Tag: liability immunity

Tennessee Governor Signs COVID-19 Liability Measure Into Law

The teacher measuring and marking places in the classroom that are to be empty after students return to school after the coronovirus pandemic. Covid-19

Gov. Bill Lee has signed into law sweeping protections for businesses, schools and nursing homes against coronavirus lawsuits. Lee on Monday touted the legislation as “historic” and argued the law would protect businesses from “frivolous lawsuits.” The GOP-dominated Statehouse failed to advance the proposal earlier this year when negotiations among lawmakers broke down in the… Continue reading Tennessee Governor Signs COVID-19 Liability Measure Into Law

New Stimulus Bill Faces Hurdles Over Liability Protections, Unemployment

Congress votes to repeal labor law rule for independent contractors

Stimulus talks between President Donald Trump’s representatives and Democrats bogged down Tuesday over demands by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that his proposed changes to liability law be included wholesale in the aid package. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said McConnell’s insistence that his plan for shielding businesses, schools and other organizations against litigation stemming from… Continue reading New Stimulus Bill Faces Hurdles Over Liability Protections, Unemployment

California Gov Considering Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers through Workers Compensation

Farm workers weeding spinach by hand. California grows most of the salad greens consumed in the US. San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering an executive order that could significantly increase the cost of workers’ compensation insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order would substantially expand the criteria of work-relatedness for essential employees as it pertains to compensation benefits. Employees would be eligible for benefits paid for by employers based simply on exposure… Continue reading California Gov Considering Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers through Workers Compensation

Reopening Plans Need to Solve Sticky Liability Issues

Cropped shot of a man in apron putting nameplate on the entrance door at his own shop

If America is going to restart its economy, at whatever pace, it needs to think about a major roadblock: liability from Covid-19. If a university or workplace reopens, and some employees or students get sick, should they have the right to sue? In the absence of clarity on this question, many risk-averse institutions will simply… Continue reading Reopening Plans Need to Solve Sticky Liability Issues

Businesses Fear Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risks

Open sign at coffee cafe, Lifestyle of people at coffee shop.

Whenever U.S. stores, restaurants and theaters reopen from coronavirus shutdowns, they may face an unexpected problem: lawsuits from sick patrons and workers. Business owners hit hard by Covid-19 are eager to get back to work as the outbreak shows signs of slowing and the Trump administration pushes for a quick restart of the nation’s economy.… Continue reading Businesses Fear Ending Virus Shutdowns Too Soon Poses Legal Risks