Bill would create virus presumption, comp protections

A Connecticut bill would protect workers who are disciplined, deliberately misinformed or dissuaded from filing a workers compensation claim.

S.B. 1002, introduced Thursday, would allow workers who faced discipline or were misinformed about their right to file a claim to bring a civil action against their employer or file a complaint with the chairman of the state’s Workers Compensation Commission.

The bill also includes a presumption of compensability for essential workers who died or were unable to work because of COVID-19 from the start of the public health emergency in the state on March 10, 2020. Essential workers included in the legislation include police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, Department of Corrections employees, health care personnel and personal care assistance workers.

The legislation would also increase workers compensation burial expenses.

The bill as been referred to the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.