The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically impacted all levels of society. The virus is highly contagious, and numerous measures are currently in place that are intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, many essential workers, such as medical professionals, grocery store employees, people with manufacturing and delivery jobs, and those who play similarly critical roles continue to put themselves at risk of infection every day. If you have reason to believe that you contracted COVID-19 while on the job, you are entitled to pursue a workers’ compensation claim under California state law.
Filing a Claim
If you have been infected by COVID-19 and there is sufficient evidence that you contracted the virus at work or while performing work-related duties, then you should file a claim as soon as possible. First, you’ll need to complete a workers’ compensation claim form and submit it to your employer. Without this specific documentation, the claim is not considered valid. Once your employer receives your paperwork, they are required to contact their insurance company to process the claim and refer you to medical treatment. California law gives employers up to two weeks to determine whether they will accept, delay, or deny your claim. As the process can be overwhelming, especially if you are extremely sick, it’s worth it to contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as you can and allow them to advocate for you.
Focusing on Your Health
Whether your workers’ compensation claim is accepted, denied, or delayed, you should recognize that any payments will not be immediate. If your claim is honored, you may not be paid until two full weeks pass. Additionally, if you have contracted COVID-19, you should stay home and rest, which will likely cause you to lose out on wages. To offset some of these economic challenges, talk to your attorney about applying for State Disability Insurance or looking into any types of disability insurance policies offered through your employer. More commonly, workers’ compensation claims are either delayed or denied. In these cases, contact your lawyer immediately to explain your situation and allow them to step in and advocate for your workers’ rights.
Get in Touch Today
At Accident Recovery Legal Center, we are committed to helping California workers receive the hard-earned benefits they are owed. We recognize that many employees across the nation are putting themselves at risk of infection while performing their essential duties. If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 while on the job, we are here to assess your situation and guide you towards the best path forward. Let us stand up for your rights while you focus on making a full recovery.