Can I Get Workers’ Compensation If I Got Coronavirus at Work in Houston? – #1 Best Workers Compensation Doctor HOUSTON
# 1 Top Best Workers Compensation Doctor HOUSTON
Getting workers’ compensation due to contracting coronavirus at work is possible. Yet, certain situations might hinder or prevent receiving compensation. It’s crucial to establish that your illness directly links to your work. Otherwise, coverage won’t apply. Additionally, you must work for a company that offers workers’ compensation benefits and holds insurance.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Employers fund workers’ compensation insurance to aid employees in covering expenses if they’re injured or fall ill during work. Sometimes, the injury or illness just needs to be linked to work and isn’t restricted to occurring solely at the workplace. However, if exposure to the virus happens at home leading to illness, it’s not considered work-related, and compensation wouldn’t apply in such cases.
Federal employees and military personnel follow federal laws for their workers’ compensation, while other benefits are managed at the state level. In certain states, there’s a mandate for all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, some states retain the option to exempt employers from covering their employees in cases of workplace injuries or illnesses.
Workers’ compensation benefits aim to reduce legal disputes. Injured workers can receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, and they might qualify for disability payments if their injury or illness requires prolonged care. However, in certain situations, legal action may still be necessary, particularly if you’re ill and employed by a company that doesn’t prioritize workers’ compensation.
CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19
Coronaviruses aren’t a recent discovery. They belong to a virus group that can lead to various illnesses, including multiple strains of the common cold. Additionally, they’ve caused more severe and previously unknown diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19, identified in December 2019 in China, is a novel strain of coronavirus.
COVID-19, a newly identified coronavirus, is highly contagious and can cause severe illness. While some infected people get better without medical help, others experience grave symptoms that may require prolonged hospitalization or result in death. Mild signs of the illness comprise fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, whereas more severe symptoms include trouble breathing, bluish discoloration of the lips or face, confusion, and persistent chest pressure or pain.
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, numerous businesses have either closed their doors or reduced their operations. Both national and local authorities have advised citizens to stay home and head to work only if their role is deemed essential. However, the definition of an essential worker varies widely. Individuals in the medical sector, such as doctors or nurses, are highly likely to be called in for duty. Similarly, employees in grocery stores, gas stations, daycares, and those with other potentially essential responsibilities may also be required to work.
TEXAS WORKER’S COMPENSATION AND THE CORONAVIRUS
In Texas, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) manages worker’s compensation matters. Unlike some states, Texas doesn’t mandate employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It’s up to employers to decide whether they want an insurance plan to help if a worker gets hurt or falls ill while on the job. Those who opt for coverage can buy it from private insurance providers or qualify for self-insurance by meeting specific criteria.
If your employer lacks workers’ compensation insurance, you can’t submit a claim for benefits, even if you fell ill due to COVID-19 exposure at work. In Texas, it’s advised for all employers to join the Workers’ Compensation System. If your employer isn’t part of it, you might need to pursue legal action to seek compensation for COVID-19-related illness or work-related injuries.
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends a series of actions if you contract COVID-19 while at work. Initially, inform your doctor about your exposure to the virus and any symptoms you may be experiencing. In case of an emergency, head to the emergency room. However, your doctor might advise against testing and instead suggest a quarantine period of up to 14 days. Even though following your doctor’s advice may qualify you for some compensation, having a COVID-19 positive test result could significantly strengthen your claim.
CONTACT THE WORKERS COMPENSATION DOCTOR HOUSTON FOR HELP
For more information, contact the Workers Compensation Doctor HOUSTON or Workers Comp Doctors Near Me of Best Doctor Network by calling (855) 632-4342.