Yes. In the state of Florida, it is possible to be terminated while on workers’ compensation; however, it is important to note that the termination cannot be only because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.
Note that law in the Sunshine State forbids employers from retaliating against employees because they filed for or obtained workers’ compensation benefits.
However, keep in mind that while you cannot be fired for filing worker’s compensation, you can still be terminated while on worker’s comp for many other valid reasons.
But if for any reason you feel you were wrongfully terminated or maybe in retaliation for filing a claim, you might have grounds for a lawsuit under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws.
Reasons Why You Can Be Terminated While On Workers Comp in Florida
Poor Performance
According to reports, poor performance remains one of the top causes of termination and is more or less evaluated based on an employee’s ability to attain the expectations that come with their job role. Performance issues come in the following ways:
- Failure to Meet Goals: In most work settings, employees are expected to meet specific targets and goals that are meant to forward the company’s objectives. Steadily failing to attain these goals will translate to poor performance.
- Quality of Work: Steadily doing work that is frequently below par will cause your employment to be terminated even while on workers comp. This includes always making errors, not conforming to deadlines, or incomplete or substandard work.
- Lack of Improvement: Employers always make available feedback and opportunities for employees to grow and improve. As such, if there are reasons to believe you are making no improvement despite these efforts, termination will not be so far behind.
Violation of Company Policy
The primary reasons why companies have policies are to guarantee a safe, productive, and fair working environment. Understand that going contrary to these policies will mean termination, particularly if the violations are severe or repeated. Some good instances include;
- Attendance Issues: Steadily coming late to work or unexcused absences is a good reason to get terminated as your actions are impeding workflow and productivity.
- Inappropriate Conduct: This encompass behavior that is unprofessional or disruptive, including making use of offensive language, bullying, or creating a hostile work environment.
- Misuse of Resources: You can also get terminated if you make use of company resources for personal gain. This will can include making use of office supplies for personal projects or using company vehicles for non-business purposes.
Misconduct
No matter where you find yourself, you must understand the implications of misconduct especially since it is generally considered a serious offense and could lead to immediate termination.
- Theft and Fraud: This is one offense that is a viable ground for immediate termination. This can include stealing company property or taking part in fraudulent activities.
- Harassment and Discrimination: In the Sunshine State, you can also be terminated for any form of harassment or discriminatory behavior based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
- Violence: Any form of physical altercations or threats of violence is enough grounds for immediate dismissal as it can create a dangerous work environment.
Redundancy and Layoffs
This is another grey area that has been a basis for argument for years. Keep in mind that numerous employers have laid off workers irrespective of if they are on Workers Comp, due to economic factors. Some of these factors include;
- Financial Constraints: This simply refers to things like economic downturns or financial difficulties forcing the company to cut down its workforce to save on operational expenses.
- Restructuring: This will include things like mergers, acquisitions, or internal reorganization that might have made some positions essential.
- Market Changes: Technological advancements or shifts in market demand have in recent times made some roles unnecessary.
Incompatibility with Company Culture
Cultural fit is very important when it comes to ensuring you have a harmonious and productive work environment. Keep in mind that not aligning with this culture could lead to termination, especially in a situation when an employee steadily clashes with the company’s core values or work style:
- Behavioral Mismatches: This refers to a situation when an employee always showcases behavior or attitudes that fail to fall in line with the company’s culture and have the potential to disrupt team dynamics and overall morale.
- Resistance to Company Values: You will find that some employers find it difficult to embrace or prefer to actively undermine the company’s mission and values. This is a good ground for termination since it can hinder organizational goals.
- Interpersonal Conflicts: Steadily having issues with colleagues or management could be another reason to get terminated because things like this can create a toxic work environment.