With the two-year statute of limitations fast approaching for Workers Compensation claims filed over work-related COVID-19 exposures from when the global pandemic began, union members who believe they were exposed at work should know about and exercise their rights before it’s too late.
CSEA and its endorsed legal provider, Fine Olin & Anderman, LLP (FOA) have provided information regarding COVID-19 and the rights of workers since the Spring of 2020. Information is available to members at FOA’s website at www.foalaw.com/ csea-members/.
CSEA members NEED to be aware that although the Workers’ Compensation Law is considered a no-fault statute, it is an adversarial proceeding, which means that the insurance company always has a representative looking out for their own interests. Therefore, it’s important for members to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. As CSEA’s ONLY legal service provider for workers’ compensation, social security disability and personal injury, Fine, Olin, and Anderman, LLP (FOA) will represent the interests of CSEA members.
FOA will review the circumstances of the accident to determine if there are other legal actions that the injured worker may be entitled to claim. FOA will file the initial claim form with the Workers’ Compensation Board and contact the doctor to obtain the proper medical reports. Should a hearing or deposition be necessary, an attorney will attend and represent the interests of the injured worker. FOA attorneys negotiate settlements and if a resolution cannot be agreed upon, they will gather the evidence, participate in trials, and file appeals if necessary. FOA will fight for CSEA members to get the medical treatment they need as well as any reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Attorney fees are only payable when an award is made and there are many cases where fees are not even applicable.
Although an injured worker can represent themselves, it is important to remember that the insurance company is always represented, so members should take advantage of this CSEA benefit and contact FOA at 800-342-4146. It is also important to know, if you get your own attorney, you may be subject to additional costs and less services.
