[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]California Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that seeking workers' compensation benefits after a Covid-19 diagnosis will become much easier for workers across the state. An executive order was signed stating that any worker who tests positive for Covid-19 or was diagnosed with Covid-19 and confirmed with a positive test within 14 days of working at a place of work will be eligible for worker's compensation. We blogged earlier about how difficult it might be to prove that a worker contracted the coronavirus at work; this executive order removes that roadblock. Regardless of circumstances, it will now automatically be assumed that the coronavirus was contracted at work in California.
The executive order will only last for 60 days but is also retroactive to the implementation of the Safer at Home order on March 19. The full text of the executive order can be found here.
This is great news for essential workers because the order also removes the burden of proving that they caught the illness while working. If workers feel under the weather or are exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19, it's imperative that they avoid going in to work. Working while ill could spread the disease even further. The executive order comes as California begins to allow some non-essential businesses to open with restrictions. Workers' compensation allows injured or workers testing positive for Covid-19 to seek medical treatment and pursue temporary disability benefits should complications from the disease arise.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth helps injured workers pursue benefits under the workers' compensation system. If you believe you qualify for workers' comp benefits under the new executive order, we can help you. Call us today at 888-517-9888 for a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
