The short answer is maybe. Workers’ compensation covers work-related injuries and occupational diseases. It is often difficult to pinpoint when and where you may have been exposed to this or any other virus. Additionally, whether or not a disease can be classified as an occupational disease depends on the jurisdiction of where you were working when you contracted it.
At Greg Coleman Law, we can discuss whether your case of coronavirus may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in a free legal consultation with one of our licensed attorneys. There is no obligation to use our services, but if you do, you pay no upfront costs and no payment for our fees unless we are successful in obtaining benefits on your behalf.
Why Workplace Exposure To COVID-19 May Be Hard To Prove
Proving you contracted coronavirus while performing your work duties may be challenging. Since so little is known about the virus, your employer or workers' compensation insurance carrier may say that you could have been exposed or infected elsewhere.
Washington State is one of the first states to extend workers' compensation benefits to essential workers, specifically, first responders and healthcare workers who were exposed to coronavirus on the job.
In Tennessee, proving eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for COVID-19 is going to be more challenging. However, the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) in Tennessee recommends applying if you believe there are “unusual circumstances surrounding the exposure.”
When You May Qualify For COVID-19 Benefits
Your claim may be considered an unusual exception that would grant you workers’ compensation benefits if you contracted COVID-19 under certain circumstances, such as:
- First responders
- Healthcare workers
- You were traveling for work when exposed
- You were exposed while doing work-related errands
- You were exposed after attending a mandatory work event
It is important to remember that your employer may have followed all of the CDC’s recommendations for taking precautions against contracting the virus, and you still may have contracted it at work. Workers’ compensation does not require negligence for an employee to be eligible to receive benefits.
What Can You Do If You Do Not Qualify For Workers’ Comp?
If you are denied workers’ compensation benefits for having contracted COVID-19 in the scope of your employment, you may have an option to file a lawsuit against your employer.
Under most circumstances, your employer is immune to lawsuits resulting from work-related injuries or occupational diseases. However, if your employer neglected to take recommended precautions to protect you and your co-workers from contracting COVID-19, then you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover the damages you suffered.
Our knowledgeable attorneys at Greg Coleman Law can review all contributing factors to your potential claim and determine whether you may have grounds to sue your employer. This consultation is a completely free, no-obligation opportunity to learn whether you may have a valid claim for compensation.
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys For Legal Help Today
If you believe you contracted the coronavirus due to workplace exposure, you may be eligible to pursue workers’ compensation for time missed at work, medical expenses and more.
Contact one of our experienced Knoxville workers' compensation lawyers for a free review of your potential claim. We will need to understand the unique circumstances of your job, where and when you may have been exposed and other contributing factors.
Our initial consultation is free and there is no obligation for you to pursue a claim, so there is zero risk to learning whether you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If we believe you may have a claim, we are prepared to fully guide you through the legal process and help to build a strong argument for benefits on your behalf.
During the COVID-19 shut down, we remain open and able to process new claims, as well as fully manage existing claims 100 percent online.
Call to arrange your FREE online consultation today. We can take your call 24/7: (865) 247-0080
