Q. Callers want to know the effect that termination of employment has on an injured worker's right to receive workers' compensation benefits. Frequently the worker is told that they no longer have rights to future medical care when they leave work. Is this correct?

 A. An injured worker's eligibility for medical care benefits under workers' compensation is not affected by a voluntarily quit, or by the worker being fired. Workers' compensation medical benefits are due as a result of an injury that occurs on the job. These benefits are not tied to whether or not a worker is still employed with the company. A common misconception among employers is that an employee who leaves employment is no longer eligible for any type of company sponsored benefits. One example of this misunderstanding is eligibility for workers' compensation.

            The basic rule is that a worker with a valid injury is entitled to medical benefits for reasonable and necessary treatment associated with that injury. This type of medical benefit can be provided long after the worker leaves the employment, or even retires.

            It is best to discuss these types of problems with an attorney of your choice.