COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Coverage in PA
April 30, 2020
Lawyer for Workers’ Compensation Coverage for COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
Are you out of work because you have COVID-19 and caught the coronavirus at work? Are you quarantined at home because you were exposed to the coronavirus at your workplace?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania due to the circumstances listed below. Larry Pitt & Associates is offering free, no-obligation consultations virtually and over the phone to follow social distancing protocols. Give us a call at 1-855-744-4300 to discuss your case.
Many firms and businesses are shut down right now, but we are working as hard as ever remotely to get our clients the workers’ compensation coverage they need and deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Pennsylvania
1. I caught the coronavirus at work and am home recuperating. Can I get workers’ compensation coverage?
If you can show that you caught the coronavirus at work and that you caught it in the course of your regular duties, it is likely you will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. You must report your illness to your employer or supervisor within 21 days of contracting COVID-19 or knowing that you have contracted it.
2. What workers’ compensation benefits can I get if I caught COVID-19 at work?
If you are eligible for workers’ compensation coverage in Pennsylvania, no matter what the injury or illness, you will receive compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. If the injury or illness results in lasting ill effects that prevent you from working or affect your quality of life, you may be entitled to partial or total temporary or permanent disability payments as well.
3. I am taking care of a loved one who has COVID-19 and cannot work since I’ve been exposed. Can I get workers’ compensation coverage?
Unless you were exposed to COVID-19 at work, you are not eligible for workers’ compensation. If you contract COVID-19 outside of your work environment it is not a work-related illness that is compensable under workers’ compensation laws in Pennsylvania. However, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits and/or benefits under the federal pandemic relief program. Visit the official Pennsylvania unemployment site to learn if you are eligible.
4. I was exposed to COVID-19 at work, and while I do not have COVID-19 yet, my boss told me to stay home in quarantine. Do I qualify for workers’ compensation coverage in Pennsylvania?
Perhaps. The prudent thing to do would be to file a workers’ compensation claim as well as for unemployment. Call us to discuss your case. 1-855-744-4300.
5. One of my co-workers has COVID-19, and I’m afraid to leave the house, thinking I might have it and infect someone else. Can I get Pennsylvania workers’ compensation coverage?
You are right to be cautious. If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus at work, first know that it can take up to 14 days to show symptoms of COVID-19 and you should quarantine during this time. Also know that many people who carry and transmit the coronavirus never show any symptoms. For this reason, it is important to contact your doctor and arrange for testing, because while you may feel fine, you may also be contagious.
Whether your workers’ compensation claim will be successful will be dependent upon the facts of your particular case. We would be happy to help you. Contact us and we will further discuss your case with you.
6. My doctor told me to stay home from work because I believe I was exposed to COVID-19. Can I get workers’ compensation coverage in Pennsylvania?
Again, if you can show you were exposed to the coronavirus at work, you may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. If you were exposed to the coronavirus elsewhere, it is not a workplace illness and is not compensable under workers’ comp.
7. My employer laid me off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Will I qualify for workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?
Not likely, as in this scenario you have not suffered a workplace injury. However, you should file a claim for unemployment benefits and federal pandemic assistance program benefits.
8. My employer closed due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will I get workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania?
Not likely. However, you should file a claim for unemployment benefits and federal pandemic assistance program benefits.
9. What should I do if my Pennsylvania COVID-19 workers’ compensation claim is denied?
If you’ve received a Notice of Compensation Denial from your employer or the insurance company, you have three years from the date you contracted COVID-19 or knew you had COVID-19 to file a workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania. Your matter will then be set for a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge in the Pennsylvania county where you live.
10. Do I have to go to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation court during the COVID-19 pandemic? Will I be able to maintain social distance if I have to attend a hearing?
Right now, in order to reduce in-person contact and potential exposure to carriers of the coronavirus, COVID-19 Pennsylvania workers’ compensation petitions and answers are being filed electronically, and hearings are being held telephonically.
If you have a question about Pennsylvania COVID-19 workers’ compensation coverage that has not answered here, or you need to discuss the particular facts of your Pennsylvania COVID-19 workers’ compensation claim with us, we stand ready to help you. We handle everything for our clients from filing the initial report to filing claims and appeals if claims are denied. We take care of it all for our clients, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
If you have COVID-19, your job is to stay home, rest, and recover. Let us help you get your Pennsylvania COVID-19 workers’ compensation coverage.
+++++ Disclaimer+++++ This blog is considered advertising and does not constitute any client-attorney privilege and does not offer any advice or opinion on any legal matter. This blog was drafted by Digital Mixology a digital marketing, Public Relations, advertising, and content marketing firm located in Philadelphia, PA.
