Coronavirus and Workers’ Compensation – Have you been exposed in the workplace?

When you hear the phrase “workers’ compensation”, you may think about slips, falls, and other bodily injuries. You may not realize that exposure to coronavirus in your workplace could meet the criteria for a workers’ compensation claim. Such a claim is referred to by the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation as an occupational disease claim. Occupational disease claims typically meet the following conditions:

• The claimant had work-related exposure that resulted in a harmful effect
• The harmful effect can be proven with a medical diagnosis
• The claimant’s job duties put them at a greater risk for this harmful effect than the general public.

If you are considered an essential employee, and are currently required to work, you may be considered at a greater risk than the general public. This is especially true for healthcare providers and first responders. Symptoms and effects of coronavirus range from mild to severe. More severe diagnoses related to contracting COVID-19 may qualify for a claim with the Bureau.

Schaffer and Associates offers free consultations in which we can discuss you likelihood in filing an occupational disease claim allowed for coronavirus. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 in your workplace, and were subsequently diagnosed with the virus, call 419-350-8277 to discuss your options with one of our knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys. We are more than happy to offer you a phone appointment.