Most states do not require an employer to reinstate an injured employee or hold their position open while they are on injury-related leave. A few states do provide a right to reinstatement as long as the injured worker returns within a certain period of time. Other states may provide a hiring preference to former employees who were injured on the job, placing them ahead of non-employee applicants for the position. Employees have additional protections under certain federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.