What is the employer's financial responsibility if an employee contracts Hepatitis C from a work-related blood transfusion?

• A. Pay for temporary and permanent disability
• B. Nothing, as Hepatitis C is not work-related
• C. Medical treatment for Hepatitis C
• D. The compensable consequence of Hepatitis C

Answer: (D)

The employer's financial responsibility in the case of an employee contracting Hepatitis C from a work-related blood transfusion is considered a compensable consequence of the illness. This means that Hepatitis C can be regarded as a work-related injury, entitling the employee to various benefits under workers' compensation laws.

In this scenario, if Hepatitis C is contracted due to a work-related incident, the employer is liable for covering costs associated with the condition, such as medical treatment and possibly disability payments, depending on the severity of the case and its impact on the employee's ability to work. Recognizing Hepatitis C as a compensable consequence ensures that the employee receives the necessary support and compensation for the health issue arising from their employment, aligning with the principles of workers' compensation, which aim to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.

Options that suggest the employer has no responsibility for Hepatitis C, or that there are no financial obligations for disability or medical treatment, do not accurately reflect the legal framework governing occupational diseases and workplace injuries.