Tag: COVID-19 Workers Comp

Meatpackers Deny Workers Benefits for COVID-19 Deaths, Illnesses

Tyson Foods lawsuit

Saul Sanchez died in April, one of six workers with fatal COVID-19 infections at meatpacker JBS USA’s slaughterhouse in Greeley, Colorado, the site of one of the earliest and deadliest coronavirus outbreaks at a U.S. meatpacking plant. Before getting sick, the 78-year-old Sanchez only left home to work on the fabrication line, where cattle carcasses… Continue reading Meatpackers Deny Workers Benefits for COVID-19 Deaths, Illnesses

Gov. Newsom Signs New Law Giving Californians Who Contract COVID-19 at Work Additional Help

A group of doctors talking about corona virus on conference.

California will relax the burden of proof to receive workers’ compensation benefits for some employees who contract COVID-19 on the job under a bill Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Thursday. Senate Bill 1159 by Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) makes it easier for police, firefighters and other essential employees who contract COVID-19 while working to be… Continue reading Gov. Newsom Signs New Law Giving Californians Who Contract COVID-19 at Work Additional Help

California Gov Considering Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers through Workers Compensation

Farm workers weeding spinach by hand. California grows most of the salad greens consumed in the US. San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering an executive order that could significantly increase the cost of workers’ compensation insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order would substantially expand the criteria of work-relatedness for essential employees as it pertains to compensation benefits. Employees would be eligible for benefits paid for by employers based simply on exposure… Continue reading California Gov Considering Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers through Workers Compensation

Reopening Plans Need to Solve Sticky Liability Issues

Cropped shot of a man in apron putting nameplate on the entrance door at his own shop

If America is going to restart its economy, at whatever pace, it needs to think about a major roadblock: liability from Covid-19. If a university or workplace reopens, and some employees or students get sick, should they have the right to sue? In the absence of clarity on this question, many risk-averse institutions will simply… Continue reading Reopening Plans Need to Solve Sticky Liability Issues

Businesses Fear Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risks

Open sign at coffee cafe, Lifestyle of people at coffee shop.

Whenever U.S. stores, restaurants and theaters reopen from coronavirus shutdowns, they may face an unexpected problem: lawsuits from sick patrons and workers. Business owners hit hard by Covid-19 are eager to get back to work as the outbreak shows signs of slowing and the Trump administration pushes for a quick restart of the nation’s economy.… Continue reading Businesses Fear Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risks