Need Advice about workers rights in Washington
Hello, I dont understand how Reddit works yet so pardon me if this is not the place for this post!
I need advice from people who understand Washington State and Native American Tribal workers rights.
My close friend works at a tribal owned business in the state and got an injury working there. A doctor has documented the injury and that they need to avoid demanding physical labor. They are currently awaiting an appointment with a surgeon on the full extent, but its CLEAR that physical labor is a no go to avoid serious safety concerns.
Their workplace has the doctor's documentation. Its been reported. They know. Yet they are trying to force them to move very heavy items around for work.
They do multiple roles at this establishment, one of which has zero physical labor. They have asked to be kept in that role while they continue medical treatment for obvious reasons.
You would think its a no brainer for the employer to avoid intentionally further complicating their injury yet they are making them remain in the physically demanding role which could legitmately put their life at risk.
The internet is very vague on their rights in this instance, as it is a tribal owned business. Neither of us are lawyers and law firms in the area wont even talk to them unless they have filed a lawsuit against the employer. They are scared to lose their job, all ready struggling WITH the job, and now with pending medical bills.
If anyone has actual experience either as a legal professional, or someone who has gone through this in regards to dealing with Native American rights and Federal laws being gray areas please provide any information or advice. The injured party is not a Native American, and all ready face discrimination in the workplace due to that so they are not treating them kindly during this process. I beg for any tips or resources in the Washington state that I can direct them to, please. Thank you.