CBIA Joins Call for Federal COVID-19 Liability Relief

CBIA has joined chambers of commerce from across Connecticut and the nation calling for the U.S. Congress to quickly pass relief legislation to provide businesses with a safe harbor from unwarranted COVID-19 related lawsuits. 

If left unchecked, COVID-19 related litigation will undermine the safe and orderly return to work for millions of Americans and hinder effective pandemic response efforts.

Employers have been a critical element to American resiliency throughout the pandemic.

Manufacturers transformed their operations to produce critical supplies and equipment such as personal protective equipment and ventilators.

Essential businesses that remained open during stay-at-home orders continued to provide important goods and services. 

As more businesses reopen, employers are using their best efforts to comply with public health guidance to protect employees and customers.

However, they are concerned with having to defend themselves from lawsuits.

‘Unprecedented Situation’

“This is an unprecedented situation and despite employers’ best efforts to comply with public health guidance, many are concerned that they will be forced to defend themselves against a wave of lawsuits,” reads a letter signed by dozens of organizations.

“Their concern is driven by the fact that each day brings news of more lawsuits that have already been filed.

“That is why Congress should provide a safe harbor that holds truly bad actors accountable, but that protects those employers who are working to follow public health guidance.”

If left unchecked, COVID-19 related litigation will undermine the safe return to work for millions of Americans.

Business organizations are urging Congress to pass legislation that temporarily maintains, for the duration of the pandemic, targeted liability protections that cover:

• businesses that work to follow government guidelines against COVID-19 exposure claims
• healthcare providers and facilities on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response
• manufacturers that repurposed operations to produce and distribute PPE, sanitizers, and other needed countermeasures
• companies that donated stock of supplies to hospitals and medical professionals
• public companies that could face securities lawsuits, including those driven largely by stock price drops resulting from the global pandemic under the assumption that management failed to warn investors

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 For more information, contact CBIA’s Brian Corvo (860.244.1169).