Protecting Workers From Coronavirus
The outbreak of coronavirus and news of its continuing spread across the globe seemingly becomes more alarming on a daily basis. These days, you can’t look at your phone, turn on a tv, or even talk with coworkers without the topic arising of the deaths and illnesses that have occurred throughout the world and right here in the Sunshine State from the rapidly spreading coronavirus. This unforeseen phenomenon is an unfortunate example of one of the many issues that can originate outside of the workplace and yet affect workers who are simply trying to make a living. While no one is capable of fully avoiding a risk that can’t be seen, a combination of education, advanced preparation and exercising caution can help protect both workers and employers during these unpredictable times.
What is the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak?
According to the World Health Organization, the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (also known officially as COVID-19) was first reported from Wuhan, China, on New Years Eve of 2019. Instead of celebrating the incoming year, officials overseas were busy identifying the novel strain of coronavirus that has recently been declared a worldwide pandemic. While coronaviruses themselves encompass a large family of viruses and are not uncommon, businesses and workers in countries around the world are struggling to piece together the onset of this current strain.
What About Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Coronavirus?
Honestly, this is such a novel situation that there is no short answer to this question. What is clear is that, as always, employers have a responsibility to become educated about and rectify to the extent possible potential workplace dangers including outbreaks such as this one, especially in lieu of the current state of the world. With that established, it is also important to recognize that there are many different laws and regulations in place that employers must consider at this moment in time. And considering no one wants to have to deal with coronavirus, workers should also undertake efforts to help protect themselves from becoming infected in the first place. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and stay away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Nevertheless, if you or a loved one is dealing with the unfortunate results of what you suspect to be a workplace injury, it is imperative that you reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Some things that are clear about workers’ compensation benefits are:
- It is generally granted for workplace injuries that occur at work during the scope of employment.
- Proving fault is not a requirement of being able to obtain compensation.
- Entitlement to pain and suffering is typically not warranted.
We Are Here No Matter the Circumstances.
As the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates, we take on cases that we have familiarized ourselves with during our years of combined experience as well as cases that address novel areas of law that we challenge ourselves to explore. We understand how devastating the immediate and long-term consequences of an unexpected workplace accident can be and we support our clients in offering our help to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for help.
Resource:
who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
https://www.payerandassociates.com/getting-compensated-for-less-obvious-workplace-injuries/
