National Safe Work Month
Published on Posted onPlease note that this post was written for Victorian audiences and the information within may not apply to other regions.
To put it in perspective, as of 6 October, the total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases is 3538 in the healthcare sector.
Of the 3538 cases, 72.6% were acquired in a healthcare setting.
- 49.86% were aged care or disability workers
- 40.06% were nurses and midwives
- 4.67% were medical practitioners
- 5.41% were other healthcare workers
Our frontline workers continue to care for those most vulnerable in our community. They continue to work in uncertain times and provide strength and hope for all in the community.
As at 21 August 2020, only 81 healthcare workers with coronavirus have made successful WorkCover compensation claims, despite there being nearly 2530 healthcare workers who had acquired the virus at work.
If a worker is confirmed to have coronavirus and it is determined that their employment had significantly increased the risk of them contracting coronavirus, they may be entitled to compensation including:
- Medical and like expenses
- Loss of income
- Lump sum impairment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- TPD
A worker who contracts coronavirus may suffer medium to long-lasting (and potentially permanent) primary or sequelae physical, cognitive and psychological impairments. They may need ongoing medical treatment and have a reduced work capacity. Some of our clients who have mostly recovered physically are experiencing ongoing secondary psychological conditions.
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, contact our office today for an obligation free telephone appointment.
On behalf of Zaparas Lawyers, we want to express our gratitude to all those working on the frontline.
*Case numbers provided from The Department of Health and Human Services website Victoria