The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect every state in this country. Even as a stay at home orders are beginning to relax, and the economy gradually opens back up, the death toll and the number of people contracting this coronavirus continues to increase at alarming rates. Recently, Governor Gavin Newsome signed an executive order that makes it easier for essential employees to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they contract the virus on the job.
What does this executive order change?
In general, when a person catches a virus, it can be difficult to secure workers’ compensation. This is true even if a worker is employed in the health care industry. In most cases, it can be difficult to prove exactly when somebody contracts a virus, especially one that is fairly widespread in the general public. To say that the novel coronavirus is widespread would be an understatement. As of this writing, there have been approximately 1.3 million cases of COVID-19 in the US. The death toll has now passed 76,000 people.
However, a new executive order has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsome that will make it easier for those who contract coronavirus to receive workers’ compensation. For 60 days following the signing of the order (May 6), a rebuttal presumption will allow those who work outside of their homes while the stay at home order is in effect to receive workers’ comp benefits if they contract COVID-19.
Workers will be able to access these benefits if they tested positive for the coronavirus within 14 days of performing their work-related duties at their place of business after the stay at home order was issued on March 19.
According to Gov. Newsome, “We are removing a burden for workers on the front lines, who risk their own health and safety to deliver critical services to our fellow Californians so that they can access benefits, and be able to focus on their recovery.”
New projections show that COVID-19 cases will continue to rise. It is not out of the realm of possibility that there will be another outbreak of the virus which could see stay at home orders re-implemented after they are lifted. The current executive order signed by Gov. Newsome could be extended or brought back if this happens.
Let us help you with this today
If you or somebody you love is considered an essential worker in California and has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you may need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and the team at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry is ready to get to work on your behalf. We want to ensure you receive coverage for all medical bills related to your COVID-19 treatment as well as lost wages for the time you miss from work. When you need a Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney, you can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-747-3447.