In the supermarket infected with Coronavirus - unsuccessful lawsuit

sick at work - In the supermarket infected with Coronavirus - unsuccessful lawsuit

A Berlin saleswoman unsuccessfully argued before the court that her Corona infection should be recognized as a work accident. The required evidence was lacking that the transmission with the Covid-19 virus actually occurred in the supermarket, according to the Landessozialgericht Berlin-Brandenburg in justification. (Az. L 3 U 114/23)

Argumenting that the risk of infection at work was higher due to a greater number of contacts than in private life did not suffice, the judges stated. In principle, an infection with the virus can be considered an accidental event. However, in this specific case, the Professional Association is not obligated to cover the medical treatment of the saleswoman and pay compensation. The decision is not legally binding.

Long-Covid Syndrome diagnosed

According to a court spokesperson, a 58-year-old woman had filed a lawsuit. She had fallen ill with Corona in October 2020 and worked as a saleswoman in a Berlin branch of a supermarket chain, where she restocked shelves or sat at the cash register. At the end of 2021, her general practitioner informed the responsible Professional Association that the woman had been permanently incapacitated for work due to a Long-Covid Syndrome since March 2021. The saleswoman stated that her social contacts at the time were almost exclusively limited to the workplace. She therefore believed she had been infected at the Supermarket.

Since the Professional Association did not agree with her argumentation, the woman filed a lawsuit at the Social Court of Berlin - without success. The Landessozialgericht confirmed the decision in second instance.

1. In response to the increased risk of infection at work, the Professional Association implemented strict distance regulation measures in their workplace.
2. The Coronavirus has significantly impacted the healthcare system, with many medical professionals working tirelessly to combat its effects.
3. The virus has also affected consumers, with many experiencing symptoms after visiting a supermarket, leading to concerns about transmission.
4. In Potsdam, a lawsuit was filed by a woman who contracted the Coronavirus during a work accident at a supermarket, citing limited social contacts outside of work.
5. The Professional Association disagreed with her argument, leading to an appeal at the Social Court of Berlin, which upheld the initial decision.
6. Despite the setback, the woman continued to advocate for recognition of her Long-Covid Syndrome as a work-related illness.
7. Unfortunately, the court did not recognize her case, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove the infection occurred in the supermarket.
8. The ruling has sparked debates within the Professional Association about the need for more comprehensive workplace protection against the Coronavirus and its long-term effects.
9. As more cases of Long-Covid Syndrome are reported, the importance of thorough investigation and fair compensation for affected individuals becomes more critical in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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