Looking Ahead: COVID Vaccines, Masks May Lead to Compensable Injuries

A COVID-19 vaccine may be months away, at best, but if and when one does become available the shot in the arm could also lead to some hard-to-defend workers' compensation claims. Lawyers and compensation officials around the country said employers in most states could probably require a vaccine if they so choose. But even if the inoculations are voluntary, several states' statutes would likely allow compensation for workers who develop side effects from the vaccine, said Elliot Schreur, research director for the Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group. He noted that Larson's...