Sarah Downey News
Mounting threat of litigation adds to pandemic duress: 'How is that going to help us recover?'
Class action suits alleging companies failed to protect workers from COVID-19 have become a new business model for some attorneys, and aren’t helping California’s economic recovery, a trade association leader says.
Business community calls for pause on expanding workers’ comp laws: 'Give our job creators a chance to get back on track'
Proposed legislation to extend and expand workers’ compensation medical assumptions could further strain small businesses struggling to come back from the economic devastation of COVID-19, opponents say.
Class action alleges lack of COVID-19 prevention measures results in public nuisance
With labor law complaints including COVID-19 claims increasing, a recent case also states the employer created a public nuisance by allegedly failing to provide enough safety measures to prevent spread of the virus.
New False Claims Act measure would benefit plaintiffs’ lawyers, not state revenues, opponents say
A bill that would include private plaintiffs’ attorneys in tax enforcement actions passed the California Assembly last week, a move that opponents say would add to the state’s budget crisis and lead to costs that cause more businesses to shut down or move out of California.
COVID-19 claims included in labor law suit: 'Will likely make those suits that are filed far more expensive'
A proposed class action lawsuit alleging wage and hour violations against a medical staffing company also includes claims for failure to protect against the coronavirus.
New court case underscores strain among mall owners and retailers during COVID-19
With retail stores nationwide mapping out recovery plans from the financial impact of COVID-19, mall operator Simon Property Group has filed suit against San Francisco-based Gap Inc., alleging the clothing company has failed to pay $66 million in rent.
As business reopens, liability question looms: 'It’s one of the big uncertainty areas of the pandemic'
With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the economy across California and the nation, businesses face an unprecedented uncertainty that many believe requires liability protections to mitigate.
New ballot initiative could eliminate property tax protections
With California businesses trying to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, voters in November will decide whether to pass a new ballot measure that would end a 42-year cap on property taxes for commercial property owners.
Small business economic trends data shows mixture of hope, uncertainty
A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows an improved outlook in several categories, but there are still many challenges to coming back from the sudden economic impact of COVID-19 shutdowns.
Bill to help commercial renters would unduly burden property owners, opponents say
As businesses across the state get ready to reopen, legislators are considering a controversial new bill that would give tenants the option of getting out of leases if they can’t negotiate terms with landlords.
New federal legislation seeks to shield physicians from COVID lawsuits
As the effort to provide liability protections amid the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a bill introduced in the U.S. House May 28 seeks to safeguard physicians and other health professionals working on the front lines.
Higher education associations seek temporary liability protections in light of COVID-19
While colleges consider reopening plans, a coalition is calling on Congress to expand liability protections to educational institutions in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
New legislation aims to provide more flexibility to Paycheck Protection Program
As businesses continue to face unprecedented financial challenges due to the COVID-19 economic downturn, many of those receiving Paycheck Protection (PPP) loans hope new rules pass on how the funding can be applied.
CalChamber recommends swift action to address 'Job Killer' bills
The California Chamber of Commerce has released its “2020 Job Killer List,” to call attention to proposed bills that could obstruct the state’s economic and employment growth.
Small businesses call for clarity on liability safeguards amid reopening process
As lawmakers pursue expanding liability protections for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a new poll by the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB) finds nearly 70% of small business owners concerned about an increase in liability litigation.
New bill that extends time to file discharge complaints includes attorney fee incentive
A new bill proposes doubling the amount of time discharged employees have to bring complaints under jurisdiction of the state’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), and includes a clause for awarding attorney’s fees.
Decision in restaurant’s business interruption lawsuit could affect similar litigation nationwide
An upcoming judgment in a federal court business interruption case could set precedent for how hundreds of insurance claims resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic get resolved.
Efforts to adopt liability protections amid COVID-19 continue at state and federal levels
With lawmakers on Capitol Hill hopeful that the next relief package including liability protections for businesses can be passed by July 4, several coalitions have been advocating for comparable legislation at the state level.
Business groups present plan to flatten unemployment curve in California
With California’s phased reopening now in progress, industry leaders from across the state have presented the governor with a plan that aims to address the dramatic rise in unemployment.
Capitol Hill efforts continue for expanded liability protections amid COVID-19
Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill last week heard testimony on expanding liability protections during the COVID-19 pandemic, a measure that many say is necessary to prepare for reopening the nation’s economy.