Living through unprecedented times means dealing with situations that have never before arisen. One of those is determining whether or not an employee is eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits for being exposed to the coronavirus at work. Keep reading to determine the basics, and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you have a legal question about your injuries.
Workers Can File Workers’ Compensation Claims if They Are Diagnosed with the Coronavirus
According to the Department of Labor, workers who are exposed to COVID-19 at work can file a workers’ compensation claim. They can file either under an occupational disease or a typical work injury claim. This can allow them to receive wage loss benefits, medical benefits, and other benefits for damages caused by the virus.
Start by Following CDC Guidelines
If you believe that you have been in contact with someone who was positive for COVID, or if you believe that you have developed the disease yourself, then you should follow all guidelines as written by the CDC. This requires self-quarantining and following best practices to both keep yourself safe and prevent others from getting the virus from you.
You Should Not Have to Use Personal Time Off or Vacation Time if You Got Sick at Work
If you work with the public and most likely contracted the virus while at work, then you should not have to use your personal time off or your health insurance due to this work-related injury. If your employer requires that you quarantine, then you have a case for workers’ compensation.
File an Injury Complaint with Your Employer
The way to handle this type of case is the same as you would handle any Workers’ Compensation claim. Start by informing your employer that you have been injured at work. Then see a medical professional. You need records of your injury, your medical condition that resulted from form the injury, and the fact that you informed your employer of the problem.
Contact an Attorney if You Have Questions
If you have been injured at work, whether by contracting the coronavirus or otherwise, you have certain rights. Your employer might not be aware of them or they may not follow the rules. You should not have to suffer as a result of someone else choosing not to do their job. If this is the situation you are in, then you should contact a personal injury attorney.
You can reach The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker by calling us at 800-333-0000. These are difficult times, and we want to ensure that Californians get the benefits they are owed.
