The threat of COVID-19 has affected every part of society. So, it should come as no surprise that the legal world has suffered its fair share of cataclysmic events since the coronavirus public health emergency began. Potential lawsuits could arise over contractual disputes, medical malpractice, employer-employee relations – and personal injury. To protect your rights, it’s important to understand how COVID-19 personal injury claims could turn into compensation for your injuries.
Fundamental Elements of Personal Injury Claims
First, you must have an injury or damages that were caused by another person or a company. If you become ill on a cruise ship, for instance, your illness might include damages like:
- Medical expenses, and
- Lost wages.
Then, liability is another important factor. For example, the cruise ship’s failure to follow safety protocols may have caused your illness. If so, you might be entitled to sue any person or company that contributed to your injuries.
Standards of Care for COVID-19 Personal Injury Cases
In some instances, it’s crystal clear that one person or company owed a duty of care to individuals. However, COVID-19 has altered some standards of care. In some situations, regulations require people to wear face masks or enforce social distancing to protect customers or employees. Failing to do so could lead to a personal injury case.
Where COVID-19 Fits In
There are many situations where someone’s disregard for your safety could result in a personal injury claim. When it comes to COVID-19, the following scenarios are not impossible:
- You book a cruise or another kind of trip. While traveling, the company handling the trip fails to protect you and other travelers from exposure to COVID-19. It could be that they just ignored safety protocols or allowed people to work while they are sick. Either way, you might be able to get the company to cover your damages.
- Either you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility. A nursing home has to care for its residents. A personal injury claim could arise if residents are injured because of negligent care.
- Patients in hospitals also are covered by standards of care. When healthcare providers fail to follow safety protocols, including quarantines and the use of protective equipment, people could contract COVID-19. Also, doctors may misdiagnose coronavirus sufferers or fail to treat them properly. If so, patients and their families may file medical malpractice lawsuits.
- Finally, employers typically are expected to provide safe workplaces. Failing to sanitize hot spots or send sick workers home could expose people to COVID-19.
It won’t always be easy to prove how you picked up an infectious disease like coronavirus. However, you won’t know whether you have a COVID-19 personal injury claim or not unless you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Call to Discuss Your Potential COVID-19 Personal Injury Case
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.