Can I be fired for having a back injury?

ninawat · #1 Jun 5, 2006, 03:30 PM

Hello,

I just recently started a new job about three weeks ago. About 5 months before starting this new job, I bulged two discs in my back. Prior to starting the new job, my back seemed to be feeling much better. All of the sudden it is really hurting me. I can barely walk around the office. I have talked to my boss and she knows my medical condition. I am scared that company is going to want to get rid of me. Is this legal? Can I be fired for this?

CaptainForest · Jun 5, 2006, 05:26 PM

It depends where you live.

They might be able to.

If the job requires heavy lifting and you are unable to do the job, they might be able to get rid of you since this was an pre-existing injury that I take it you didn’t tell them about.

But if it’s a desk type job, then they can’t get rid of you b/c you have a bad back.

excon · Jun 6, 2006, 06:32 AM

Hello nina:

Unless you are protected by a union contract or a personal employment contract, then you are working "at will". That's a legal term meaning that they can fire you for ANY reason whatsoever, except discrimination.

excon



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