The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed many aspects of our lives, including how we work and, as a consequence, the dynamics of workers’ compensation claims. The unique scenarios ushered in by the pandemic have left many employees in California wondering about their rights and the changes to workers’ compensation.
California was among the first states to implement a “rebuttable presumption” law, making it easier for frontline workers who contract COVID-19 to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Under this law, certain workers (including healthcare professionals and first responders) who contract COVID-19 are presumed to have gotten sick at work, facilitating their claims process.
With the transition to remote work for many employees, defining what constitutes a workplace injury has become more complex. The boundaries between home and work have blurred, making it more difficult to determine if an injury occurred in the “course and scope” of employment, a key requirement for workers’ compensation claims.
The pandemic has strained medical facilities, causing delays in treatment and rehabilitation for many injured workers. These setbacks may extend recovery times and impact an injured worker’s ability to return to work, possibly complicating workers’ compensation claims.
Even as we hope to see the end of the pandemic, its effects may leave a lasting imprint on workers’ compensation policies. From reconsidering the definition of a “workplace” for remote workers to considering the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on affected workers, we anticipate the emergence of new legal precedents and regulations.
The landscape of workers’ compensation has always been complex, but the challenges introduced by the pandemic make it even more crucial for workers to understand their rights. Whether you’ve contracted COVID-19 at work, suffered an injury while working from home, or faced difficulties in your recovery due to pandemic-related issues, it’s important to get advice from experienced legal professionals.
At the Law Offices of Kropach & Kropach, we’ve been closely following these developments and are ready to help you navigate these complex issues. We understand the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and are committed to guiding you through your workers’ compensation claim during these uncertain times. If you’ve been affected and need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 818-609-7005, or message us online here. We’re here to help you secure the compensation you rightly deserve.
