News

Judge rules businesses can sue insurers for coronavirus losses
The coronavirus has upended lives and businesses around the globe. From business interruption and supply chain disruption to event and travel cancellations, we are only just seeing the beginning stages of COVID-19's impact. These articles provide valuable insights on insurance coverage, preparation tips and more to help individuals and businesses reduce exposures as the virus spreads.
A Pennsylvania meatpacking plant employee passed away from COVID-19 related complications on April 3, 2020, and his family filed a wrongful death suit in Philadelphia County on May 7, 2020 (Estate of Enock Benjamin v. JBS, S.A., et al). The complaint alleges that the employer, a large meatpacking plant, ignored guidelines imposed by the Centers for Disease Control and OSHA by failing to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), did not follow social distancing guidelines, discouraged workers from taking sick leave if they were ill, and failed to provide any testing or monitoring of employees’ health.
In addition, the complaint alleges that the employer failed to warn employees that other employees were infected with COVID-19 and misrepresented to workers that there was no risk of infection by coming to work, basically putting profits ahead of safety. The complaint also alleges that the employer willfully and intentionally withheld knowledge of COVID-19 infections in the workplace, that the workers relied on such misrepresentations and continued to show up for work, and that the workers then became ill.
Already have an account? Sign In Now
Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.