Ex-JBS worker wins workers' comp case after contracting COVID-19 at plant
A former employee of the JBS USA Inc. meatpacking plant north of Amarillo {in Cactus} has won a rare victory in a Texas workers' compensation case originating from the COVID-19 outbreaks in the meatpacking industry in 2020.
Jose Tovar contracted COVID-19 in April 2020, fell ill and was unable to work for three weeks. JBS' workers' compensation insurer, American Zurich Insurance Co., denied Tovar's claim for lost wages, according to a news release from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
A state administrative law judge in Amarillo last month ordered JBS's insurer to pay damages to Tovar, who is represented by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. The judge found that Tovar had contracted COVID-19 at the JBS plant, where he worked close to others who were infected.
The decision is final as JBS did not appeal the order by the May 18 deadline, the release states.
Read more: https://www.amarillo.com/story/news/local/2021/05/20/ex-jbs-worker-wins-case-after-contracting-covid-19-plant/5185737001/