While many areas of the country are in various stages of reopening amid the novel coronavirus, new cases are surging, creating confusion and raising questions about how soon is too soon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 cases in the U.S. could be ten times higher than reported. And in light of a record-breaking number of cases reported in Texas, Lone Star State Governor Gregg Abbott has paused reopening efforts.
But the number of coronavirus cases isn’t the only thing rising – so are virus lawsuits. Since the virus started to sweep the nation back in March, individuals have filed hundreds, if not thousands, of lawsuits against businesses, individuals, and other entities. As of May, hundreds of lawsuits stemming from the pandemic have made their way to state and federal courts, creating numerous litigation obstacles and challenges for those involved. We are seeing claims filed against nursing homes and senior living facilities (an epicenter of the virus) as well as airlines and cruise lines, hospitals, gyms, and the entertainment industry. What this tells us is just how damaging the virus has been and the toll it has taken on our nation, and world. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns, and we have yet to understand the full scope the virus has had on the economy and the people.
In today’s blog, we are going to take a closer look at virus lawsuits, namely where they stand right now and what you need to know if you’ve been affected by COVID-19. At Shamieh Law, we understand the devastating repercussions the virus has had, not only on people’s health but on the economy. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your rights, should you find yourself affected by the coronavirus. To learn more about filing a COVID-19 lawsuit in Texas, please contact our law firm. We offer free consultations and will do everything we can to support you.
Update: COVID-19 in the U.S.
On June 24, the U.S. recorded the highest single day of new coronavirus cases with more than 45,500. This breaks the previous record from April 26, which was during the first peak of the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 183,000 new cases were reported worldwide on June 21. With the number of cases rising, we only expect to see lawsuits trend upwards as well. Let’s look at a few statistics surrounding COVID-19 lawsuits in the U.S., specifically:
- As of May 26, people have filed 1,350 lawsuits in federal and state courts concerning the pandemic
- In New York alone, individuals have filed more than 422 (more than anywhere else in the nation)
- The Trump administration is facing a lawsuit over denying pandemic checks to undocumented parents
- There have also been 405 complaints relating to prisoner and detainee conditions
- There are 244 civil-rights related cases in connection with the pandemic
- 219 lawsuits involve insurance companies
Potential Coronavirus Lawsuits
As more coronavirus cases emerge, we expect to see an onslaught of virus lawsuits following closely behind. These cases vary widely and range from premises-related claims to breach of contract suits and other consumer disputes. Here’s a look at some of the potential coronavirus lawsuits:
- Commercial disputes including premises-related claims, lawsuits following event cancellations, warranties, and more
- Workers’ compensation claims alleging exposure to the virus because of company regulations
- Personal injury claims stemming from allegations of negligence to wrongful imprisonment
- Product liability claims against product manufacturers stating products protect against the virus for false advertisement
- Medical malpractice lawsuits against nursing homes, hospitals, or doctors who were negligent in protecting residents and workers
- Lawsuits against hotels and others in the hospitality industry for putting travelers at risk
- Claims against daycare providers who did not take appropriate measures to protect children
- Lawsuits against negligent local, state, and federal governments who did not handle the pandemic appropriately
- Lawsuits against insurance companies who did not protect enterprises
We have never experienced anything quite like the coronavirus outbreak of 2020. Because of this, it can be challenging to navigate the legal system and understand your rights. If you were affected by the coronavirus and you believe another person or entity’s negligence or misaction was to blame, please contact Shamieh Law and schedule a free consultation. We will discuss your case with you and come up with a strategy for what to do next. Unfortunately, the pandemic is far from over, a fact that we can see in the number of lawsuits people have filed in the U.S. right now.
What You Need to Know About Filing a Virus Lawsuit
It is not uncommon for a catastrophe like the coronavirus outbreak to start a domino effect and lead to widespread confusion and, in turn, lawsuits. Experts predict litigation related to COVID-19 will continue for the next several years, at the very least. We will probably be dealing with virus lawsuits for the next decade, if not longer. COVID-19 has killed more Americans than the Vietnam War, yet the nation remains in upheaval as some states remain on lockdown while others are going back to “business as usual.”
If the virus has impacted you or a loved one, and you are considering filing a lawsuit, consider the following:
- Meet with an attorney to determine if you can sue
- If the coronavirus impacted you because of the negligence of the government or another entity, they may be held liable
- If you believe a nursing home or other senior care facility is responsible for your loved one contracting COVID-19, you may be able to sue for negligence or medical malpractice
- You may be able to file a lawsuit for workplace safety if your employer did not act swiftly and under their duty of care
- Travelers are filing lawsuits against airlines over refunds for canceled flights
Liability is one of the biggest areas of concern when it comes to virus lawsuits. To learn more about your rights and the current state of coronavirus lawsuits in the U.S., please contact Shamieh Law today.