Coalition urges federal support for liability protections against frivolous COVID-19 lawsuits

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry recently sent a letter to Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation urging support for temporary protections from unwarranted lawsuits.

The U.S. Senate’s Safe to Work Act would provide protection against unwarranted pandemic-related lawsuits for businesses, healthcare workers, nonprofit organizations, educators.

These industries have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to sustain communities, the letter said, and share an uncertain future.

Employers are subject to strict workplace health and safety requirements and should be protected from frivolous, and potentially devastating, lawsuits, the letter said. At the same time, companies acting with gross negligence or disregard safety precautions should not be protected.

The chamber supports robust enforcement against irresponsible employers.

“From medical professionals on the front lines to those maintaining our supply chains to childcare centers and others helping to sustain our communities, businesses that have made the investment and commitment to follow health guidelines deserve safe harbor protections to operate without the constant threat of undue litigation,” PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said. “We’re already seeing plaintiffs’ attorneys view this crisis as an opportunity to cash in. Lawmakers must put a check on these pandemic profiteers for Pennsylvania’s economy to have a chance of bouncing back.”