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COVID-19 Liability

COVID-19 Liability

Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented liability exposure issues for California businesses and employers. In particular, for essential businesses who have stepped up to provide services, goods, and facilities during the crisis, there is mounting concern about the threat of frivolous litigation alleging these businesses are responsible for coronavirus exposure.

To encourage and support critical response efforts, the state needs to provide liability protections to all industry sectors providing critical services, goods, and facilities. CJAC and a large coalition of business organizations are advocating for California’s elected leaders to step up and take action on behalf of businesses and nonprofits.

California businesses are in survival mode, yet they are working in amazing and heroic ways to respond to the crisis. They should not be punished with frivolous lawsuits that attempt to capitalize on this crisis. Our businesses and the economy cannot sustain further damage.

OP Ed

Provide reasonable COVID-19 liability protections for small businesses

Monterey Herald - May 3, 2021

Monterey Herald published version here.

By Kyla Christoffersen Powell and John Kabateck

For months, California businesses have been on edge about potential lawsuits tied to the pandemic, such as those alleging COVID-19 exposure at the business or issues tied to novel remote work situations.

Post

Covid Liability Protection Bill Refused Hearing

CJAC Liability Reform Insider (April 22, 2021) – CJAC is continuing to advocate for Covid liability protections this year, including through AB 247. We are co-sponsoring the bill with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).  
 

Press Release

Civil Justice Association and Industry Leaders Request COVID-19 Emergency Liability Reduction

April 21, 2020

Critical services threatened by litigation amidst supporting efforts

Sacramento, Calif., April 21, 2020 – The Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) with a coalition of almost four dozen business organizations representing a broad range of California industry sectors have sent a letter to Governor Newsom requesting immediate action to address a mounting threat of litigation against critical businesses and nonprofits working during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

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