How a Sick Note Protects You from Wrongful Dismissal in BC
If you're fired after calling in sick in BC, a sick note is your strongest evidence. Here's how it protects you legally.
## How a Sick Note Protects You from Wrongful Dismissal in BC
A sick note isn't just workplace bureaucracy — it's legal documentation that can protect your job and support a wrongful dismissal claim if needed.
### Why Documentation Matters
Without a sick note, it's your word against your employer's. With one:
- You have **proof** your absence was medically justified
- Your employer cannot claim you were "no-call, no-show"
- You establish a **paper trail** of legitimate illness
- You demonstrate **good faith** compliance with workplace policies
### BC Wrongful Dismissal and Sick Leave
Under BC law, termination is potentially wrongful if:
- You were fired **because** you took legitimate sick leave
- Your employer failed to **accommodate** your medical condition
- The termination was **discriminatory** (based on disability/illness)
- You were fired during **job-protected leave**
### What to Do If Terminated After Sick Leave
1. **Don't sign anything** immediately (especially a release)
2. **Gather documentation** — sick notes, emails, performance reviews
3. **Note the timeline** — how soon after your sick leave were you terminated?
4. **Consult an employment lawyer** — many offer free initial consultations
5. **File a complaint** — BC Human Rights Tribunal or Employment Standards Branch
### Damages You May Be Entitled To
- Notice pay or pay in lieu of notice
- Severance (for longer-term employees)
- Human rights damages (if discrimination is proven)
- Aggravated/punitive damages in egregious cases
### How MedLetter Helps
MedLetter provides timestamped, physician-signed documentation that serves as strong evidence in wrongful dismissal cases. Every note includes the physician's CPSBC registration number and date of assessment.
**Get documented protection — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**