Quote of the day
“Insurance works well and remains affordable when a relatively small number of claims are spread across a broader group. Therefore, it is not typically well-suited for a global pandemic where virtually every policyholder suffers significant losses at the same time for an extended period. If insurance companies are required to cover such claims, such an action would create substantial solvency risks for the sector, significantly undermine the ability of insurers to pay other types of claims, and potentially exacerbate the negative financial and economic impacts the country is experiencing.”
National Association of Insurance Commissioners statement
Minnesota first responders plea for workers’ comp coverage
Seventy-five St. Paul firefighters have reported potential exposure to COVID-19 at work after coming into contact with people with coronavirus signs and symptoms. All were wearing personal protective equipment at the time, according to a fire official. The Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters Association last week called on Gov. Tim Walz to issue an executive order deeming COVID-19 a presumptive illness under workers’ compensation for first responders. Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com (St. Paul, Minn.)
South Carolina first responders risk exposure to virus without workers’ comp coverage
State workers’ compensation law may not protect South Carolina first responders who contract COVID-19. The law does not cover pandemics and first responders are being told coronavirus claims would not be covered. Fox 28 [with video]
Ohio sees spike in workers’ comp claims due to coronavirus
A growing number of Ohioans are already filing workers’ comp claims over the coronavirus. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation said the agency is also trying to help out businesses by extended deadlines to make payments for the next three months. Fox8 (Cleveland)
Virus could spur avalanche of tort and employment litigation
The insurance industry is bracing for a tidal wave of claims related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Experts say it puts claimants and the industry in uncharted waters. In general, such claims are not going to be compensable “although that hasn’t stopped the hysteria of exposure claims,” according to attorney Dana Bennett. Workers’ comp claims might involve mental stress from being exposed to the virus. Courthouse News Service
Q&A: Attorney advice on workers’ comp for Long Island employees with coronavirus
Which occupations can receive workers’ compensation benefits for coronavirus? Is there standing case law to support a claim for infectious diseases? Workers’ compensation attorney Edward Guldi discusses. Port Washington News