Iowa lawmakers have passed legislation to protect businesses and health care providers from Corona virus-related lawsuits and sent the bill to Governor Kim Reynolds to sign. Employers and operators of businesses as well as health care providers who follow CDC guidelines – occupancy restrictions, social distancing, and increased disinfection efforts to name a few – will enjoy more protection from liability under the law.
With he passage of the new law, lawsuits will be limited to cases of serious Covid 19 illness requiring hospitalization or infections that result in death, and in cases where it can be proven the defendant intentionally made people sick – a reckless disregard for substantial and unnecessary risk leading to exposure.
Opponents to the legislation believe the law strips away legal remedies that should be available to Iowa workers, particularly meatpacking plant employees who have suffered the brunt of Covid 19 infections and nursing home employees and residents hit hard in the pandemic.
Despite the new Covid-19 Liability Law protection, it is important to note that Iowa businesses continue to be required by state law to provide a safe and healthful workplace. Flagrant disregard for the safety and health of workers is certainly grounds for legal action when people get hurt. If you have been injured, it is important to seek immediate help. Contact the Davenport Iowa employee rights, personal injury, workers’ compensation lawyers of McDonald, Woodward & Carlson PC for assistance at 563-355-6478.