Since 2020, one of the most common phrases that people all around the world have been hearing is that “we live in uncertain times.” As COVID-19 has mutated and been more transmissible, many people have caught it and become seriously ill, or worse. If you have been required to continue working and needed to go to your office during the pandemic, you may have been taking as many precautions as possible. So, what happens when you have been careful but you still catch COVID? If you believe you caught it from someone at work, you may be fighting an uphill battle.
Should I file for workers’ compensation benefits or a lawsuit?
This will depend on the exact situation. Many states and many companies are allowing their employees to file for workers’ compensation benefits if they catch COVID at work. However, if you believe your employer was grossly negligent and created an environment where it was only a matter of time until people got COVID, you may want to speak with a lawyer about filing a lawsuit.
How does workers’ compensation work with COVID?
Similar to other job-related injuries and illnesses, the main thing you will need to prove is that you contracted COVID from someone at work, not from somewhere else. So if you just got back from a trip in Europe and tested positive for COVID 3 days later, your employer will likely question that you got it from someone else in the office. Especially if you are a front-line worker, a first responder, or other medical professionals, you will likely have a greater chance of successfully filing for workers’ compensation benefits because your job puts you at such high risk for contracting it. If you believe you have contracted COVID from someone at your work and are unsure of whether or not you may qualify for workers’ compensation, do not hesitate to get in contact with a lawyer, like a coronavirus work injury lawyer from a law firm like Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.
Get the Help You Need Today!
We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time and because of how serious COVID can be, you may not be able to return to work any time soon. If you need help with your medical bills and lost wages, give our office a call to learn more about filing a workers’ compensation claim.