COVID-19 Injury Lawyers

COVID-19 Superspreader Events: Can I Sue If I Get Sick?

Posted October 20, 2020

From weddings to bars, political gatherings to off-campus parties, COVID-19 superspreader events have impacted those everyday citizens to White House officials. Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance on hosting events in light of COVID-19 second waves, those who attend or have been impacted by these superspreader events are now asking, can I sue if I get sick?

What is a superspreader event?

While we have come to use superspreader events as a generic term to define events and places where a large number of COVID-19 cases have emerged, there is no one agreed-upon definition of what quantifies an event as a superspreader event.

Some factors are used to categorize events as superspreaders. These include:

  • Indoor events without face coverings
  • Tight quarters where speaking, shouting, or singing takes place
  • Places where alcohol is consumed, leading to poor decision making
  • Outdoor events where social distancing is not followed and people engage in hugging, kissing, etc.

Though we’ve been socially conditioned to enter into individuals’ personal space, such as at a wedding where it is customary to hug and kiss the couple, in the COVID-19 era, when we forget or completely neglect to adhere to guidelines and safety recommendations, it can lead to coronavirus outbreaks, and thus these superspreader events.

But if you’ve contracted COVID-19 at an event, gathering, or establishment where social distancing guidelines have not been met, can you sue if you or a loved one becomes ill?

Lawsuits Following Superspreader Events

Liability lawsuits have been on the rise since the onset of COVID-19 outbreaks. But knowing if you can or cannot file for one is of particular importance because of the financial and time cost of legal action.

In general, to pursue legal action for coronavirus liability, knowing that the standard of reasonable care will become paramount. For example, if you attend a wedding at a hotel where there are reduced occupancy rates, social distancing mandates are put in place, and hygienic measures are taken, but you still contract COVID-19, it will become increasingly difficult to pursue legal action against the venue.

But, when there is obvious and gross negligence on behalf of the vendor, and a blatant disregard for social distancing, you may be able to seek some legal recourse; though that too becomes difficult as in many cases, you willingly accept the risk by attending the event or gathering. Also, unless you can prove that you did not go anywhere else but the event, contact tracing efforts will make it difficult to prove you contracted COVID-19 from the establishment or person you are seeking action against.

That does not mean that you shouldn’t fight for your rights; you just need a team that can fight alongside you.

Superspreader Events: COVID-19 Injury Lawyers

Everyday life poses the risk of contracting COVID-19, even though the nation continues to move forward. When you are impacted by a superspreader event leading to the contraction of COVID-19 by you or a loved one, you likely have questions about what rights you have. The nationwide COVID-19 injury lawyers are here for you in your time of need. Contact us today and we will review the facts of your case.

Posted in COVID-19.

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