Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Claims

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our way of life and changed how many companies conduct business. While Arkansas is one of the few states where a governor has not issued a stay-at-home order, many industries have been advised to take precautions to avoid the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, some employers may fail to provide workers with a safe work environment to prevent further spread of the virus. If you or a family member tested positive for coronavirus, you should consult with an experienced Arkansas Workers’ Compensation lawyer for coronavirus claims.

Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve after being exposed to the coronavirus due to an employer’s negligence. Our firm recognizes how this deadly virus can substantially impact a worker’s life, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438. You may also contact the firm online.

How Coronavirus Can be Spread in the Workplace in Arkansas

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is caused by a strain of coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. The coronavirus family is not only common in people, but also animals like cattle, bats, and cats. However, COVID-19 has proven to be a much more dangerous strain than prior coronavirus strains.

Scientists have discovered that coronavirus is primarily passed from human to human through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets are produced when a person coughs or sneezes. If an individual is positive for coronavirus, these respiratory droplets can infect other people in the vicinity if it lands in the mouth or nose of another person. This is the reason that the CDC has recommended that people remain at least six feet away from each other in public. However, there are some conflicting reports that suggest that the virus can travel even farther than six feet.

In the United States, there are more than 775,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the time of this article. Out of this number, there are over 70,000 confirmed recoveries and over 41,000 deaths due to the virus. Evidence suggests that these numbers could be inaccurate due to the number of people that have not been diagnosed with the virus.

There have also been conflicting reports about whether the virus can survive on surfaces for an extended period of time. As a result, it is important for employers to implement procedures to protect workers from scenarios where they could be infected. For example, if an employer does not strictly enforce that workers remain at least six feet apart, they could be held liable when an employee contracts the virus.

To learn more about the protective measures that an employer should take to avoid spreading COVID-19, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Arkansas COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation attorney.

COVID-19 Protective Measures Arkansas Employers Should Take

Workers’ compensation claims are often accrued because of a workplace accident where an employer failed to take adequate precautions. This is also true for Workers’ Compensation claims that occur due to coronavirus infections. There are several steps that an employer can take to decrease the likelihood of a work contracting coronavirus.

Pre-Screen Employees

One effective way to decrease the spread of coronavirus among workers is to pre-screen workers before they enter the workplace. Specifically, an employer can test the worker’s temperature and inquire whether the worker has experienced any symptoms that are linked to the coronavirus. If a worker’s temperature is higher than average, and they complain of there worrisome symptoms, they should not be permitted to enter the establishment. Instead, the worker should be tested for COVID-19.

Self-Checking of Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that have been linked to the coronavirus. Many people have reported experiencing the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Headaches

This is not an exhaustive list. If any workers report experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should be sent home immediately. The employer should also inform any other workers that may have been in contact with the potentially infected individual.

Use of Masks and Gloves

The use of masks and gloves are another important part of ensuring workers are safe. Unfortunately, some workers may not provide workers with sufficient masks, which can lead to workers having to reuse protective gear frequently and increase the risk of infection.

If you fail to take proper precautions, you may be entitled to receive Workers’ Compensation if you are infected with COVID-19.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation After Contracting COVID-19 in Arkansas

If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 at your workplace, our firm can help you explore your legal options. Testing positive for coronavirus not only ensures that a person cannot work for an extended period of time, but it also means they are unable to interact with the family. Others with severe symptoms may be forced to remain in the hospital for weeks. As a result, an employer could be held liable for Workers’ Compensation benefits if they did not provide the employee with a safe workplace. In some cases, a worker may even consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Work with Our Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Coronavirus Claims

If you or a family member contracted COVID-19 at the workplace, consult with an experienced Arkansas Workers’ Compensation attorney as soon as possible. Workers’ compensation attorney Ken Kieklak possesses over 20 years of legal experience litigating a broad range of cases, and he would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.