Data shows that more than 1,000 frontline workers in Minnesota have filed for workers’ compensation in Minnesota after contracting COVID-19. While this process has been made easier after a recent change to workers’ compensation law, it’s still not an easy ordeal to sort out. At Hey Workers, we’ve helped a number of frontline workers file for and collect workers’ compensation benefits after they’ve contracted COVID-19, and we can do the same for you.
COVID and Workers’ Comp In Minnesota
Back in April when we were seeing an uptick in the number of coronavirus cases in Minnesota and across the US, our state tweaked workers’ compensation law for the better. The change allows firefighters and healthcare workers to collect compensation if they missed work after contracting the virus because it was presumed that their line of work put them at a heightened risk for coming in contact with COVID-19. Previously, a person would have to prove that their contraction of an illness was a direct result of their employment and work duties. You can imagine the difficulties of proving where you came in contact with an invisible illness. After the change, this connection was now presumed and didn’t need to be proven in court.
A short while later, this presumption was expanded to include all frontline workers in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, those who meet the classification of a frontline worker include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Health Technicians
- Health Technologists
- Therapists
- Homes Health Aides
- Medical Assistants
We understand that this doesn’t cover everyone who is at a heightened risk for coming in contact with the coronavirus at their place of employment, and we’d be happy to go to bat for you if there is evidence that your illness was directly tied to your employment. For those individuals on the above list, we’d be happy to help assist you in the process of filing for and collecting your workers’ compensation benefits.
More than 75 percent of COVID-19 related workers’ compensation claims in Minnesota have come from frontline workers, and based on the current state of the virus, we expect to see a similar percentage as claims continue to roll in. You’ve dedicated your career to helping others in their time of need, but if you end up contracting the virus, you need to take care of your health. Sit back and focus on your health, and we will help provide you with financial stability when you’re away from work. We can also work with you to revisit an injury claim down the road if you’ve suffered long-term health effects as a result of the coronavirus.
The virus isn’t going away anytime soon, but know that you have financial options if you end up contracting the virus as a frontline worker in Minnesota. For answers to any questions you might have or for assistance with your claim, reach out to the experienced legal team at Hey Workers today.
