There can be little doubt that the country is in crisis. As businesses are forced to abide by closures and cutbacks, many employees are furloughed, laid off, and fired. Currently, and gradually, certain businesses are being allowed to reopen. Regardless, extreme conditions exist in the workplace. Once employees leave work, what are they bringing home to friends and family? What have they been exposed to while working? The question of workers’ comp rights during and after COVID-19 could be a hot topic very soon.
Are You at Risk?
Whether you are considered an essential employee throughout the pandemic, or the business for which you are employed is reopening slowly but surely, the question may arise as to how this coronavirus will impact the rights of workers and workers’ compensation.
Risk factors for the following “essential employees” are above and beyond in many cases during this pandemic:
- Emergency responders
- Restaurant workers providing take-out and delivery
- Grocery store clerks
- Medical support personnel
- Nurses
- Doctors, and more
Granted, an acute awareness of the dangers faced were held by most, if not all, of the above listed workers. But what if they have contracted the virus and ended up missing work, being extremely ill, needing medical treatment, etc.? Will they be covered under workers’ compensation?
Are You Covered?
The short answer to whether or not workers contracting the coronavirus are covered by workers’ compensation is “yes”. Whether a worker experiences an accident and gets hurt as a result, or if they contract COVID-19 on the job, they have a right to claim compensation.
We all are relatively aware that fall accidents, slips, etc. resulting in acute physical injuries are covered under workers’ compensation. But there are other physical risks on the job that can end up exposing an employee to chemical dangers and occupational diseases. If the coronavirus is contracted by an essential worker, the latter applies.
Replacement income, medical care payments, etc. are available for workers contracting COVID-19 on the job. However, all requirements for claiming compensation must be complied with and the entire situation must be very carefully documented. Legal representation is advised.
During COVID-19 And After
You are within your rights to request workers’ compensation based on infection by the coronavirus. While this pandemic is still active, there will be increasing claims started based on employees contracting COVID-19. How these cases are handled will decidedly set precedents as to how future cases will be dealt with.
There is no telling how long this pandemic will affect this country and the rest of the world. The effects could be long-lasting and require careful handling in the future as cases diminish. Don’t leave something like this to chance! Your rights are worth protecting and you deserve to be compensated for lost time, pain-and-suffering, medical bills, etc.
Choose Corradino & Papa, LLC For Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Our staff and attorneys are highly skilled and experienced in the handling of workers’ compensation cases. Whether you are physically injured on the job, exposed to chemicals, experience an illness as a result of your employment (or some other condition that results in injury or illness on the job), you deserve compensation. We will tirelessly fight for your rights while you concentrate on recovery.
We are available during this pandemic, 24/7, through telecommunication and videoconferencing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.