My son got injured at work. Fired.
Late Friday afternoon he was hurt while performing a task that OSHA doesn't approve of. Late that evening he realized his injury needed medical attention. His medical insurance won't cover the medical bills as it was an on the job injury.
His employer has a policy that all injuries must be reported within 48 hours. The plant is closed on weekends. Monday they advised him that he was on his own for the necessary surgery because he failed to file the report. And by the way, you're fired for not adhering to company policy.
Business is down, so there have been layoffs and firings and reduction in hours over the past several months. Employees are afraid to file injury reports for fear of being the next one on the chopping block. By the time he realized this wasn't just a minor injury the plant was closed and there was no chance to file within the specified time frame.
He's talking to his lawyer.
= new reply since forum marked as read
& I know they didnt view the records because I hadnt sent in the release yet. I received the request for records release on a friday & on monday they called to tell me I was denied. The reason? "You cant prove you got injured at work". Really? Only about a half dozen people saw me in tears that day. No matter. Not to mention the insurance rep laughed at me when I started crying on the phone. Talk about insulting and humiliating. 
Hurt at work - Workers comp denied me without even so much as a diagnosis. Out of work for at least 3 weeks & my employer? Well they couldnt care less. I too have had to retain a lawyer. In the meantime, I sit here hurt and going broke. Frigging ridiculous.
Sorry about your son. 
...I would say he might as well request the lawyer go full bore at them. He may not get his job back and it could take a year or two to see a return, but I'm not sure he wants to go back into what is in all probability a hostile, dangerous work environment.
Just reminder, Christmas is a holiday and not a fact of life. Chin-up, both of you!
