COVID19’s Legal Implications
The Senate Judiciary Committee recently discussed whether Congress should shield employers from COVID-19 lawsuits as the country starts to reopen. The hearing was prompted after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called for broad immunity that would absolve companies from liability for charges that their actions contributed to COVID-19 deaths and injuries. McConnell said a tidal wave of personal-injury lawsuits made the protection necessary.
However, Judiciary Committee member Richard Durbin confirmed that of the roughly 1,000 COVID-related lawsuits, just 27 were for personal injuries and nine were for medical malpractice—numbers which may very likely rise as businesses begin to reopen. Employers should anticipate this new reality by closely following the Senate Judiciary’s deliberations while also implementing protective policies and procedures. So too should insurance companies who will experience a rush of coverage-related COVID-19 filings.
Mercer’s Young Professionals Shine in Face of Floyd Tragedy
Several Mercer County African American professionals organized a peaceful march in honor of George Floyd. Their combined efforts and call to action via social media created a space for over 1,500 people to show up and march with them in Trenton, New Jersey. Protesting is as American as apple pie, most significant changes in our country’s history were made out of the calls to action from individuals and organizations like these.
Additionally, the emphasis on peaceful protesting nationwide helps foster a sense of community within this movement. Mercer County community leaders embraced the new wave of activists coming in and doing something positive. The range of county residences illustrated the many shades, intersections, and people who love their state and want it to become a beacon for real change. While speeches echoed in the state library pavilion, organizers weaved through the crowd to register voters. Tangible change begins at the individual level and the City of Trenton one of the first in the state to take to the reigns to rally the city and hold elected officials accountable.