Planet Fitness Worker Fired After Asking for Workers’ Comp Following Injury
Workers should not be fired or face other retaliation for taking advantage of workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. However, a New Jersey man claims this exact situation happened to him. He was fired after he tore his rotator cuff and told his supervisor he would need workers’ compensation benefits.
The incident happened on February 12, 2025. The 44-year-old man from Oaklyn was working at Planet Fitness in Haddon Township. He was attempting to lift a Smith machine so a co-worker could vacuum underneath it. A Smith machine is an all-in-one weight-training device that can weigh several hundred pounds.
The man, who typically worked at the front desk as a sales associate, made several attempts to lift the machine. When he was eventually able to lift the machine, he tore the rotator cuff in his left shoulder.
The worker’s supervisor and the gym’s general manager were present when he was injured. A few days after the incident, the man told his supervisor that he would need worker’s compensation. He claims he was immediately fired but the supervisor told human resources that the man had quit his job.
The man filed a lawsuit against Planet Fitness on January 22 in Camden County Superior Court. According to the lawsuit, Planet Fitness violated New Jersey laws that prohibit workers facing retaliation when they experience a workplace injury. The man is suing for lost wages as well as damages for wrongful termination and costs associated with filing the lawsuit. The man also claims he was “subjected to humiliation, upset and emotional harm” after being terminated from his job.
Workplace Injury Retaliation
Workplace injury retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee:
- Reports a work-related injury or illness.
- Files a workers’ compensation claim.
- Seeks medical treatment for a workplace injury.
- Reports unsafe working conditions.
- Participates in a workplace safety investigation.
- Testifies in a workers’ compensation proceeding.
New Jersey law generally prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing or attempting to file a workers’ compensation claim. Employers are also prohibited from interfering with an employee’s ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Some red flags of retaliation include:
- You are fired soon after reporting your injury.
- Your supervisor suddenly criticizes work that was previously considered satisfactory.
- Your hours are reduced without explanation.
- You receive disciplinary write-ups for minor issues that others are not punished for.
- Your employer discourages you from seeing a doctor or filing a claim.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Retaliation is not allowed under New Jersey law. Employers need to be mindful of how they treat employees, especially after workplace injuries occur.
Being injured and out of work can cause a lot of financial harm. A Morristown workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you get the benefits you deserve. We have extensive experience helping workers secure full and fair compensation for their workplace injuries. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
yahoo.com/news/articles/injured-planet-fitness-worker-immediately-120859616.html
