[Blarg]

I used to work in a workers' comp firm.

You cannot pursue workers' compensation once you have been fired. By then, it's too bad.

Employees very often find themselves mysteriously downsized, transferred to offices that are very very long drives away, etc., after they come down with ailments. They suddenly find themselves accused of stealing, tardiness, incompetence, inability to complete work in a timely maner, or some sort of fraud. They find their work evaluations go from A+ to F- overnight, without any change in their work performance to prompt it.

And believe it or not, many seemingly responsible companies let their workers' comp insurance expire or don't even have it, contrary to law. When that happens, you get dumped in with the state's responsibilities, and you can imagine the hassles the state gives you when paying. Or, probably, you can't.

Be alert to any warning signs. If anything bad happens, you might not see it coming anyway, but do your best to prepare. Think twice about new unnecessary purchases or debts. Consolidate the debts you have, if possible. Just clean up your finances. Start thinking about jobs that don't stress your hands as much. Try contrast baths for your hands; they work wonders to promote healing. Look into more ergonomic workplace set-ups, if you can do it without sending your employer into a panic. You might even want to think about training in relaxation, e.g., meditation, biofeedback, etc.

Don't assume any employer has your best interests or any concept of fairness at heart when it comes to money.

Good luck.