COVID-19 Liability, and Wave Two

September 24, 2020, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The government of British Columbia and their Provincial Health Officer of Health Dr. Bonnie Henry have led the way in Canada with their handling of COVID-19. This is in part due to the fact that they had the first outbreaks in Canada and in part due to the fact they had strong political will and medical expertise.

The B.C. government passed a cabinet order in June that would protect amateur sports groups for any liability due to COVID-19 spread. This occurred following reports that some amateur sports organizations were refused insurance. This move will allow the sports that an estimated 800,000 children, youth and adults participate or volunteer in from lawsuits that arise from exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

The participation in amateur sports in Ontario is also in jeopardy as COVID-19 numbers are on the rise and talk of wave 2 increases. Premier Doug Ford has announced restrictions in gatherings numbers again, and there is concern that more action such as targeted lockdowns will be taken.

Medical experts warn that as the weather cools and people move indoors the likelihood of more cases is high. The virus likes a crowd, and it likes the indoors where air circulation is poor. Parties, choirs, sports and other activities that involve close contact, no mask wearing or exertion in breathing all help the spread of the virus.

Canada wide restrictions are being reimposed to prevent hospitalization spikes. Toronto, Peel and Ottawa are leading centres of community spread and the number of people under 40 diagnosed is very concerning as they will act as vectors of disease to their parents, and the elderly.

These are difficult times with schools, colleges and universities being re-opened many fear that the second wave is inevitable. Testing sites are seeing very long lineups and results are not immediately available. This is also a point of concern for the government.

There is also concern of new outbreaks in long-term care homes nationally.

Please pay attention to changes in the rules around COVID-19 and public and private gatherings, wear a mask, limit your trips out, practice social distancing at all times outside your own bubble, and be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or disinfectant.

If you have had a loved one die due to COVID-19 that they acquired in a nursing home or long-term care facility you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Please call me at 1 (866) 414-4878 the initial consultation is free.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.