The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented amount of uncertainty throughout the defense and insurance industries. The global event has changed the way the entire world does business and litigates cases across the country. Looking ahead, businesses can expect lawsuits to arise both directly and indirectly related to the pandemic.
Tyson & Mendes’ COVID-19 Resource Center has all the tools for businesses and their insurers to stay informed on the latest developments impacting their cases, including T&M office updates, court closure information, articles, and webinar offerings related to the ongoing developments. Bookmark this page to easily access the latest developments in civil litigation across our six states.
T&M Announcements:
Firmwide COVID-19 Announcement: Here
COVID-19 Accounting Announcement: Here
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Court Updates:
T&M COVID-19 Court Updates: Here
Nationwide COVID-19 Court Updates: Here
Statewide Jury Trial Restrictions: Here
**Amended Emergency Rule 9 – California Rules of Court: Here
**New General Order Delaying Trials as Covid-19 Pandemic Continues Unabated: Here
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COVID-19 Practice Areas:
Employment Claims
Kat Lee
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
Mina Miserlis
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Jim Sell
Partner
Northern California
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Nursing Home and Medical Liability Claims
Susan Oliver
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Damian Fletcher
Partner
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
 Bryan Scholnick
Partner
Seattle, WA
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Bad Faith and Coverage Claims
Pat Mendes
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Lynn Allen
Partner
Phoenix, AZ
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Retail, Restaurant, & Hospitality Claims
Kristi Blackwell
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Rick Somes
Partner
Orange County, CA
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Professional Liability and E&O Claims
Dan Fallon
Partner
San Diego, CA
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Public Entity Claims
Susan Oliver
Partner
San Diego, CA
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COVID-19 Articles:
On August 27th, the New York State Bar Association’s Emergency Task Force on Mandatory Vaccination and Safeguarding the Public’s Health (“Task Force”) released a report detailing its discussions on the COVID-19 vaccine. Among its many recommendations, the Task Force urged lawyers, employers, and their employees to get vaccinated, as well as teachers, students (when approved for their age group), and university students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the Task Force recommended vaccine access be provided in correctional facilities and in immigration detention facilities.
This article will discuss the origins of the PREP Act and its use as a tool to provide immunity from civil prosecution to senior living facilities from actions arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will briefly review the history of the PREP Act, address its use to protect senior living facilities from prosecution during the pandemic, and address the limits of immunity and the next battlegrounds in litigation.
Since the state of Arizona declared a statewide public health emergency on March 11, 2020, Arizona courts have continued their attempts return to normalcy. Given the ongoing potential threat to public safety, availability of approved vaccines, and CDC guidance changes, limitations and changes in court practices have been ongoing and are still necessary.
In our April Newsletter, Tyson & Mendes reported a California federal court dismissed a lawsuit filed by the wife of a construction worker. Plaintiff claimed her husband contracted COVID-19 at work and brought the virus home infecting her as well. Following the dismissal, the district court judge gave plaintiff an opportunity to amend her complaint. At a hearing on May 7, 2021, the court upheld the dismissal without further leave to amend. As of this date, it is unknown whether plaintiff will appeal.
California recently passed the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 stay at home order. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives in different ways. Employees who regularly worked in an office now work from home. Restaurant chains open for years have shut their doors for good as they could no longer turn a profit. COVID-19 has also affected litigation. It was unclear what types of suits would result from the pandemic. However, a year into this unforeseen global epidemic, we now have a better idea of the types of lawsuits which will be filed. This article explores recent news involving COVID-19 litigation throughout the United States in an effort to achieve a better understanding of how litigation has changed.
View more COVID-19 articles
