Arlington, TX Attorney for Work Injuries Caused by Unsafe Work Conditions from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Many essential employees and companies are continuing to operate during the coronavirus pandemic. However, without the proper conditions, some workers are at risk of being exposed to the virus. That is why it is necessary for employers to take steps to protect employees from contracting the virus. If you or a family member contracted coronavirus at the workplace, consult with an experienced Arlington, TX coronavirus unsafe work condition lawyer.

The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., understands the stress many workers are experiencing while working in this unpredictable environment, and we are here for you in your time of need. The legal team at the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., possess a broad range of experience litigating work injury claims, and we are prepared to offer you the legal representation that you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797. You may also contact the firm online.

How COVID-19 is Spread in the Workplace in Arlington, TX

COVID-19 belongs to a large family of coronaviruses. This strain of coronavirus that has caused this global pandemic is known as SARS-CoV-2. The coronavirus is not only common among humans but also animals like cattle and bats.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus is mainly spread through respiratory droplets. When a person coughs or sneezes, they produce respiratory droplets that are said to travel roughly six feet. When droplets from a person infected with coronavirus make contact with another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, there is a high chance a person may contract the virus.

There has also been conflicting evidence concerning how long coronaviruses can last on surfaces. Some scientists believe that people should wipe down surfaces, and other evidence has suggested that coronavirus is rarely transmitted through contact with surfaces.

To learn more about how unsafe work conditions can lead to a coronavirus infection, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Arlington TX COVID-19 unsafe work conditions lawyer.

Coronavirus Unsafe Work Conditions in Arlington Workplaces

To prevent the spread of coronavirus in the workplace, there are several steps that employers can take. Failure to take adequate precautions can result in an employer being held legally liable for a worker becoming infected. The following are some precautions recommended by the CDC to decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19.

One of the first steps an employer can take is to pre-screen employees before they enter the workplace. Specifically, an employer could measure an employee’s temperature to determine whether they are running a fever. While a fever is one of the main ways that can help deduce that a person has COVID-19, there are other symptoms that can indicate a person contracted COVID-19:

• Coughs and chills
• Fever
• Loss of taste and smell
• Muscle pain
• Shortness of breath or labored breathing
• Sporadic shaking
• Sore throat

Additionally, employees should continue to monitor themselves in the workplace. For example, if an employee is experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, they should inform their supervisor immediately to determine whether they can continue working.

Next, employers should ensure that all employees are outfitted with gloves, masks, and other protective gear that can prevent the spread of the virus. If a worker is consistently interacting with customers, it is important for workers to be protected. While some municipalities may have suggested that the public wear masks, this may not always be possible for some.

When possible, employers should also ensure that workers stay at least six feet away from each other and any customers. The respiratory droplets by any person not wearing a mask could endanger anyone in the infected person’s vicinity.

The CDC also suggests that surfaces that are frequently touched be disinfected often. For example, the keypad for credit cards at the register may be a hotspot for spreading coronavirus.

If an employer believes that any worker was exposed or infected, a list of everyone they interacted with should be composed. Any person on the list should be informed that they could be at risk of contracting the virus.

Legal Options After Being Exposed to Coronavirus in the Workplace

If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 at the workplace, our firm can help you weigh your legal options for receiving compensation. One option that you can take is to seek a workers’ compensation claim.

A workers’ compensation claim arises out of a work-related injury. For example, if you were infected due to another coworker, this can be considered as a work-related injury.

Another possibility is that you could file a personal injury lawsuit against your Arlington, TX employer. It is important to note that you cannot seek a workers’ compensation claim while also pursuing legal action against your employer.

If you are uncertain about what steps to take after being exposed to the coronavirus at work, our firm is ready to work with you.

Work with an Experienced Arlington, TX Lawyer for Work Injuries Caused by Unsafe Work Conditions from Coronavirus

If you or a family member tested positive for coronavirus due to the negligence of an employer, consult with an experienced Arlington COVID-19 unsafe work conditions lawyer. The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., is committed to fighting for workers exposed to the coronavirus due to the actions of an employer. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.