The coronavirus epidemic has made life difficult for residents of Texas and people across the United States. Despite the Texas stay-at-home order, essential businesses like hospitals, pharmacies, and grocery stores are remaining open to serve the public. This means that the workers at these businesses risk the possibility of being infected by coronavirus every day, especially if their employer has not taken adequate precautions. If you contracted coronavirus due to the negligence of your employer, contact an experienced Texas attorney for unsafe work conditions due to coronavirus.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., is committed to fighting for workers who have been infected with COVID-19 due to operating in an unsafe workplace. Our firm understands the significant stress faced by essential workers during this difficult time, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797. You may also contact the firm online.
How Coronavirus Can be Transmitted in Texas Essential Workplaces
In the United States, the coronavirus has currently infected over 690,000 people. Out of this number, there were approximately 57,000 reported recoveries and over 36,000 deaths. As a result, Texas and many other states have continued to update their stay-at-home policies to avoid spreading the coronavirus any further. Despite these troubling statistics, essential employees have continued to work for the benefit of the public.
COVID-19 is a strain of coronavirus derived out of the family of coronaviruses referred to as SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It was initially estimated that these droplets traveled approximately 6 feet. However, scientists now believe there is a possibility that the virus could travel up to 13 feet via respiratory droplets.
If a person inhales the respiratory droplets from an infected person, they will likely contract the coronavirus. As a result, employers must take steps to avoid the transmission of the disease to their employees. Unfortunately, some employers are not taking proper precautions to keep their employees safe.
To learn more about what employers can do to stop the spread of coronavirus at the workplace, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Texas COVID-19 work injury lawyer.
Safety Precautions to Avoid Transmission of COVID-19 at Texas Workplaces
To stop the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have outlined some steps that essential businesses can take to protect employees and others. Failure to adopt these guidelines or similar guidelines could result in an employer being liable if a worker contracts the coronavirus.
Pre-Screening
Before the start of the workday or the start of a particular worker’s shift, it is vital that employers perform pre-screening tests. Pre-screening usually consists of checking the worker’s temperature to determine whether they have a fever or inquiring about other symptoms that may indicate they are infected with the coronavirus. This is especially important in a workplace where a worker is preparing food or interacting with people as a healthcare worker.
Temperature checks should occur prior to a worker entering the workplace. If an employee is running a fever, they should not be permitted to enter the premises at all. Even if an employee passes the pre-screening test, the CDC advises that they continue to self-monitor for any COVID-19 related symptoms.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
All essential employees should be outfitted with personal protective equipment. This personal protective equipment should at least include gloves and masks that cover the mouth and nose. Some employers have provided their workers with face shields or barriers to place in between them and customers.
Unfortunately, some employers do not provide their workers with an adequate amount of protective gear. Some may require that employees reuse protective equipment for an extended period of time, which can increase the risk of contracting the virus.
Social Distancing
As mentioned, workers should be instructed to remain at least 6-13 feet apart from other employees and customers, if possible. This helps ensure that infected respiratory droplets do not make contact with others.
Disinfection of Common Areas and Workplaces
Employers should also implement a system to disinfect areas frequented by employees and surfaces that are consistently touched, like a restroom. Various studies have shown that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for a number of hours.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other steps that can help employers reduce the risk to workers and customers.
What to Do After a Work Injury in Texas Due to Coronavirus
If you contracted coronavirus at the workplace due to the negligence of your employer, you might wonder what your options are to receive compensation for your injury. Our firm can help you explore your legal options if you believe your employer is responsible for your COVID-19 diagnosis.
There are a number of legal options available, depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you contracted coronavirus while treating a patient, you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Alternatively, if you believe that your employer acted negligently and caused you to be infected, you may also consider a personal injury lawsuit. Our firm can evaluate your circumstances and help determine the appropriate action for you.
Work with Our Experienced Texas Lawyer for Work Injuries Caused by Unsafe Conditions from Coronavirus
If you were exposed to the coronavirus due to your employer’s negligence, contact an experienced Texas coronavirus work injury lawyer. The legal team at the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., possesses extensive experience litigating complex work injury claims, and we would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your claim, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.