Should businesses be given liability protection?

[CountValentine]

Do you have an example of something like this that hasn't worked out in the past? Forget worked out or not, I can't think of any situation that has ever been comparable to start with.

The businesses put themselves and their workers at risk here. This isn't something they're only giving to the customers. It's in their own best interest to keep the virus out.

You feel an individual should not have the right to file lawsuit against any business, for any reason, for them getting the virus. Me giving examples is not going to change that so no need to play this game. Your position is clear.   

[CountValentine]

there is a difference between protecting a restaurant from a lawsuit because someone caught corona while dining there and protecting a restaurant from a lawsuit from someone who caught the virus because the restaurant didn't was negligent or keep safety protocols

when you go to a restaurant you are accepting a certain amount of risk and they shouldn't be liable for that unless there was negligence

I agree and that is what we are talking about.

[Lurker]

You feel an individual should not have the right to file lawsuit against any business for them getting the virus. Me giving examples is not going to change that so ne need to play this game. Your position is clear.

Yes. You also said we know how that's worked out in the past. I'd like to know when this has ever happened in the past for you to make such an assumption.

[CountValentine]

Yes. You also said we know how that's worked out in the past. I'd like to know when this has ever happened in the past for you to make such an assumption.

I was referring to businesses doing the right thing having proper safety (morals).
You still want examples?

[Afrages6]

Everyone knows the dangers of the activities they are partaking in at this point. If someone chooses to go to a restaurant there is a chance they will catch the virus. Same for every other activity.

If you are so worried then stay home for ever. Business shouldn’t have to be worried about lawsuits when they reopen.

[S209]

Everyone knows the dangers of the activities they are partaking in at this point. If someone chooses to go to a restaurant there is a chance they will catch the virus. Same for every other activity.

If you are so worried then stay home for ever. Business shouldn’t have to be worried about lawsuits when they reopen.

Businesses need to take matters into their own hands and purchase insurance, warn customers, or actually undertake safety measures. Otherwise, customer should be able to sue. Same as any other liability. If you don’t want customers to sue, and want to be open, it’s your responsibility to ensure that nothing happens or that they can’t sue/you’re covered.

A simple sign stating “we take no responsibility etc.” and basic insurance policy should suffice. Or- here’s an idea- actually show adequate safety procedures.

[CountValentine]

If you are so worried then stay home for ever. Business shouldn’t have to be worried about lawsuits when they reopen.

So businesses don't need to take proper precautions? 

[aygart]

A middle ground may be to make very specific and doable guidelines and only be able to sue if those are not kept.

[S209]

A middle ground may be to make very specific and doable guidelines and only be able to sue if those are not kept.

That’s even better, and in line with food safety regulations and the like

[CountValentine]

A middle ground may be to make very specific and doable guidelines and only be able to sue if those are not kept.

Somewhere where you don't have frivolous lawsuits but hold businesses accountable. How can you accomplish that?

[Sam Finkelstein]

Somewhere where you don't have frivolous lawsuits but hold businesses accountable. How can you accomplish that?

in line with food safety regulations and the like

[ExGingi]

Businesses need to take matters into their own hands and purchase insurance, warn customers, or actually undertake safety measures. Otherwise, customer should be able to sue. Same as any other liability. If you don’t want customers to sue, and want to be open, it’s your responsibility to ensure that nothing happens or that they can’t sue/you’re covered.

A simple sign stating “we take no responsibility etc.” and basic insurance policy should suffice. Or- here’s an idea- actually show adequate safety procedures.

And you are somehow assuming that insurance companies might be willing to underwrite the risk.

IMHO until the science and practical experience settles on this, the government should backstop this.

[S209]

And you are somehow assuming that insurance companies might be willing to underwrite the risk.

IMHO until the science and practical experience settles on this, the government should backstop this.

Won’t they require adequate safety practices? Exactly the point. You shouldn’t be able to be sued if you’re taking necessary precautions, but if you’re not, all bets are off.

[CountValentine]

IMHO until the science and practical experience settles on this, the government should backstop this.

Why when it comes to businesses you want the government to step in?

[aygart]

Why when it comes to businesses you want the government to step in?

A law to limit a law

[ExGingi]

Why when it comes to businesses you want the government to step in?

Not only businesses. And there could be several ways to step in, one could be limiting what one can sue for, another would be actually providing the financial backstop.

There are certain things that are just beyond the scope of the private sector. Dealing with the financial consequences of a yet to be understood virus is one of them. Hence the checks that DJT sent out to many Americans.

[CountValentine]

Hence the checks that DJT sent out to many Americans.

You are confused. He didn't send out anything. 

[Afrages6]

Businesses need to take matters into their own hands and purchase insurance, warn customers, or actually undertake safety measures. Otherwise, customer should be able to sue. Same as any other liability. If you don’t want customers to sue, and want to be open, it’s your responsibility to ensure that nothing happens or that they can’t sue/you’re covered.

A simple sign stating “we take no responsibility etc.” and basic insurance policy should suffice. Or- here’s an idea- actually show adequate safety procedures.

So businesses don't need to take proper precautions? 

Businesses should have to take proper precautions, but allowing lawsuits opens up a huge can of worms. Businesses should be regulated by the DOH.

No insurance company would underwrite such a risk at an affordable price.

Making the business possibly liable means that any small mistake by an employee can mean financial ruin. Furthermore, a lawsuit would be enough to bankrupt a small business these days even if they ended up not being found liable. Ambulance chasers would be lining up to sue them on the off chance you find one employee on camera coughing without a mask in discovery.

[CountValentine]

Businesses should have to take proper precautions, but allowing lawsuits opens up a huge can of worms. Businesses should be regulated by the DOH.

No insurance company would underwrite such a risk at an affordable price.

Making the business possibly liable means that any small mistake by an employee can mean financial ruin. Furthermore, a lawsuit would be enough to bankrupt a small business these days even if they ended up not being found liable. Ambulance chasers would be lining up to sue them on the off chance you find one employee on camera coughing without a mask in discovery.

You make valid points but what about the other side of the coin. We know from history some businesses just don't care about people and the bottom line for them is profit. How do we protect individuals from these scumbags?

[Definitions]

I misunderstood the poll options. I voted no but I meant yes.

I feel that as long as a business makes sure their employees aren't known to have the virus they aren't liable for other people.