In our last post, we discussed the looming question mark over whether or not Covid-19 will be covered by workers’ compensation in most cases. Connecticut seems to be doing better at addressing the issue than other states, but that isn’t saying much. And many workers’ compensation insurers are already denying numerous Covid-19 claims and/or taking a long time to issue responses.
There are plenty of unanswered questions about workers’ compensation, but what about the other side of the equation? Are workplaces at least being policed by OSHA to ensure that they are not unduly exposing their workers to Covid-19? Again, the results are a mixed bag, but there do appear to be some small successes for worker safety.
In Minnesota, for instance, the state branch of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) has conducted unannounced Covid-related inspections in at least seven hospitals in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area between early May and late August. Some of these inspections were prompted by staff complaints that the hospitals were not providing sufficient personal protective equipment or taking other necessary precautions to safeguard frontline medical workers against contracting Covid-19. Two of the seven inspections resulted in fines of $2,100 each.
Among all health care workers in Minnesota, Covid-19 is spreading steadily. There are about 44 new confirmed cases each day. Most of these workers do recover, but like any worker who contracts the disease, they may miss weeks of work (and pay) and incur significant medical bills. In the wake of a life-threatening health scare, the last thing they should be forced to do is struggle for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you or a loved one have contracted Covid-19 at work or suffered any other workplace injury during this very uncertain time, please don’t assume that you have no options for compensation. Instead, contact our firm to learn how we may be able to help you claim the benefits you need and deserve.
