The Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic has been a financial, physical, and mental struggle for everyone worldwide. But the people and organizations who have struggled the most financially during these times are small businesses and non-essential wage workers. These businesses have kept their doors open, and the employees are working hard to ensure some cash flow.

However, in this struggle to make ends meet, the employees have been exposed to Covid-19. These employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance coverage most employers and businesses must carry. It allows you to receive medical and wage benefits if you are an injured worker. However, the wage and medical benefits vary by state. 

This insurance also provides missed income and medical bill compensation for workers when injured or fall sick on the job. It also pays death benefits to families of employees killed on the job. Workers’ compensation also benefits the employer by saving them from civil suits in case of employee injury. 

Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

According to Attorney David Benowitz from Price Benowitz LLP, “When the idea of workplace injuries comes to mind, most people think of labor-intensive jobs and industries such as construction and factory jobs, but workplace injuries can occur in any field. Even something as simple as tripping in the office can be considered a workplace injury depending on the circumstances.” 

As mentioned by the attorney, workers associated with any field can get injured on the job and could be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. The benefits compensate you for any medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if you are injured or become ill “in the course and scope” of the job. However, if an employee intentionally hurts themselves on the job or cannot prove that it was the employer’s fault, they would be ineligible for Workers’ compensation. 

Contracting Covid-19 on the Job and Receiving Workers’ Compensation

Since Covid-19 is an illness, if contracted during the job, you can qualify for workers’ compensation, and your medical bills and lost wages will be covered. However, you must be able to prove that you got sick while working to be eligible for receiving any benefits. This is tricky and requires a lot of attention and guidance from a professional such as an attorney.

Another scenario where you may be compensated is if another employee tested positive for the virus and you had to quarantine due to exposure. In this case, even if you are asymptomatic, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if someone else tests positive and you decide not to go to work without doctor-ordered quarantine, you will be rendered ineligible. 

If you were looking after a family member or someone with Covid-19 and tested positive, you would not be eligible.

To lodge a formal application and prove the exposure was while working. You must note down the date of your first symptoms and the type of symptoms. It would help to mention all the activities you participated in the weeks before testing positive. You should also find out if someone else in the organization tested positive and have all your medical records.

All these things will be looked into and help you qualify for Workers’ Compensation. However, sometimes insurance companies immediately deny any compensation, but you can appeal after being denied. If you are able to prove your exposure, you will receive benefits that can compensate you for your losses. 

Covid-19 has made life a lot more difficult than we anticipated. It is important that if you ever contract it, you trace back the source and take due action. Although the entire process can be difficult, having a helping hand by your side can make things slightly easier.