Will workers’ compensation cover employees who contract COVID-19 on the job? Each state in the country handles its workers’ compensation system differently. In Florida, almost all businesses must have a Florida workers’ compensation insurance policy. There are some exceptions but for most businesses in the state, and especially for construction businesses, employers must secure their employee's safety by having Florida workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers’ compensation is essential to helping a person who sustains a Florida workplace injury have their medical treatment paid for so they won’t face those out-of-pocket costs. It also may provide a portion of their wages if they are left unable to work for a significant amount of time. Additionally, families may be able to obtain benefits if a loved one died due to a Florida workplace injury. Employers also benefit as the coverage reduces the risk that they will be directly sued for a workplace accident their employee suffers. 

Filing a workers’ compensation claim is tricky and anyone who has had to experience the process can tell you that it can be very overwhelming to deal with. The best outcomes, though, have been found to come when a victim of a Florida workplace injury enlists the knowledgeable help of an experienced Florida workers’ compensation attorney. With over 35 years of experience, Stephen M. Andrews knows how to expedite the process for victims of workplace accidents and fight on their behalf so the settlement they get is fair.

Is COVID-19 Covered Under Florida Workers’ Compensation Law?

Before the pandemic hit, the typical response you would receive if you wanted to see if you could get benefits from the Florida workers’ compensation system for getting sick at work would be no. There is no real way to prove that you contracted a community-spread illness from your place of employment. Many states will have chronic diseases like cancer which was developed from exposure to toxic materials at the workplace that lead to the disease be a condition that will be covered. Some of the jobs that would have this type of exception would be firefighters, for example.

Not every job must be done in a dangerous environment with many potential hazards to worker’s well being. However, these days of COVID can almost make any environment questionable as to how safe it really can be. In the state of Florida, an administrative policy change has allowed for the following professions to be able to receive coverage if they come down with COVID-19:

• First responders
• Child safety investigators
• Corrections officers
• National Guard service members responding to COVID-19
• State-employed health care workers  

Find a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

Stephen M. Andrews, P.A. will answer any of your Florida workers’ compensation questions and help you manage your claim if you have a viable workplace injury that deserves workers’ compensation benefits. Call the talented Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyer Stephen M. Andrews at (850) 906-9599 to scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation.