Section 287.780 of the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Law states:
“No employer or agent shall discharge or in any way discriminate against any employee for exercising any of his rights under this chapter. Any employee who has been discharged or discriminated against shall have a civil action for damages against his employer.”
If you think that you have been discharged or discriminated against because you have exercised your workers’ compensation rights, your remedy is to file a civil action (lawsuit) for money damages against your employer in circuit court. Filing a suit in circuit court is a complex legal matter, and you should consult with a lawyer before doing so.
An employee may be terminated from employment based upon the employee's post-injury misconduct. Post-injury misconduct does not include absence from the workplace due to an injury unless the employee is capable of working with restrictions, as certified by a physician.
Be aware that Section 287.780 is not an absolute guarantee that you will keep your job. For example, if after you finish your medical treatment you are physically unable to perform your job, your employer is not required to find another job for you.
Related: Report Your Injury
Related: Benefits Available