Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19 May Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Charleston, SC (Law Firm Newswire) April 17, 2020 – Healthcare workers regularly exposed to and in direct contact with patients infected with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of becoming infected. In South Carolina, such healthcare workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job exposure to COVID-19.

The reports coming in from around the United States provide support for the fact that healthcare workers face a heightened risk of contracting coronavirus greater than other occupations. The CDC states that healthcare professionals “are on the front lines of caring for patients with confirmed or possible infection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and therefore have an increased risk of exposure to this virus.”

The nature of the coronavirus makes it difficult to spot when someone has contracted the virus. However, infected healthcare workers that can show a link between their exposure while working and their health condition may receive compensation. “The best way for healthcare workers to prove their worker’s compensation claim due to infection of the coronavirus is to keep detailed records of their exposure to the virus,” advises David T. Pearlman, attorney at Steinberg Law Firm. Proof is necessary to show the connection between working conditions and contracting the virus. Steinberg Law Firm has successfully handled numerous cases for workplace exposure injuries. Their experience includes successful cases for exposure to Legionnaires’ disease, Hepatitis C, lead, mold and formaldehyde.

Healthcare workers who suspect that they are infected with the virus, should immediately report to a supervisor or manger right away. Although employees have up to 90 days to report, it is best to report as soon as possible. After notifying their employer, employees should file a claim with the South Carolina Workers’ Commission and their employer’s worker’s compensation insurance company. If the insurance company agrees that the exposure at work caused the employees’ coronavirus infection, the workers are entitled to medical care as well as compensation for lost wages if out of work. Lost income compensation is two-thirds of the healthcare worker’s weekly wage.

The Steinberg Law Firm has a long history protecting the rights of nurses, first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and all healthcare workers.

  Steinberg Law Firm 61 Broad St Charleston, SC 29401 Phone: (843) 720-2800 118 S Goose Creek Blvd Goose Creek, SC 29445 Phone: (843) 572-0700 103 Grandview Drive Summerville, SC 29483 Phone: (843) 871-6522