This past year has redefined a lot of things we usually take for granted. We’ve experienced new definitions of work, and even health, in general. Between telecommuting, staggered shifts, and widespread relocation, the face of business has changed rapidly. We have seen the rise of “essential workers” and “heroes” among our everyday neighbors and friends.
But there is one thing that has not changed; it has only been adapted. This is the fact that workman’s compensation in California exists to help you, and that your well-being on the job is your right. It is also your responsibility to identify and defend those protections, by using the state and federal codes in place to help guide you.
As of September 17, 2020, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has helped pass a bill protecting workers exposed to the Coronavirus on the job. This bill is in effect until January 2023 and defines illness, injury, or death from Coronavirus as being covered by workman’s compensation.
This new law aims to identify exposure to and infection from the Coronavirus as a workplace hazard. It was created to ensure that employees who become infected by the current crisis, while in the workplace, are able to stay home without a loss of wages or vacation time. The goal is to stop the spread of infection by removing any pressure an employee may feel to attend work while exhibiting symptoms. The law also puts the responsibility on the part of the employer. It necessitates that the manager or company recognize the risks of unduly burdening employees to attend shifts while feeling feverish, short of breath, nauseous, or suffering from any other deficiencies related to the pandemic.
This is a step in the right direction for protecting workers’ rights and safeties, but it is still something codified in the world of the law and legal proceedings. This is why engaging a trusted professional, well versed in the workman’s compensation system, is essential.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side is actually something that is always important in these kinds of claims, regardless of the current situation. This is because workman’s compensation is actually designed to protect employers, companies, and corporations; and not individual workers like you. If you move through your compensation claim process, even under the guidance of this new Corona-specific law, there will be people in the company ready to steer you in the wrong direction. It is common practice for employers to make every effort to shortchange injured, infected, or ill workers. They are directed, as managers, to undercut your time off, your medical coverage, and your eventual compensation.
We are all experiencing a glimpse of hope in the current climate. With vaccinations soaring and infection rates down across the country, Coronavirus is something we would all like to put in the past. But if you, or someone you love, has been exposed to this devastating disease while on the job- it is not too late. Equip yourself with the advice and guidance of legal professionals and make sure you have not suffered in vain,
blogs
Driving Tips for Warm Weather
As winter thaws and we move into spring and summer, the roads will soon begin filling up with road-trippers and people moving cross country. The more cars on the road, and the more freedom we have in that nice, warm weather, the more risk we’re at of some kind of accident. Here are a few […]
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
Dog Bites: Your Dog and Compensation Law
Many people who experience severe injuries from dog bites usually wonder whether it is worth the hustle to pursue legal redress. Most fear they are a small minority and decide to suffer in silence. However, the truth is that dog bites are shockingly common and are among the most frequent types of personal injury lawsuits. […]
5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]
Workman’s Compensation — When to Hire an Attorney
Workman’s Compensation is a right for all employees in California. It seems like a simple idea, and one designed with the workers’ best interests in mind. The truth, unfortunately, can be a lot more complicated than that. Avoid learning this lesson out the hard way by hiring a qualified attorney as soon as you are […]
Four Arizona Workers’ Compensation Tips
If you live in Arizona and you suffer an injury while on the job, you should know your rights, in terms of representation, potential compensation, and the laws surrounding workers’ compensation. You should make sure to seek proper medical care, as well, and be certain to keep records of communications and treatments for future reference, […]
4 Common Mistakes that Ruin Workers Compensation Claims
Thousands of workers are injured annually while at the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one worker succumbed to workplace injuries every 99 minutes in 2019, while over 99,000 others retained non-fatal injuries. Despite the prevalence of workplace injuries and the increasing number of workers compensation claims, only a few victims are usually […]
Five Products for Truck Driver Safety
Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, and their safety is of the utmost importance. Not only are they at special risk of trafficaccidents, but truck driving comes with a host of other dangers. The easiest way to stay safe while driving any vehicle is being aware of your surroundings and making sure your […]
Five Products for Increased Pedestrian Safety
While pedestrians typically have the right of way in most places, that doesn’t automatically make everyone around you a better or safer driver. As pedestrians, we have to activelypractice safety in order to make sure that we are the ones most responsible for our personal safety. Staying aware of our surroundings is always step number […]
5 Things Cyclists Should Do After a Bike Accident in California
Biking, especially on a highway, is a fun and an adrenaline-filled way to keep fit and explore what California has to offer. At the same time, it’s also a dangerous activity as the chances of being rear-ended by a motorist in California are pretty high. Unfortunately, when a bicycle accident happens, most cyclists often have […]
contact form