Employer will not let me return to work?

Question

Hi Stephen here from Long Island My Employer will not let me return to work because I have bed bugs bites on me. I am pissed off and need the Money and need to return to work. My Employer told me I can return to work in about 3  Months., I have Several Doctors Notes saying I can return to work I am not a bad case and have very few bites on me. What can I do hire a Lawyer? How to I know My Employer know I did not get them from the place where I work at? What can I do I really need to return to work A.S.A.P. would a Employment lawyer help in your Opinion or what? Because I feel like I am being wrongfully discriminated angst big time.I mean how can the Nurse at work tell me because of my Bed Bug Bites I can not return to work for several Months. Plus I will not be getting paid for my time off from work either.  Respond what my Rights are if any I am am dam good worker and have never been late ounce sine the 12 years I worked here?

lcr000 · Accepted Answer

there is no law in any state that garauntees anyone a job, what a Dr says is advice no one including you are required to follow his advice, while there is probably more to this than what you are saying the employer decides when you return to work not the Dr.

Trinity · Answer

Employers can do what they want nowadays so quit thinking about what is fair. If you have a human resource department you can talk to them. If you complain too much they will find a reason to fire you and you will be without a job, period. Especially if you work in an employment at will state. If not they will still come up with a reason to get rid of you so that they won't get in trouble, did away with your position, staff cutback, can't justify your hours anymore. Since you are a nurse you should be able to find another job even if it is just temporary to fill in during the three months. That is your best bet. The world just isn't what it used to be.

Anonymous · Answer

that sucks. have you tried talking to the employment department? i think if you have a doctor's note they shouldn't be able to overrule that.  lawyers will just take your money, don't hire one unless you have a lot to gain from it.  a few months of lost wages might not be enough to justify an attorney.  do your own homework, use the internet and the local state agencies to find out what your rights are and what you need to do.  above all, document EVERYTHING.  I'm talking dates, times, everything said by everyone.  That way if it does end up in court you'll have the upper hand.

Judy · Answer

Nothing you can do, and a lawyer couldn't help either.  The employer gets to decide when and if you work, it's not your decision, and your doc's notes don't change that.

And nothing in your question indicates that you're being discriminated against.

lucy · Answer

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation

Until you are rid of the bedbugs, most likely will not allow you back to work.  Bedbugs travel on clothing and the boss is concerned that it could come off of you to other employees and now has a problem with many employees with bedbug bites. 

You will lose this one.  Hire an exterminator to get rid of them and after all of your bites are gone and verified that you have rid of them, most likely will be able to return to work. 

good luck

Ed Fox · Answer

If your "bed bug bites" are visible then you obviously cannot return to work.  Common sense.
Suggesting you picked up bed bugs from your workplace is just plain ridiculous.

Employer will not let me return to work?

6 Answers