1、CRS Legal Sidebar Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Federal Legislation Shielding Businesses and Individuals from Tort Liability: A Legal and Historical Overview May 8, 2020 When a person believes that he or she has sustained an injury because of someone e
2、lses negligent or wrongful conduct, the injured party can potentially file a tort lawsuit seeking money damages from the alleged wrongdoer. In recent months, many plaintiffs have filed tort lawsuits alleging that they contracted COVID-19 or otherwise sustained COVID-19-related injuries because of so
3、meone elses unlawful conduct. For example, after a Walmart employee contracted COVID-19 and died, his brother filed a lawsuit alleging that Walmart caused the employees death by negligently failing to provide him with personal protective equipment, enforce social distancing guidelines, and disinfect
4、 the store. Policymakers and commentators have debated whether Congress should enact legislation reducing defendants potential exposure to COVID-19-related tort liability. While some maintain that businesses and individuals need liability protections to induce them to reopen the economy without fear
