Los Angeles COVID-19 Work Claim Attorney
As Southern California continues to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, employees who have been furloughed or otherwise not working have been asked to come back to the workplace – despite the risks of contracting the deadly virus during their shift.
If you or a loved one has contracted COVID-19 after coming back to work, please contact a Los Angeles COVID-19 work claim attorney at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP immediately to discuss your case. You may have a legal right to pursue compensation against your employer – and we want to help you hold any at-fault parties accountable for any actions that have led to your damages.
Why Choose Us for Your COVID-19 Work Claim?
Rose, Klein & Marias LLP has provided exceptional legal representation to those in the Southern California region for over 80 years.
- Our attorneys are widely regarded as the top of their fields, helping to secure record-breaking verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients.
- We are a reputation for results, securing more than $5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients.
- In our storied history, we have helped pioneer lawsuits in numerous fields. We were the first in California to file a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers, and we spearheaded NFL concussion litigation in both workers’ compensation and personal injury fields.
- Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers represent all clients on a contingency fee basis. We charge no upfront costs to represent your case, and you only pay legal fees if we secure a favorable verdict or settlement on your behalf.
Businesses in California Are Required to Protect Employees From COVID-19
All employers in the state of California are required to implement safety precautions to protect their employees from exposure to infectious diseases such as COVID-19. These guidelines are detailed by the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health – also known as Cal/OSHA – and they can vary significantly based on the industry.
Generally, some of these precautions can include:
- Teleworking or working from home if at all possible
- Installing plexiglass barriers to protect employees from customers
- Mandating that masks be worn while on a shift
- Maintaining social distancing protocols between employees and customers
- Restricting the number of employees and people that may be in the location at one time
How Can a Los Angeles COVID-19 Lawyer Help?
Due to the ever-changing circumstances regarding liability, determining the best options for compensation can seem incredibly stressful and confusing. At Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, we can help you explore all of your options for recovery, providing the best course of action necessary to secure the maximum possible compensation for your needs.
We are committed to keeping all of our clients in the loop regarding COVID-19 liability protections, answering any questions and concerns that they may have about the legal process surrounding a potential claim.
As a law firm who is proud to take on brand new cases, we want to help all those who have been impacted by COVID-19 in the workplace receive the answers and compensation they deserve. Reach out to our Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys to learn more.
If I Contracted COVID-19 at Work, What Are My Options for Compensation?
Employees in California may have options for compensation if they contracted COVID-19 shortly after going back to work. However, the unprecedented circumstances may make your options for compensation unclear and confusing.
In the state of California, you may be eligible for compensation after contracting COVID-19 at work through two options: a workers’ compensation claim or a civil personal injury case.
Am I Eligible for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Generally, any injuries or damages that occur at a workplace are covered by workers’ compensation insurance – but infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are often not explicitly included in workers’ compensation coverage.
On May 6, California Governor Gavin Newsom passed Executive Order N-62-20. This order created a rebuttable presumption for those who have been impacted by COVID-19. In other words, those who contracted COVID-19 after going back to work were eligible for workers’ compensation. Unfortunately, the Executive Order was only valid for 60 days – it officially ended on July 6 with no indications of an extension or a revival of the Order.
Nonetheless, those who contract COVID-19 at the workplace may still be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, without an Executive Order in effect, the burden of proof may fall on the employee to definitely show causation in the eyes of the court.
In these circumstances, contacting a Los Angeles COVID-19 work claim attorney at a law firm such as Rose, Klein & Marias LLP is highly recommended. With decades of experience in workers’ compensation and unprecedented legal claims, we may have the knowledge and experience and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Can My Employer Be Held Liable in a Civil Claim?
Your employer may be held liable if you contracted COVID-19 due to any carelessness or negligence by your employer. The following circumstances may constitute negligent actions in the eyes of the court:
- Your employer failed to implement the proper safety precautions for employees.
- Your employer forced you to come back to work under the threat of firing you if you did not.
- Your employer kept his or her business open, despite California state health orders mandating it to remain closed to prevent further spread of disease.
In each of these circumstances, your employer has failed to uphold their duty of care to both you and your customers, possibly resulting in a potential outbreak of the deadly pandemic and endangering the lives of many. Speak with a knowledgeable Los Angeles COVID-19 work claim lawyer to learn more about holding your employer responsible.
New Federal Stimulus Bill May Alter Protections
It is important to note that the new federal stimulus bill that is currently being legislated may make a profound impact on the ability to seek compensation from your employer. Parts of the federal government are pushing for “non-negotiable” liability protections against small businesses, for fear of bad-faith civil lawsuits made against them for COVID-19 cases. If this proposal is approved, it may affect your ability to seek compensation for contractive COVID-19 from your place of work.
However, California is currently also deliberating state legislation that officially codifies the previous Executive Order into law. Doing so would further complicate your options for compensation for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a COVID-19 Attorney in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has contracted COVID-19 at work, please contact us immediately to discuss your case. Our Los Angeles COVID-19 attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice and compensation for any injuries or illnesses you have suffered through no fault of your own. Schedule a free consultation with us today and see how can help you during this difficult time.