MIAMI PUBLIC WORKS AND PERSONAL INJURY LIABILITY DUE TO COVID-19
PUBLIC WORKERS FEAR COVID-19 INFECTION
This Spring, Miami Public Works employees were active filling potholes, pruning trees, cutting grass, and tending to storm drains amid the coronavirus outbreak. In return, they were provided with bright highlighter-yellow shirts bearing the words “practice social distancing” aimed at promoting the battle against the spread of the coronavirus. However, amid the recent uncontrolled surge in COVID cases throughout Florida, the workers consider this hypocritical, given the fact that their superiors are allegedly ignoring their dire request to impose greater social distancing measures and the use of facial coverings while on the job.
Thus far, about ten workers have tested positive for COVID-19 and most admit that this could have been easily prevented. According to one worker, the use of the shirts was a façade tainted with negligence. Several more workers claimed they were concerned about losing their jobs or being reprimanded for bringing this matter into the public scope. Furthermore, other workers claim that the Miami Public Works managers ordered dozens of workers to report to work to carry out tasks on the same shifts in a five-day work week, which results in overcrowding, especially within city vehicles. All this makes social distancing very difficult to achieve. During June and July, work crews included four or five staff members per service vehicle. The result was an entire work crew testing positive for the coronavirus with one worker having to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
City officials and Public Works agencies face an huge challenge of maintaining city services functioning amid the COVID pandemic and providing safe working conditions for their staff. With regards to public works employees, flares rose after the Miami Public Works reduced operations when the coronavirus spread hit and then went full steam ahead with the arrival of the hurricane season.
This week, managers agreed to reschedule shifts and enforce the use of masks. However, there is still concern among employees because city officials are not requiring workers to test negative for COVID before returning to work. The AFSCME Local 1907, the labor union which represents public workers, has expressed concerns about the procedures implemented for workers that go back to work after contracting COVID. Sean Moy, the union president, stated that negative testing would lessen the concern of contracting the coronavirus while on the job. The scheduling and staffing changes recently undertaken are expected to lower the number of staff per shift, much like city parks employees. However, the union president stated that mechanics, electricians, and maintenance crews are continuing to run under a normal schedule, regardless of the COVID spread. A large number of employees working for other city departments have been hit hard by COVID-19 and have had to self-quarantined while awaiting test results. Law enforcement agents and firefighters are at very high risk of becoming infected with COVD given their constant proximity to the general public.
The workers union has tried to persuade city administrative leaders that the creation of a testing center for public employees is needed to provide front-line employees with speedy testing results in order to provide safer working conditions and curve the spread of COVID-19 among Public Works employees, police officers, and firefighters.
COVID-19 AND EMPLOYEE NEGLIGENCE – PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
IN MIAMI, THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM OFFERS HELP
- Were you fired, laid-off, or not paid because of the Coronavirus Pandemic?
- Are you broke, in debt, or unemployed because of COVID-19?
- Do you consider your employer acted negligently and caused you to become infected?
- Were you forced to go back to work without being tested?
- Did you test positive for COVID-19 and not paid for time off?
If so, you may be able to recover money from your employer through an insurance claim.
After being fired, laid-off, or not receiving wages due, the Perazzo Law Firm may be able to help you recover money from losses and financial hardships due to the economic effects of the coronavirus. In Miami and North Miami Beach, the Personal Injury law offices of the Perazzo Law Firm strive to provide the legal support to help its clients receive compensation from business owners and insurance providers for losses incurred from employment termination, business closures, and work stoppage of any kind that leads to loss of income and debt.
Amid the never before seen worldwide pandemic and the devastating blow it’s had on the economy, many businesses and workers have been propelled into financial turmoil and ruin. In Miami, for example, which thrives on tourism like most popular tourist destinations, has suffered dramatically by closing practically every business. This has led to a surge in unemployment and with little hope for a speedy recovery. However, there is hope on the Florida horizon and the Perazzo Law Firm strives to ease and quicken that journey towards that horizon.
Through a business insurance policy claim, which many businesses pay to cover potential financial pitfalls associated with, not only COVID-19 or coronavirus accidents, but other unexpected situations that may lead to financial devastation, such as social unrest, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes.
SITUATIONS THAT MAY MERIT A LAWSUIT OR AN INSURANCE CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION
Business operators and owners are obliged by law to provide workers and staff with any necessary equipment, materials, and safe work environments. With regards to COVID-19, business owners and operators may be legally found at fault for negligence if they fail to provide their staff with any proper materials or procedures to help prevent becoming infected with the coronavirus while carrying out their work duties and dealing with customers or other staff members.
Situations which may find a business operator or owner negligent and liable for losses:
- Unlawful employment termination due to COVID-19
- Failure to provide masks, hand sanitizer, or other protective elements to prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Failure to implement proper safety procedures for customers such as social distancing markers and sanitation measures
- Failure to pay back wages or severance
- Failure to notify staff of potential risks resulting from other coronavirus infected workers
If any of the above apply to you, a friend, or relative contact the Perazzo Law Firm to find out about filing an insurance claim for compensation from losses stemming from the coronavirus pandemic in Miami-Dade and Broward County.
A SUCCESSFUL CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION FROM LOST WAGES & COVID-19
In order to file an insurance claim against an employer or business for lost wages to be successful, a Perazzo Law Firm personal injury and insurance claims attorney will have to determine what kind of coverage the business or services provider holds and what is covers to compensate any loss of income from the coronavirus pandemic. In Miami, as well as various US states, are considering making COVID-19 insurance mandatory to insurance providers to help compensate business operators and help them cover overhead expenses such as severance and back wages owed to employees affected by the coronavirus.
The Perazzo Law Firm has vast experience handling insurance claims for compensation and dealing with insurance providers. Those seeking financial retribution for lost wages, loss of income from business interruption, or damages, must understand that insurance policies are extremely complex, especially when it comes to paying out to compensate those filing claims. Our dedicated staff and personal injury lawyers fight to get their clients the compensation they deserve and strive for their full satisfaction (see our 5-star reviews on Google).
If you, a friend, or relative has suffered lost wages from being fired, laid-off, or currently in financial turmoil from economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic and business shutdown in Miami-Dade or Broward, the Perazzo Law Firm urges you to contact our Miami or North Miami Beach offices ONLINE for a FREE initial consultation and ZERO OUT-OF-POCKET FEES to clients.
The Perazzo Law Firm staff is working remotely to serve victims of wrongdoing caused by the Coronavirus and negligent business operators or individuals.
