NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer released the following statement today after the House COVID-19 Liability Protection Review Committee met to discuss language to protect small businesses and other employers from frivolous lawsuits related to the COVID-19 outbreak:
“Despite what the trial lawyers say, small business owners are concerned about the possibility of frivolous lawsuits related to the coronavirus. When NFIB asked its South Carolina members last month what concerns they had about reopening once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, 74% cited increased liability.
“The COVID-19 shutdown was necessary to stop the spread of this deadly virus, but it took a tremendous toll on South Carolina’s small businesses. Most of our members don’t think business will return to normal until after the first of the year, if then.
“Small businesses are especially vulnerable right now, which is why we need the legislature to pass protections against lawsuits that exploit the already devastating effects of the novel coronavirus.
“Our members thank the House for taking up this important issue. The cost of defending itself against just one spurious claim can put a small business out of business, even if the case is eventually thrown out of court. If our leaders want to keep small businesses open and keep people working, it will do everything it can to protect them from frivolous COVID-19 claims.”
