Fayetteville Attorney for Work Injuries Caused by Unsafe Work Conditions from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Essential workers in Fayetteville and across the United States are continuing to work during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure that the public can continue to get services and supplies they need during this time. While Arkansas has lower coronavirus infection rates than many other states, employers should still look to implement procedures to decrease the risk of infection to their employees. If you or a family member contracted coronavirus due to unsafe work conditions, contact an experienced Fayetteville attorney for coronavirus work injuries.

Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, has seen how a diagnosis for coronavirus can affect a person’s life, and he is ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Essential workers should not have to solely carry the burden of being infected by coronavirus due to the negligence of an employer. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential case, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438. You may also contact the firm online.

Methods of Coronavirus Transmission in Fayetteville Workplaces

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that are often present in humans and various types of animals, from bats to cattle. The SARS-CoV-2 strain causes the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus. Respiratory droplets from an infected person typically spread this form of coronavirus. An infected individual can produce respiratory droplets whenever they cough or sneeze that can land in the mouth, nose, or eyes of others in the vicinity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes can travel roughly six feet or possibly farther. As a result, the CDC has suggested that people remain at least six feet or more apart while in public. In some cases, it may even be possible that the virus can be transmitted through contact with surfaces.

To learn more about what steps employers can take to stop the spread of the virus, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Fayetteville Workers’ Compensation lawyer.

Safeguards Against Unsafe Work Conditions Due to COVID-19

Despite having considerable information from the CDC concerning how COVID-19 is spread, some employers have not taken adequate steps to decrease the risk to essential workers. For example, if an employer has not provided a station where employees could frequently wash their hands while on the job, this can be an unsafe work condition that can lead to the infection of a number of workers.

There are many other steps that an employer can take to decrease the danger to essential workers. If your employer has failed to implement many of these safeguards, they may be liable if your contract COVID-19.

Prevent Sick Employees from Attending Work

If one or more employees have reported that they are experiencing fevers, loss of taste, chills, and other common signs and symptoms linked to COVID-19, an employer should not allow that employee to return to work. Employers should also consider pre-screening employees before allowing them to enter the building.

If a worker tests positive for COVID-19 or believes they have been exposed, an employer should inform any other coworkers they made contact with that may have also been exposed.

Workers should also be encouraged to monitor themselves and report to an employer if they feel that they are becoming sick. For example, a worker that is experiencing unexplained body aches and chills should be sent home immediately.

Provide Personal Protective Equipment

Employers should provide workers with personal protective equipment when feasible. As COVID-19 is commonly spread through respiratory droplets, masks are an effective way to decrease the risk of contracting the virus. Employers should also consider providing employees with gloves, face shields, and other protective gear.

Unfortunately, some employers are not doing enough to keep their workers safe. For example, there are some companies that are requiring employees to reuse protective masks, which could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. If an employer fails to provide protective gear without a valid reason, they could be held liable if an employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Disinfect Workspaces and Common Areas

As mentioned, the coronavirus may survive on surfaces for an undefined amount of time. As a result, employers should ensure that frequently used workspaces are often cleaned and inform employees to avoid using the same workspaces if possible. For example, multiple employees should avoid using the same phone to speak to customers or other employees.

There are many other steps employers can take to prevent the spread of the virus between workers and customers.

Seeking Compensation for COVID-19 Work Injuries in Fayetteville

If you contracted COVID-19 at your workplace, you might have a number of legal options to pursue compensation. One way is to seek Workers’ Compensation benefits for your injuries. If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 at work, this would be considered a work-related injury. If your employer is required to offer Workers’ Compensation, you may be entitled to benefits for your coronavirus diagnosis.

Additionally, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. This lawsuit would allege that you contracted COVID-19 due to the negligent actions of an employer. Our firm can help you explore your legal options to determine how to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Contact Our Skilled Fayetteville Coronavirus Work Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Potential Claim

If you contracted COVID-19 at your workplace, you should consult with an experienced Fayetteville COVID-19 work injury lawyer. Personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak possesses over two decades of legal experience, and he is ready to work with you on your coronavirus injury claim. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.