Covid-19

COVID-19 Occupational Exposure Attorneys in Santa Clarita

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits for COVID-19

A major concern for many Americans of late is whether or not you can receive workers’ compensation benefits if you contract COVID-19 in the workplace. At The Bridgeford Law Office, APC, our workers’ comp legal team understands the importance of this issue and we are here to help. Our COVID-19 occupational exposure lawyers in Santa Clarita focus exclusively on work-related injury and illness cases in Southern California, so we have the knowledge and experience to handle your COVID-19 worker’s comp claim from start to finish.

So, can you get workers’ comp for COVID? And how do you go about it? Read on to learn more about COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims in California or give us a call to discuss your case in detail.

Call (661) 387-3712 or write to us online to request your free consultation.

Proving Work-Related COVID-19 Exposure

With the ongoing and rampant spread of the novel coronavirus, it can be hard for those who become infected to determine where and how exactly they contracted the virus. So, how can workers prove that they were exposed to the virus in the workplace and not somewhere else?

The state of California has made this process relatively easy by establishing a COVID-19 presumption. This is a legal inference that allows employees who come down with COVID-19 and regularly work around others to assume they got COVID-19 at their job. This presumption was made law in September 2020 under Senate Bill No. 1159 and remains in effect until January 1, 2023.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are employed in California, you have a good chance of receiving workers’ comp thanks to this law. All you have to do is inform your employer of your diagnosis in writing and wait for them to provide the next steps.

Benefits Available for COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Claims

Employees who receive workers’ compensation benefits for the novel coronavirus are entitled to most of the same benefits as workers affected by other occupational illnesses, such as:

  • Full coverage and/or reimbursement of related medical treatment
  • Temporary disability benefits, which pay a portion of lost wages
  • Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of wrongful death

Head to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency’s website for more information about benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19.

How Our Attorneys Can Assist with Your Claim

By now, COVID-19 claims have become relatively streamlined and expected. However, some employees still encounter issues when they try to file a claim for workers’ comp due to a novel coronavirus infection. If your employer won’t cooperate with or denies your claim, you need to know what workers can do if they feel that they are not being adequately protected from COVID by their employer.

The first thing you should do if you are having trouble with your COVID-19 workers’ comp claim is to call an attorney. Most occupational illness lawyers offer free, no-risk consultations during which you can explain the facts of your case and receive legal advice tailored to your specific situation without feeling pressured to hire the firm should you decide not to take legal action.

If you do learn that taking legal action can help you receive benefits and you decide to move forward with an attorney’s help, your lawyer will take care much of the rest of the claims process on your behalf. Letting an experienced COVID-19 occupational exposure attorney take the reins will lift the burden from your shoulders and increase the likelihood your claim will be filed correctly and be approved as quickly as possible.

You can also hold your employer legally accountable if you contracted COVID-19 due to negligent business practices, such as:

  • Failure to implement proper, government-mandated COVID-19 safety precautions for employees
  • Forcing you or another sick coworker to return to work or to continue working while ill under the threat of firing you if you refuse
  • Keeping a business open or operating in an unsafe capacity despite the state’s workplace safety and health orders

Due to the evolving nature of available knowledge regarding COVID-19 as well as ever-changing workers’ comp liability issues, determining what’s the right move for you and how to go about your claim can be challenging. Our firm is here to help. We are committed to keeping all of our clients in the loop regarding their cases and can help you explore all available options for recovery.

Contact our Valencia workers’ compensation lawyers to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your case in detail.

Testimonials From Former Clients

    "Zach was my attorney and he was fantastic through the whole experience."

    I found Bridgeford Law and instantly felt like I made the right decision. Zach was my attorney and he was fantastic through the whole experience. Even the front office staff were great through my many times talking with them.

    The workers comp process in California is convoluted and the insurance companies do everything they can to stall and try to wear you down. The whole process Zach did great at keeping an open line of communication with me. He helped reassure me and I will forever appreciate that. I reached a favorable settlement and I was not disappointed with the results that Bridgeford law got me. I can honestly say I will always recommend them to my friends and family.

    - Nathan W.
    "I am eternally in your debt. Again, thank you."
    You have lightened my stress level considerably due to your diligence as well as your legal expertise; and the fact that you genuinely care about me as a person, not just a client. I am quite certain that ALL of your clients receive the same level of quality... and for that, I am eternally in your debt. So glad everything seems to be fast tracked and as bad as things are, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, which for the 1st time, looks like it ISN'T the headlights of an oncoming train. At least this holiday season is far better than last year at this time, and that's directly due to you and your staff's hard work on my behalf. Again, thank you.
    - Former Client
    "He fought for me and we were awarded a more than fair settlement."
    I was referred to Mark by a friend and after our consultation, I knew he had my best interest in mind. He fought for me and we were awarded a more than fair settlement. I would recommend Mark and his staff to anyone in need. A very good group of people.
    - Mason U.
    "The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond!"
    The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond! Mark and his team has worked hard on getting treatment for my injury. If a procedure was denied by the insurance company, Mark and Emily are ready to work on getting medical care approved. I highly recommend this office for anyone who has a work related injury. Thank you Bridgeford Law Office for taking care of my claim.
    - Jose V.
    "Thanks to your efforts."
    At least this new year will be starting on a far better note than last year at this time. Thanks to your efforts this year at least my bills are paid, my medications are here, I'm not facing eviction and there's even plenty of food in case I get an appetite despite the pain. Thanks and have a great holiday!
    - Former Client
    "I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law."
    I had the good fortune to choose Mr. Bridgeford to handle my work comp case...Not only is he an EXTREMELY skilled lawyer who prevented the insurance company from doing various nasty things to me, but his caring, legal expertise & wonderful staff prevented all of it from happening and the outcome of the case was better than I ever could have hoped for...He is without a doubt the finest work comp attorney in So. CA and if you need a great one, then he's DEFINITELY the right man with the right staff for the job...Despite this being a very complex case with 4.5 years of litigation, they were always very attentive to my needs and most definitely saw that justice was done...I have heard many stories of work comp clients getting screwed over and Mark made sure that that did not happen in my case...You will not regret choosing him...I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law.
    - David F.
    "I would recommend them to anyone."
    I had a great experience with everyone at Bridgeford Law. So professional and extremely helpful! I would recommend them to anyone.
    - Samantha H.
    "Would highly recommend."
    Very pleased with this Law Office for Workmans Comp representation. Work hard and not a dime out of pocket. Would highly recommend.
    - Joel C.