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Shamed for seeking worker’s compensation

Heads up for discussions of ableism below. I got injured at my job due to my employer's negligence (I warned them several times of danger, have this on record, but got ignored and invalidated) and have been relying on worker's comp for the past several months. Here's the kicker: My injury isn't “traditional” (like getting a finger lobbed off by a saw, falling off a ladder, typical OSHA stuff as you'd say). I was verbally assaulted, threatened with physical abuse, bullied, and harassed by “clients” while performing work duties. This treatment was motivated by my identity and, if it got physically violent, would easily be labeled a hate crime. Furthermore, the cops nearly got called on these people, I couldn't leave the premises, and I had to be walked to my car because it wasn't safe to be alone. I have PTSD from this event, which also exacerbated chronic pain…


Heads up for discussions of ableism below.

I got injured at my job due to my employer's negligence (I warned them several times of danger, have this on record, but got ignored and invalidated) and have been relying on worker's comp for the past several months.

Here's the kicker: My injury isn't “traditional” (like getting a finger lobbed off by a saw, falling off a ladder, typical OSHA stuff as you'd say). I was verbally assaulted, threatened with physical abuse, bullied, and harassed by “clients” while performing work duties. This treatment was motivated by my identity and, if it got physically violent, would easily be labeled a hate crime. Furthermore, the cops nearly got called on these people, I couldn't leave the premises, and I had to be walked to my car because it wasn't safe to be alone. I have PTSD from this event, which also exacerbated chronic pain which compromised my ability to walk some days.

My boomer parents are now no longer talking to me because they think I'm “giving up” by getting worker's comp. Even though they know how much this has fucked me up and destroyed my life. They started comparing me to my disabled uncle who they basically frame as a welfare queen and said that “not working isn't in their (my parents') DNA, and they didn't think it was in mine”. They're retired. But apparently I should just go back to work despite it being hell on Earth (think of some of the worst stories you see on here). I watched my parents get exploited and abused by their bosses as I grew up and I would've thought they'd be proud of me for getting out while I can. But no, apparently going on worker's comp is “giving up” (even if they know I'm currently seeking a new job AND taking online courses to beef up my resume). I'm struggling, but I'm sure as fuck not “giving up”. I thought they knew me better after 30 years, but their inability to empathize with me or not make wacko assumptions apparently never changes. They pulled this right before my birthday, so it hurts even more. And you know what? What if I did give up? So fucking what. Shit is fucked. I wouldn't blame anybody for giving up.

Anyone have family like this, been through a similar experience, or have words of encouragement?

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