What should I do if I think I caught COVID-19 at work?

COVID-19 is spreading across New Jersey like wildfire. Many of those employees diagnosed with this deadly virus were exposed at work. The New Jersey workers’ compensation program provides benefits to employees who contracted COVID-19 on the job and cannot work as a result. However, obtaining benefits is not as easy as merely proving a diagnosis. There are strict notice and filing requirements that workers must meet to preserve their eligibility.

If you suspect that you have COVID-19, but have not been diagnosed, the most important thing to do is get tested and obtain the necessary medical treatment. In New Jersey, there are ample testing locations. However, during peak times, there may be a wait to get tested.

It is also critically important to let your employer know you believe you have contracted COVID-19 due to exposure while at work. This should be done as soon as possible. If your employer accepts that you contracted COVID-19 at work, your employer is required to help you obtain the necessary medical treatment.

If you test positive and have reported your positive test to your employer, the next step is to contact an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer for assistance preparing your claim. While there is no legal requirement to work with an attorney, due to the complexities of obtaining workers’ comp benefits with a COVID-19 diagnosis, having the assistance of an attorney will prove invaluable.

Other COVID-19 Work-Related FAQs:

• Can My Employer Fire Me If I File a Workers’ Comp Claim After Catching COVID-19 at Work?
• Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a COVID-19 Diagnosis?
• How Can An Essential Worker Prove That They Caught COVID-19 at Work?
• What Should I Do If I Think I Caught COVID-19 at Work?