COVID-19 Liability Relief on its Way for Employers and Others

It looks highly likely that employers will be receiving protection from Coronavirus-related lawsuits in the near future.

On September 2nd, the Ohio Senate voted to approve legislation that would provide immunity through September 30, 2021 to businesses, schools, health-care providers and other employers, as well as health-care workers, against lawsuits claiming they helped transmit the Coronavirus. This legislation passed the Ohio House the day before and is now headed to the desk of Governor DeWine for signature which is believe to be forthcoming.

It would not be an absolute bar to liability. Much like current torts in the workplace, proposed law still allows for lawsuits in instances of reckless disregard of the consequences or intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.

Stay tuned.