Governor Parson Is Working On Ways To Protect Hospitals / Schools From COVID Lawsuits

COVID-19-related lawsuits are going up in Missouri, and the Governor wants to make sure hospitals, schools, businesses and churches in the Lake Area are protected.

Governor Mike Parson is including a new bill in the special session to protect against COVID-19 liability.

Gov. Parson takes action

Special session called on COVID-19 lawsuits

 JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is calling on lawmakers to take urgent action to address the problem of COVID-19 lawsuits. The governor has ordered a special legislative session as the wave of COVID-19 lawsuits continues to build.

Since March, more than 1,000 COVID-19 lawsuits have been filed against employers across the nation. In response, many states — including all but one of Missouri’s neighboring states — have enacted some form of protection against lawsuits. Meanwhile, Missouri employers remain completely exposed to litigation.

The governor’s call comes as several leaders in the Missouri legislature have spoken out in support of stopping these opportunistic lawsuits. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has led the charge on this important issue. More than 750 Missouri businesses and individuals have co-signed a letter asking for protection from these suits.

“We greatly appreciate Gov. Mike Parson’s leadership on this issue. As we fight this pandemic and continue our economic recovery, we need to make sure we are protecting businesses, schools and health facilities from the growing threat of opportunistic COVID-19 litigation,” said Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Organizations that are taking the necessary precautions and making a good faith effort to keep Missourians safe should not face crippling COVID-19 litigation. Missouri can’t afford to wait on this. We are urgently asking Missouri lawmakers to act quickly during special session to pass these necessary protections.”