Early COVID Decisions Provide Blueprint for Rebutting Presumption, Attorneys Say

The first two decisions from arbitrators suggest Illinois employers can rebut the presumption that COVID-19 is compensable by providing some concrete evidence of efforts to mitigate spread of the disease, according to workers’ compensation defense attorneys who spoke during a webinar Monday. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June 2020 enacted House Bill 2455, creating a presumption that COVID-19 is compensable for anyone working at an essential business with more than 15 employees. In March, the governor enacted HB 4276, extending the presumption through the end of June 2021. Work comp de...