BEAUMONT – As Texas slowly creeps toward normalcy, most local businesses are looking forward to clicking on those open signs once again – in spite of a growing fear that a wave of COVID-19 lawsuits may follow.
“We’re cautiously optimistic,” said Bill Allen, president and CEO of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, when asked if area business were ready to reopen.
Live everywhere else, Allen says the pandemic impacted area businesses greatly and, as of right now, the worry over COVID-19 lawsuits is “minimal.”
On May 1, The Washington Post reported a wave of virus litigation already was hitting businesses, as hundreds of lawsuits were being filed against hospitals, fitness centers, airlines and the entertainment industry.
Directly west of Jefferson County is Chambers County, where local businesses have been “resilient” in finding new and safe ways to reach and serve customers, says Macie Schubert, president and CEO of the West Chambers County of Commerce.
Schubert told The Record that the possibility of businesses being sued after reopening is something that “at this point has not come up.”
In Texas, the medical community is asking Gov. Gregg Abbott to take measures to protect the men and women combating COVID-19 from virus litigation.
At the national level, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which owns The Record, is recommending government protections to stem the growing wave of virus cases that could bankrupt businesses.
While immunity from virus litigation remains on the table, Paul “Chip” Ferguson, founder of The Ferguson Law Firm in Beaumont, believes the focus should remain on public health.
“I think there should be less emphasis on COVID-19 liability and more emphasis on public health,” Ferguson said. “If businesses follow the directives of our public health officials, I think liability is unlikely. This is particularly true for health care providers."
Ferguson says he has a fundamental disagreement with grants of immunity, as no one should be granted license to act as they choose without the risk of repercussions. He added that the businesses at risk would be the ones not following proper public health guidelines.
“Of course, certain businesses have greater risks and, thus, should take greater precautions,” Ferguson said. “Our law firm has been working remotely, with each employee coming to the office one day a week. Even then, we encourage all precautions.
“Like most, we are anxious to return to normalcy. We look forward to doing what we do best – represent our clients to the best of our ability. And we look forward to all Southeast Texans getting their lives back.”