Business leaders are expressing deep concern certain sectors will be the target of lawsuits in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce is singling out health care professionals and manufacturers as those particularly at risk for "frivolous" lawsuits.
Lawmakers are being urged to act when they return to session on April 27. Action over lawsuits is part of the chamber's "Uniting for Recovery: A COVID-19 Economic Response Agenda."
Facing an unprecedented health crisis, health care workers and manufacturers had to go beyond normal operating routines to serve our state’s public interest, the Chamber said in a release.
But these actions may put themselves in "legal peril," which "is likely to create a lucrative opportunity for Missouri trial lawyers."
Health professionals placing themselves "in harm’s way to serve the sick," and manufacturers altering operations to meet demand for personal protective equipment, should be "recognized as heroes," the chamber said.
"Missourians are continuing to face one of the greatest challenges in our state’s history," sad Daniel P. Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"COVID-19 has caused devastating health impacts, dramatically altered our daily lives and impacted our economy," Mehan added.
"During this time, our state has been inspired by the work of manufacturers that shifted their lines to make protective equipment and health care workers who served long hours in very difficult circumstances.
“Now, we have to unite as a state and protect these workers and industries from opportunistic lawsuits.
"Missouri lawmakers must make this a top priority when they return on April 27. We can’t wait for the lawsuits to begin. We can’t leave health care workers and manufacturers exposed during this time.
"We need to rally behind these COVID-19 heroes. The Missouri General Assembly must act now. Let’s unite and shield the Missourians who are going above and beyond to help our state weather this crisis."
The Chamber's recovery plan involves three stages, leading during crisis, strengthening the recovery and protecting the future.