Sarah Downey News
Presumption clause in workers’ comp order could impede business reopening efforts
As California businesses slowly begin to resume operations, Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a new executive order expanding workers' compensation benefits to all industries for 60 days – a move that business groups say includes an unverifiable presumption that workers diagnosed with COVID-19 contracted it on the job.
Tesla push to reopen offers insights on business operations, frustrations amid pandemic
Tesla’s lawsuit that helped it secure the go-ahead to resume operations at its Fremont plant reflects a bigger issue of companies feeling frustrated in California and anxious about their economic viability, a policy director says.
Businesses get back to work with new guidelines to fight spread of COVID-19
With the scaling back of state lockdown mandates, businesses are working to operate under new safety protocols designed to curtail any possible spike in COVID-19 cases.
New legislation may help cover future losses due to pandemics; businesses say they shouldn’t have to wait that long
A coalition of business groups is urging Congressional leaders to support proposed legislation that would compel insurers to offer coverage for losses caused by a pandemic.
California retailers adopt strict safety protocols for limited reopening
With new guidelines released by Gov. Gavin Newsom Thursday, California retailers are implementing a checklist of safety protocols as part of the state’s Phase 2 reopening.
Business and environmental coalition seek extensions for comments on EPA regulations
At the urging of a coalition of business and environmental groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an extension to the public comment period for a proposed rule addressing transparency in regulatory science.
Trial lawyers and other groups urge Newsom not to grant nursing homes liability immunity
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing extreme infection rates at nursing homes across California, some health care trade groups have been calling for immunity protection from litigation, a move that nursing home reform backers say would lead to more deaths.
Businesses seek relief from pressure of labor laws during pandemic
As businesses across the state adjust to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a coalition of trade groups has written to Gov. Gavin Newsom to ask for workplace guidance and relief from labor laws during the emergency.
Businesses seek legal protections as COVID-19 pandemic progresses
As businesses operate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leading industry organizations want federal guidelines and legal protections in place that would limit their liability in coronavirus-related litigation.
Business groups look to Newsom to address litigation concerns amid pandemic
A coalition of business groups has written to Gov. Gavin Newsom seeking expanded protections from civil litigation for companies providing essential services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Decision on scheduling California Bar exam expected soon; But skipping exam with automatic admittance not an option
The State Bar Board of Trustees wrote to the California Supreme Court on April 15, recommending a delay for the June First-Year Law Students’ Exam and the July Bar Exam, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal maritime statutes could make it tougher for cruiseship lawsuits to prevail
With litigation mounting against cruise lines for alleged failure to warn against the coronavirus, plaintiffs could face a hard-fought battle, a maritime law expert says.
Businesses seek privacy law enforcement delay citing COVID-19 concerns
As the deadline nears for enforcement of the state’s sweeping new privacy law, a coalition of professional organizations has asked the California Attorney General’s office to delay enforcement due to unforeseen complications caused by COVID-19.
Following CDC workplace guidelines key when business resumes, defense attorney says
As the country gradually begins to open back up from lockdown, businesses should understand Centers for Disease Control (CDC) workplace guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal authority provides some liability immunity in the fight against COVID-19, but not all-encompassing
While federal authorities have granted immunity to certain entities in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the fact that it is not all-encompassing could spur litigation down the road.
First wrongful death claim against Kirkland facility over COVID-19 could signal more litigation ahead for nursing homes
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to afflict nursing home residents across the country, facility owners are starting to face negligence litigation for alleged failure to guard against the spread of infection.
Business owners press insurance companies to honor loss claims due to COVID-19
As businesses look for relief from their insurers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they could be bracing for battle because firms may not pay out on business interruption claims.
Newly certified class action targets cereal sugar content
A federal lawsuit over sugar content in cereals is at the forefront of a growing trend in sugar-related litigation, a director at UCLA’s Resnick Center says.
Suits against cruise line signal start of litigation over coronavirus
Lawsuits alleging negligence by Princess Cruises for failing to warn about the possibility of contracting the coronavirus are part of what likely will be a multitude of COVID-19 related litigation, a tort reform advocate says.
New Supreme Court ruling on PAGA could lead to more claims; Business continues to push back saying reform is needed
The state Supreme Court’s ruling last month that PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) claims can proceed even if the underlying claim has been settled has raised concerns in the business community that it could lead to more expensive litigation.