Workers’ Compensation Benefits & COVID-19
Written By: Brett Johnson, Attorney at Law & Workers’ Compensation Legal Specialist
Edited By: Cecily Johnson
There are three major benefit branches in Workers’ Compensation: Medical Care, Disability Benefits, and Supplemental Job Displacement School Vouchers. All of which, have been greatly impacted by COVID-19.
1. MEDICAL CARE:
COVID-19 has caused significant delays in treatment and telemedicine is used whenever possible. However, appointments like Physical Therapy have been especially impacted as the hands-on nature of these appointments causes COVID-19 related health and safety concerns.
If you believe your infection of COVID-19 is work related, do not rely on Workers’ Compensation to effectively treat you.
2. DISABILITY BENEFITS:
TEMPORARY DISABILITY (TD):
TD is more difficult to obtain due to COVID-19 because employers have more excuses to deny, delay or decrease this benefit. If TD ends and you are not back to work, apply for State Disability Insurance through EDD (SDI/EDD). Additionally, COVID-19 has caused further delays with treatment which can cause TD to stop.
PERMANENT DISABILITY (PD):
COVID-19 has caused huge delays in determining PD. QMEs (Qualified Medical Examiners) usually determine the PD value, but it is incredibly difficult to get an exam within the strict time requirements that Workers’ Compensation demands.
3. SUPPLEMENTAL JOB DISPLACEMENT SCHOOL VOUCHER:
Again, COVID-19 has caused major delays as obtaining doctor information for this benefit is difficult. Additionally, many schools are closed due to health and safety concerns.
COVID-19 had impacted all of our lives. I hope this important information helps you understand and navigate you Workers’ Compensation benefits during these unprecedented times.
Attorney at Law & Workers’ Compensation Specialist
Ph: 408-293-4818 Ext. 226
Email: [email protected]