Knowing Your Career Progression Options Following A Work-Related Injury

By Patricia Altman

Research shows that Asian workers have a  comparatively low risk of workplace injuries, but a higher level of disability due to injuries sustained at work. It’s likely this is due to Asian Americans often working in jobs that aren’t high risk. Nonetheless, work-related disabilities can be life-changing and may leave you wondering if there’s any career development left for you, possibly prompting you to  look into alternative industries.

Concentrating on your health can seem overwhelming when you can’t work due to injuries as you have to focus on paying bills. Fortunately, you may be able to seek compensation after a work-related injury, especially if  your employer didn’t take precautionary measures to keep you safe.  JJS Law Firm note the value in working with legal specialists in order to get compensation, which can enable you to pay your bills and see to your health before you do anything else. If you get your health back on track, you’ll be able to dedicate your attention to deciding whether you can progress in your current career with any long-term injuries you have acquired, or if it may be time for a change. The medical advice you get through prioritizing your health will also help you with these decisions.

Once you start the process of claiming compensation, you may find that you pick up some legal knowledge and enjoy it. Working in law can be a satisfying career, and your own personal experience can help you to understand what others are going through. There are very few Asian American attorneys, with the American Bar Association stating that only  2% of reporting active attorneys are Asian. It’s important to diversify the field, as it helps when people can to relate to the person representing them, which can make it an even more satisfying career. Stepping out of your current career into law can feel daunting, but your compensation can allow you the time to go to law school and study. From here you can progress to a summer clerk in your final year, then a graduate lawyer, associate, senior associate, and eventually a partner.

Not all workplace injuries or resulting disabilities mean that you can’t go back to your old job once you’ve recovered. You may find that your managers are hesitant to progress you, slowing down your career development. As an Asian American and someone with an injury or disability, you may feel that discrimination is getting in your way more than ever. Therefore, it could become essential to remind your employer of your equal opportunity rights to be considered for promotions and training opportunities that can help you to progress. It’s also important that your manager knows that you’re interested in progressing so that they consider you for new opportunities. Where possible, employers should always try to adapt your role and environment after you’ve sustained an injury so that it’s easy to continue in your role. Your same role should also be waiting for you when you go back to work, so don’t accept any demotion when you return.

Knowing what to do with your career after you sustain an injury and/or disability following a work-related accident can be a difficult decision. It’s important to consider your health first and then look into what you want to do once you’ve recovered and what your rights are.

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Patricia Altman is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for and experience in worker’s rights. A career in human relations led to her love for this area and she always looks to find writing opportunities where worker’s rights and equality are a key message.