Pennsylvania Healthcare Employee Work Injury Law Firm
At MP2 Placidi & Parini, we represent Pennsylvania healthcare workers who have contracted COVID-19 to help them recover compensation.
The novel coronavirus has placed a burden on the healthcare system unlike any other in recent history. Ever since the virus first arrived in the United States, state governments have been fighting to keep up with mitigation and testing. Despite Governor Wolf’s fairly early efforts to require residents to stay at home, there are still tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Among those who are most at risk for contracting the virus are healthcare workers. Healthcare workers voluntarily put themselves on the front lines to fight against COVID-19 and, as a result, many have contracted the virus themselves. Sadly, many of these cases could – and should – have been prevented had hospitals been more prepared.
While filing a claim for compensation may not be at the front of your mind as you recover from your illness, we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible to discuss your options. Our team of dedicated attorneys are waiting to speak with you at your convenience.
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Resources
The state of California has gathered resources and statistics about COVID-19. Below are some helpful links.
55 percent of all healthcare workers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 are believed to have contracted the virus at work. Nurses are more frequently exposed to situations where they may become infected by COVID-19.
- 89 percent of nurses spend significant time in close proximity with others
- On average, just 55.3 percent of workers spend close proximity with others.
- 93 percent of nurses are exposed to disease throughout their workday
- On average, just 19.9 percent of workers are exposed to disease throughout their day.
- 98.4 percent of nurses have frequent face-to-face interactions with others.
- On average, just 85.3 percent of workers have frequent interaction with others throughout their day.
COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious infectious disease that is primarily spread through the air. According to medical experts, the virus causing the disease is most often spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If another person is nearby, that person may contract the virus. The virus can also spread when a healthy person touches an infected surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
The Symptoms of COVID-19
The symptoms of the novel coronavirus are similar the symptoms of the flu, including a dry cough, low-grade fever and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Some, but not all, patients report a loss of smell. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should isolate themselves from others and reach out to a healthcare professional to be evaluated.
Who Is at Risk?
At the present time, medical experts believe that anyone can contract COVID-19, and that no one is immune unless they have already had the virus. Anyone who ends up contracting COVID-19 is at risk of developing severe respiratory symptoms that can lead to death. However, many of those who are young and healthy will recover if they become infected. That said, even otherwise healthy people may become sick and could need hospitalization.
The real concern with COVID-19 is its impact on high-risk individuals. The virus presents an increased risk of complications for those over 60 years of age, those who are immunocompromised, as well as individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions, including:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- HIV
- Asthma
- Serious heart conditions
- Chronic lung conditions
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Protecting Against the Spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 is spread through the air as well as through physical touch. The World Health Organization recommends that, to combat the spread of the disease, everyone:
- Wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with liquid soap and water;
- Cover their nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoid close contact (within six feet) of those who may have the virus;
- Wear a mask when around other people; and
- Stay at home and self-isolate if they are feeling unwell or exhibiting any respiratory symptoms.
On April 1, 2020 Governor Wolf issued an executive order requiring most residents stay at home to reduce the rate at which COVID-19 spreads. However, the Governor’s executive order leaves room for many “life sustaining” businesses to continue operations. Of course, most healthcare workers are certainly included in this group.
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Hazards Facing Pennsylvania Healthcare Workers
According to a recent study, over 93 percent of nurses are frequently exposed to disease, and 98 percent are frequently in face-to-face contact with others, including patients. Because the coronavirus can spread easily through the air, hospitals are an ideal environment for the virus to spread. Nurses and doctors who work in hospitals are constantly around infected patients, and by that fact alone, are at an increased risk of contracting the virus.
The most obvious risk facing many healthcare workers is their direct exposure to patients who have COVID-19.
Pennsylvania healthcare workers are placed in further danger due to staff shortages at a time when hospitals across the state are at or above capacity.
Staff Shortages Cause Further Risk
Pennsylvania healthcare workers are placed in further danger due to staff shortages at a time when hospitals across the state are at or above capacity. As a result, Pennsylvania healthcare workers are being asked to perform a nearly insurmountable task without the supports needed to safely do their job. Not surprisingly, healthcare workers across the state have already become infected with COVID-19, and it is expected that many more cases will follow. Healthcare workers who have contracted COVID-19 should reach out to one of the dedicated Erie personal injury lawyers at the Placidi, Parini, Grasinger & Page for immediate assistance.
Understanding potential claims
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is a method to quickly obtain benefits after a workplace injury or occupational illness.
No-Fault System
The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault system, meaning than an employee does not need to prove that their employer was responsible for their injury.
Personal Injury Claims
For the most part, there are no limits on the type or amount of damages that can be awarded in a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim is possible if a healthcare worker can establish their employer was negligent and that negligence caused the illness.
Contact a Pennsylvania Work Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has contracted COVID-19 while employed as a Pennsylvania healthcare worker, contact the dedicated injury advocates at Placidi, Parini, Grasinger & Page. At Placidi, Parini, Grasinger & Page, our team of attorneys is committed to helping you and your family overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in any way we can.
We handle all types of Pennsylvania personal injury cases, workers’ compensation claims and unemployment claims. Our lawyers have been selected as Top 10 Attorney for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys awarded to attorneys demonstrating exceptional and outstanding client service. We will help you determine if you have the right to file a lawsuit to compensate you for your injuries.
Call us at (814) 452-2222.