(Legal) Exposure to the Coronavirus

The health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is ever evolving and creating a host of novel challenges for businesses of all sizes. With scientists and researchers scrambling to identify effective methods to contain and stop the spread of the disease, others are bracing for the inevitable legal fallout. Already, a litany of lawsuits has started pouring into U.S. courts alleging that businesses – from cruise lines to nursing homes – failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

In the upcoming months, courts will likely grapple with a myriad of legal issues relating to causation (i.e. did Company A’s failure to take precautions at their premises cause the virus to spread?). Ansa Assuncao is closely monitoring this legal landscape.

To curb exposure moving forward, businesses should be proactive and adhere to federal, state, and local health guidelines by: (1) telling sick employees to stay home; (2) implementing rigorous protocols to sanitize commercial spaces – especially highly trafficked areas; and (3) taking other reasonable precautions to stymie the spread of the virus. Ansa Assuncao’s diverse legal team can help businesses navigate the legal issues arising from coronavirus. Please contact a member of our team for assistance.