As of this writing, the Centers for Disease Control reports over 10,000 coronavirus COVID-19 cases in the U.S. This is a developing story, with many medical experts warning that the number of cases is growing exponentially. The director of the National Institutes of Health told the Atlantic that for every case observed, there might be another 100 that have yet to be detected. Reports indicate that the elderly are at the highest risk of developing severe illness, but that younger people also are becoming seriously ill. The New York Times reports that 38 percent of people requiring hospitalization in the U.S. were between the ages of 20 and 54.
The response across the country has been varied. In California, residents have been asked to stay home. In New York, schools have been shut down and the city has asked that people who can stay home and work should do so. In South Carolina, schools are shutting down, public buildings are restricting entry to essential personnel only, major events have been called off, and stores that don’t provide essential services are closing their doors. Yet, the response across the nation hasn’t always been uniform, and in many cases, people either work in an industry where it is essential to report to work. What rights do you have for worker’s compensation claims or for sick leave when it comes to the coronavirus? What are your rights? The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC is a workers compensation law firm in Greenville, South Carolina that is closely monitoring this developing situation.
Paid Sick Leave for Coronavirus in Greenville, South Carolina
The government recently passed an emergency relief package called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. If you need to take time off from work because of the coronavirus, the act may cover you for paid sick leave. Forbes recently reported on the benefits offered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Individuals qualify for two weeks of paid sick leave if they are diagnosed or quarantined for the coronavirus. If an individual is caring for a family member impacted by the coronavirus, he or she also qualifies for paid sick leave. Finally, individuals can take 12 weeks of paid leave if they are caring for a child who must stay home due to school closures resulting from the coronavirus. The maximum amount a person can claim in sick leave per day is $500 if you are sick or seeking medical care, and $200 if you are caring for a family member or are caring for a child whose school has closed.
Most employees will be covered for paid sick leave, but not all. If you work for a small or medium-sized company, work for the government, or have been employed for at least the past 30 days, you should be covered. However, not all workers may qualify for paid sick leave. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt, and individuals who work for companies with more than 500 employees may have other options for paid sick leave from their places of employment.
Do you have questions about whether you are entitled to receive paid sick leave if you have to take time off work due to the coronavirus? Many Americans have questions. The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC is a worker’s compensation law firm in Greenville, South Carolina closely monitoring this developing situation. We may be able to help you make a claim if your employer is wrongfully denying you paid sick leave benefits you are now entitled to receive under the law.
Who Can Make a Coronavirus Worker’s Compensation Claim?
The coronavirus pandemic is changing daily and we are getting new information with each passing day. If the states that have been hardest hit are any indication, it appears that certain workers may qualify to make a coronavirus worker’s compensation claim. Workers who may be more likely to be exposed to the virus due to their occupation (first responders, doctors, nurses, and police), may be able to make a coronavirus worker’s compensation claim going forward. Workers who contract the virus from fellow co-workers may not be able to make a worker’s compensation claim.
This story is changing by the day. In the days and weeks ahead, take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. Wash your hands. Clean surfaces that are frequently touched. Obey all government orders and health recommendations, including recommendations that gatherings larger than 10 people be avoided in the coming weeks. If you have a meeting scheduled with the Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC, and are concerned, reach out to us. We may be able to schedule the meeting via virtual means. If you are not feeling well, reach out to our office to reschedule your meeting or to hold the meeting online.
The Hayes Law Firm Upstate Attorneys, LLC is a worker’s compensation law firm in Greenville, South Carolina that may be able to assist you with your worker’s compensation claim if you qualify for a coronavirus worker’s compensation claim. Reach out to us as soon as possible. We are here to help. You can also connect with us by contacting USAttorneys.com to get matched with a worker’s compensation lawyer at our firm today.