I have worked for the state for 17 yrs. I recently returned to work after being off for almost a year due to an on the job injury. My surgeon released me to return to work with no restrictions. Today I was informed that I could no longer continue to work at my present job because the doctor recently sent clarification to workers comp stating that I should not lift above my shoulders and do repetitive work (shoulder injury). Since being back to work for almost five months I have gone back to my normal routine. My injury has not affected my work habits and I haven't missed a day due to pain nor have I not been able to fullfill my assigned duties. By law they do have to try to find a job at my current workplace that is suitable to my qualifications, in the mean time I have been placed back on workers comp. Let me add that I have been fighting for a reclassification for the past five years as for when I took a new assignment in a different department I assumed a gentlemans job responsibilities that left for another department. Three men that have held my position have all been classified as buyers, but my employer refuses to reclass me. Let me also add that I was not allowed to return to work with any restrictions but the men that have had injuries in my department have been allowed to work with restrictions. (one even had a full leg cast) I forgot to mention that I received an award in a lawsuit that I filed back in 1993 for sexual harassment. DO I SMELL FISH?

I'm sure that you know that you can appeal the workers' compensation decision. Also, if you feel that you are a victim of discrimination on the basis of a disability, you should file a claim with the EEOC. You can learn more about it at www.eeoc.gov (http://www.eeoc.gov).

If you believe that you may be a victim of retaliation because of your workers compensation claim, you may wish to talk to the state workers' compensation bureau.