The spread of COVID-19 has left many businesses closed, and others concerned about what it means to stay open in the times of a pandemic. One question that has started to come up more and more often is the possibility of personal injury lawsuits that are related to COVID-19. Those who suspect that they contracted the disease due to another party’s negligent behavior might be able to pursue legal action through a personal injury claim.

Types of Potential Personal Injury Lawsuits Related to COVID-19

There are several sources that provide information about best practices to avoid contracting COVID-19, one of these being the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC is consistently updating their website as new information unfolds to inform people of the important steps they can take to minimize their risks. Education is a large part of the process when it comes to staying healthy. Each state also has its own set of guidelines they are asking their citizens to follow in order to mitigate the risk of becoming sick.

While each individual can work to protect their health, there are certain situations that pose additional risks of exposure to COVID-19. Common risks are especially elevated in these groups:

• Workers and employees of a business – Essential workers and workers who must go into a physical location are at a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 based on the number of people they interact with. If a business owner does not take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing a mask and social distancing, into consideration, they risk the health of their employees.
• Nursing homes – The elderly population is one of the groups that is at a high risk for contracting COVID-19. Nursing homes are especially vulnerable, given both the age of the residents and the nature of the living space. Common rooms, shared mealtime, outdoor space, and planned activities that bring people together, unfortunately, all increase the risk of nursing home residents being exposed to COVID-19. The number of staff and visitors that travel to and from the nursing home each day also increase the chance of infecting the residents.
• Consumers of businesses – When a business does not take aggressive steps to protect its consumers from exposure to COVID-19, they risk causing an outbreak that impacts their workers and everyone who visits their business.

As we navigate the unknown territories of COVID-19, it can be confusing to understand your options when it comes to a related personal injury lawsuit. If you believe that you have been exposed or infected with COVID-19 due to another persons’ negligence, it is advisable to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

Questions about Coronavirus and Personal Injury? Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Attorney

The Leonard Legal Group is dedicated to helping those who have been exposed to COVID-19 and believe that another party is at fault. To learn more about your rights regarding a personal injury lawsuit, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation. We will discuss the details of your situation and review your options. Don’t delay, reach out today!