Bill limiting liability in pandemic signed into law

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law on Saturday a bill that limits liability for businesses that could face lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposure.

H.B. 826, which passed both governing bodies unanimously, bars gross negligence and willful misconduct liability for people who own real estate or premises, entities or people who provide assistance or advice to the public, those who work in health care or aid in emergencies, those who work in government, and those who distribute, manufacture, or aid in applying personal protective equipment. The law allows for lawsuits in instances of “gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.”

Also barred from suing are employees covered by workers compensation unless exposure to COVID-19 was “intentional” according to the law, which immediately went into effect.

More insurance, workers compensation and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.