The short answer to this question is, it depends. The longer answer is, currently under an executive order issued by Governor Lamont, workers who contracted COVID-19 between March 10, 2020 to May 20, 2020, you would be eligible to file a claim for contracting the virus. While employers still have the right to contest the claim, the executive order allowed workers to file the claim given the difficulty of proving where the disease was contracted.
The next logical question would be, well what happened if I contracted COVID-19 while at work after May 20, 2020? This is a more complex question. Since the executive order does not cover any time outside of March 10,2020 to May 20, 2020 it may be more difficult for you to file a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim for COVID-19.
Lawmakers in Hartford are working now to codify the executive order into new legislation that would enable any worker to claim COVID-19 as a workplace injury and file a claim. The new legislation being discussed currently would also increase the burial benefit, which covers the cost of funeral expenses, from $4,000 to $20,000 which would mirror compensation that is offered to family members who lose a loved one on the job. This new benefit would mirror that of neighboring Rhode Island.
The legislation that was being debated in the Labor Committee where testimony was heard from workers who would be impacted by the new law and by businesses and municipalities who believe that would be adversely affected by the new provisions in the proposed law.
If the bill passes and becomes law, anyone who contracted COVID-19 while on the job during the pandemic would be eligible to file a claim. According to some lawmakers this would include those who are working and have refused the vaccine.
If you or a loved one became ill due to COVID-19 and you believe you contracted it on the job, you may need to speak to a board certified workers’ compensation attorney. Contact our office and we can review your claim.
