Viral or Bacterial Exposure

Typically, people think workers’ compensation claims arise out of injuries caused by accidents in the workplace. However, not all work-related harm is caused by bodily injuries or physical trauma. Rather, a significant number of people sustain illnesses due to viral or bacterial exposure while they are working. People who sustain harm in the workplace may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether their damages were caused by injuries from an accident or medical conditions from dangerous pathogens. Demonstrating that an illness is work-related can be challenging, as employers will often argue that factors outside of the work environment caused their employees’ illnesses.

If you sustained losses because of viral or bacterial exposure at work, it is in your best interest to consult an attorney as soon as possible to assess whether you may be owed workers’ compensation benefits. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is a seasoned Rockland County workers’ compensation lawyer dedicated to helping injured employees fight to protect their interests, and if you hire her, she will aggressively advocate on your behalf. Ms. Crown frequently assists people in workers’ compensation cases in Rockland County and in Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties, as well as the greater metropolitan area.

Numerous microorganisms cause illnesses. If a person is exposed to a virus, bacteria, or another pathogen while working and subsequently becomes ill, the sickness may be deemed work-related. Workplace illnesses, such as pneumonia, influenza, blood-borne infections, and COVID-19 commonly arise in medical settings, such as nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. People who work in other fields may be exposed to bacteria and viruses, as well, if they encounter customers or co-workers who are sick and inadvertently expose them to diseases.

Some workers are fortunate enough to recover from work-related sicknesses quickly, but others are not as lucky and sustain permanent losses. For example, some people who contract respiratory disorders, including COVID-19, suffer long-term heart and lung damage and, in some instances, organ failure. Many people who develop workplace illnesses also develop mental health issues.

Under New York’s Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act), parties who contract illnesses at work may be awarded workers’ compensation benefits if they prove their eligibility. They must prove their illness is work-related. Specifically, they have to demonstrate that their sickness was caused by viral or bacterial exposure that happened while they were performing job duties.

Proving illnesses are work-related can be difficult, as employers usually assert that their sick employees contracted their illnesses outside of the workplace. Under New York an employee, seeking workers’ compensation benefits for an illness, must show the inherent conditions of their job placed them at a greater risk of contracting the illness than that faced by the general public.

Employees, who prove viral or bacterial exposure in the workplace made them sick, may be awarded medical benefits, which cover the cost of any required medical care. Employees who cannot work because of their illness may be granted temporary and/or permanent disability benefits as well.

Exposure to viruses and bacteria can cause critical illnesses, and if the exposure occurs in the workplace, employers may owe their sick employees workers’ compensation benefits. If you contracted a disease at work, you should consult an attorney regarding your potential claims. Valerie Crown of The Law Firm of Valerie J. Crown, Attorney at Law, P.C., is an experienced Rockland County attorney who is adept at handling complicated workers’ compensation claims. If you hire her, she will gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable result. Ms. Crown’s office is located in New York, and she regularly represents employees in workers’ compensation claims in Rockland County and in Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange Counties, and the greater metropolitan area. You can contact Ms. Crown through the online form or by calling 845.708.5900 (office number) or 845.598.8253 (Valerie’s direct cellphone 24/7) to set up a meeting.