The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives in heretofore unimaginable ways. Most of us have heeded the national warnings and are taking the appropriate precautions related to social distancing. Some businesses, however, may not be as careful in relation to their customers and clients as they should be, and they could face lawsuits as a result.
Businesses and Liability
The businesses you frequent – including the essential businesses that remained open during the shelter-in-place regulations – have the legal obligation of providing you with a reasonably safe space. This obligation can mean different things to different kinds of businesses, but with regard to the COVID-19 crisis, this includes:
- Educating employees about symptoms related to the disease
- Staying informed regarding health protocols and keeping staff abreast of any updates, including newly identified symptoms
- Sending all symptomatic and/or sick employees home to seek appropriate medical assistance
- Providing the supplies, equipment, and manpower necessary to keep the premises sanitary
- Promoting proper hygiene, such as frequent handwashing
- Following federal guidelines for precautions related to employees who have recently traveled to areas of outbreak
Businesses that serve you are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to help prevent the coronavirus’ spread. Further, subcontractors, such as janitorial services, may also be implicated in breaches of protocol.
Reduce Your Risk
The coronavirus has left all of us rattled and unsure of how best to proceed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following important steps for reducing you and your family’s health risks:
- Wash your hands often – and teach your children to do the same. The best practice is to use soap and water and to wash for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after you have been out in public, after blowing your nose, or after coughing or sneezing.
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when your hands are not washed.
- Avoid coming into close contact with others. This is especially true of other people who are sick. However, it is important to recognize that people infected by the coronavirus can be asymptomatic.
- Maintaining a distance of about 6 feet between yourself and others is especially important for the most vulnerable among us – the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
- Wear a cloth mask or other face-covering when you must go out in public but continue to maintain your distance (your mask is not a substitute for social distancing).
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
If you have concerns related to any kind of personal injury case, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, proudly serving Killeen, Texas, is here to help. Mr. Pritchard is a formidable personal injury attorney with a considerable track record helping clients like you successfully recover on their damages – in their entirety. We are on your side, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.