Q. Can my employer fire me while I am on workers’ compensation?

A. No. The Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA) specifically prevents employers from firing you because you filed a WC claim against them. REDA protects you from any firing, demotion, punishment, or other retaliatory action the employer may try to take against you. You may be able to sue for monetary damages for a REDA violation. REDA also covers co-workers who testify in WC hearings on behalf of an injured worker. For guidance in filing a REDA claim, you should contact the NC Department of Labor at (919) 807-2796 or 1-800-NCLABOR.