While some workers are able to work from home, there are many who must continue to work outside of the home during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.  This includes workers from multiple disciplines such as healthcare, delivery, utilities, and too many others to name.  With this work comes the inherent risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. 

A worker who contracts this illness after being exposed in the workplace has the right to file a Workers’ Compensation claim. 

A Workers’ Compensation claim would provide substantial assistance in dealing with the potentially serious effects of the coronavirus. 

First and foremost, if the claim is accepted, a Workers’ Compensation insurance company would be obligated to pay for all the related medical treatment needed for a sick worker.

Secondly, the sick worker would receive money benefits for any time they missed from work as a result of their illness.

It is also worth noting that there is still much that is not known about the long-term effects of this illness.  There is potential that the severe respiratory distress which may be caused by the virus may lead to damage to other vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver and heart.  Permanent damage may also be done to the lungs in some cases. 

We do not intend to alarm anyone with this information, but to encourage those individuals at risk to assert and preserve their rights to benefits under the Workers’ Compensation system in this unprecedented time.  Further, it is important to file a written claim as soon as possible, as various legal deadlines will apply to these cases, as they do to other Workers’ Compensation claims.  If you do not file your claim in time, you may lose all rights to any Workers’ Compensation benefits for your illness.