Everyone has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way. Unfortunately, some individuals are more susceptible to the virus due to job-related exposure. If you or a loved one contracted the virus on the job in New York, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation. Here’s what you should know to determine whether you should contact a lawyer for help.

What Is Occupational Disease?

An occupational disease is a condition that can be directly related to work conditions. For instance, lead or mercury poisoning would be automatically considered an occupational disease for employees who have worked with the chemical.

Since COVID-19 can be contracted outside the work environment, not everyone who gets the illness will qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if you or your loved one is believed to have gotten sick from work-related exposure in a high-risk position, you should contact a lawyer to see if you qualify for compensation.

What Are High-Risk Jobs for COVID-19?

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has declared certain occupations to pose a heightened risk for COVID-19. These include workers in the health care and transportation fields, as well as first responders, food service employees, and corrections officers. People who have jobs that involve direct interaction with the public, such as retail associates, may also qualify for benefits.

What Benefits Can You Claim?

As with any workers’ compensation claim, an approved claim for work-related COVID-19 will allow you to collect funds for any medical bills related to the condition, as well as funds for missed wages. If a loved one has passed away from COVID-19 that was believed to be contracted at work, surviving dependents will receive the benefits, including reimbursement for funeral expenses.

Parties who wish to pursue the benefits may file an Employee Claim form at wcb.ny.gov. A positive test will be required, along with agreement from a workers’ compensation doctor that the illness was likely contracted on the job.

If you or a loved one contracted COVID-19 at work, contact The Finkelstein Law Firm in Goshen, NY. These dedicated lawyers have over 20 years of experience and work hard to secure the best possible outcomes for their clients. Find out more about their approach to cases involving illness and injury online, or call (845) 294-9003 to schedule a consultation.