COVID-19 & Workers' Compensation Claims

Workplace injuries now includes COVID-19 illness under California's no-fault Workers' Compensation system. If an employee 1) tested positive for or was diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days of being at work, and 2) the employee was at work between March 19, 2020, and July 5, 2020, or the employee was at work during a period of "outbreak" (as defined by Labor Code section 3212.88(m)(4)) after July 6, 2020, the COVID-19 illness is presumed to be an injury arising out of and in the course of employment, therefore qualifying the employee for Workers' Compensation benefits.