Office Cab Accident: How Can I Seek Compensation While Facing Pressure to Return to Work?

Hi, I met with an accident while commuting in the office cab a couple of days back. I informed my lead the same day and went to see a doctor the next day. I had severe pain in my shoulder and was informed of a ligament tear. I spoke to the management, and initially, they resisted believing that my ligament tore as the driver stated that it was a minor accident. I explained that I was asleep, and my shoulder was directly hit by the seat in front. I was advised a week's rest and informed the same to the management.

I went to see the doctor to confirm if I can start going to the office and was advised bed rest for 2 weeks. I informed my lead regarding this, and he asked me if I can work from home. With a lot of hesitance, I said yes as I'm a new employee and was missing in the training. Also, as I have no leaves in my kitty, the leaves will be deducted from my pay.

At a point, I felt that my lead and manager were threatening me to start working from the office or face repercussions (not in writing). My manager also confirmed that there is no compensation for medical bills as the medical coverage I have only includes hospitalization. In this scenario, is there any way I can receive some compensation?

Dear S Sharma,

What has happened to you is unfortunate. Due to the accident, the injured person has to go through trauma. Consider this as a setback. Everyone experiences some sort of setback.

Your problem is compounded because you had just joined the employment. As a new employee, you did not have sufficient leave to manage the unfortunate events. Additionally, it takes time for a new employee to establish credibility, which helps gain the trust of seniors.

Your query on medical compensation

Please check with HR on the provisions of the insurance policy. At the end of your post, you mentioned, "My manager also confirmed that there are no compensations for medical bills as the medical coverage I get only includes hospitalization." This is true. Even if you had taken personal medical insurance, the coverage would be for hospitalization. When an insured person is hospitalized for at least a day, the pre and post-hospitalization expenses are covered.

Anyway, take care of your health. Take sufficient rest and undergo physiotherapy sessions or any other treatment suggested by the doctors. While worrying about employment, you also need to ensure that the physiological impairment does not turn into a long-term handicap.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar