i work for a fairley large company in VA.I have only been employed by the company for 28 days when I was hurt on the job.I have been out for 3 weeks now,and Ive found out I need surgery on my back because of a ruptured disc.which means i will be out anouther 6 to 8 weeks.Is my job protected in Va.or can they terminate my employment?

They can terminate you, as long as they don't treat you differently than any other person who may be out for the same period of time. If they terminate you because you filed a workers compensation claim, that would be illegal retaliation.

Many emploeyrs will not terminate a person right away, in the hopes that the person can return to work sooner. The longer a person is out, the more costly it is to the employer (through higher insurance rates).

Let me know if you have any other questions.