Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in Alaska
Whether an employer in Alaska can fire or punish you for filing a workers' comp claim, and what you can do.
Short answer: An employer may not discriminate in hiring, promotion or retention against an employee who has in good faith filed a claim for or received workers' compensation benefits. An employee can sue the employer for damages in court. AS 23.30.247
| Retaliation for filing | An employer may not discriminate in hiring, promotion or retention against an employee who has in good faith filed a claim for or received workers' compensation benefits. An employee can sue the employer for damages in court. The law still allows employers to base decisions on the employee's safety practices or physical and mental abilities. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 23.30.247 |
|---|---|
| Appealing a denial | Disputed claims are heard by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board after the worker files an Affidavit of Readiness for Hearing (Form 07-6107). A party may ask the Board to reconsider a decision within 15 days of service, or to modify it within one year after the last disability or impairment payment (or the claim's rejection). A final Board decision may be appealed to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission within 30 days after it is filed; Commission decisions may then go to the Alaska Supreme Court. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
Where to get help in Alaska
More Alaska workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Alaska
- How Much Workers' Comp Pays in Alaska
- Workers' Comp Settlements in Alaska
- Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Alaska
- All Alaska workers' compensation rules
FAQ
Can you be fired for filing workers' comp in Alaska?
An employer may not discriminate in hiring, promotion or retention against an employee who has in good faith filed a claim for or received workers' compensation benefits. An employee can sue the employer for damages in court. The law still allows employers to base decisions on the employee's safety practices or physical and mental abilities.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Alaska?
Disputed claims are heard by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board after the worker files an Affidavit of Readiness for Hearing (Form 07-6107). A party may ask the Board to reconsider a decision within 15 days of service, or to modify it within one year after the last disability or impairment payment (or the claim's rejection). A final Board decision may be appealed to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission within 30 days after it is filed; Commission decisions may then go to the Alaska Supreme Court.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.