Workers Comp in the Time of COVID: Industry news, important updates and the DWC’s Response to the Ongoing Pandemic
According to a recent release from Stone, Loughlin and Swanson LLP, there are many changes on the horizon for the workers comp industry due to the vicissitudes of the novel COVID-19 virus. From return to work procedures to designated doctor exams and presumption laws, this virus is affecting many areas of workers compensation claims and insurance professionals are working tirelessly to keep up with the constant changes. Here are a few noteworthy updates that are impacting the workers compensation industry today. Texas and COVID-19 Presumption in Workers Compensation Unlike several other states across the U.S., Texas has not enacted any workers compensation presumption rules. Besides the existing presumptions, the DWC has stated that workers compensation carriers should follow the typical rules regarding investigating and adjudicating claims. A number of groups in Texas have called for Governor Abbott and the city to adopt a workers compensation coverage presumption, including the Texas AFL-CIO, The Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas and local firefighters, who believe that COVID-19 claims should be covered under workers compensation based on Government Code Chapter 607, which provides that, for firefighters, peace officers, or EMTs who suffer from tuberculosis or other respiratory illnesses which have [...]