Illegal Termination

Missouri is an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason—unless that reason violates the law. Firing someone solely because they filed a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. If you believe that your termination was linked to your injury claim, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.

What to Do If You’re Fired After Filing a Claim

If you believe you were fired because you filed for workers’ compensation:

1. Document everything—keep records of your injury, your claim, communications with your employer, and any changes in your job status.
2. Don’t delay—Missouri law limits the time you have to file a retaliation or wrongful termination claim.
3. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney—An attorney can assess your situation and help you take legal action if necessary.

Legal Support for Missouri Workers

At T.K. Thompson & Associates, we provide legal assistance to individuals throughout Missouri who are navigating the workers’ compensation process. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated or retaliated against after filing a claim, our team is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation or justice you may deserve.