Contact information for our employees during Coronavirus

States Enact COVID Liability Protections

COVID Liability Protections

Many states have now passed laws protecting companies from lawsuits stemming from COVID-19. The states almost uniformly are inserting language into legislation stipulating that businesses that adhere to state hygiene laws cannot be sued for liability complaints regarding transmission or contraction of the virus.

The laws vary somewhat, but a common element is that no business is protected if there is evidence of gross negligence or willful misconduct regarding hygienic or other measures to prevent the spread of COVID. But if businesses can show that they have been following state/federal mandates (depending on the law’s wording), their exposure to liability lawsuits should be decreased.

An important exception is in workers compensation claims. Most states have legislation or executive orders in place granting workers comp protection for employees who are sickened with COVID-19 at work, and some stipulate that there is a presumption that it is a workplace liability in certain industrial sectors, especially those with frontline health workers and first responders, though the laws vary by state.

Talk to your agent or broker about these important developments, because many insurers do not provide liability coverage for viral illnesses. Make sure your insurance and workplace hygiene practices work well with your state’s laws.

Allan Block Insurance, Professional Service with the Personal Touch

We are located in Tarrytown, NY, in the heart of Westchester County, a key business district just north of New York City. We write auto, home, renters, condo, co-op, personal, business, life and group insurance for clients locally and in NYC, CT, NJ, PA, MA and many other states. For more information or answers to your insurance questions, please contact us.

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