Wade Clark Mulcahy LLP

<p style="text-align: justify;">Nearly 300 federal lawsuits have been filed in the months of March and April 2020, which stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, a number that is likely to continue to expand. Lex Machina found 395 new lawsuits using COVID-19 related terms over the two-month period. Among those suits, 287 stemmed from the COVID-19 crisis, the company reported. Contracts, insurance and employment were the practice areas with the largest number of cases stemming from the pandemic. A different tracker of federal and state cases found that, as of May 28, more than 2,300 cases had been filed over the novel coronavirus. These numbers were compiled by Hunton Andrews Kurth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Also, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has received notice of 101 federal lawsuits seeking insurance coverage for “business interruption” losses caused by the virus, the Claims Journal reported in a May 21 story. Restaurants are among the plaintiffs. The Multidistrict Panel received notice because of a petition filed by plaintiffs in Philadelphia and Chicago seeking one judge to preside in all federal business interruption suits.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many plaintiffs’ lawyers expect that thousands of suits will eventually be filed seeking business interruption coverage, according to the Claims Journal. Among the areas of expected litigation are suits for injuries and wrongful death, discrimination, employment liability insurance, privacy violations and retaliation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thus, as the pandemic continues, it is clear that the coronavirus will lead to litigation not only in the insurance industry, but also in a whole raft of other industries . We’ll continue to keep you updated as events evolve.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to Joseph S. Anzalone for his contribution to this post. If you have any questions or comments, please contact <a href="mailto:chayes@wcmlaw.com">Colleen Hayes</a>.</p>