Ohio Passes Law Making Businesses Immune To Coronavirus Lawsuits

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation protecting businesses, schools, health care providers and others from civil lawsuits related to the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Under House Bill 606, employers are protected from state-level civil lawsuits related to the coronavirus. Anyone looking to sue a company for contributing to COVID-19's spread would have to prove those groups were displaying reckless, intentional or willful misconduct, the governor's office said in a statement.

The legislation said lawsuits against companies and organizations have already begun to pour in and there was uncertainty about what liability these groups faced.

"Ohio businesses stepped up when asked to help with this pandemic crisis and we are pleased that the Senate and House, along with the governor, have acted to help protect jobs and our economy," said Andrew Doehrel, president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Health care providers are also protected from liability in tort actions related to COVID-19 care and services under the law. Again, anyone looking to sue a health care provider would have to prove they were acting recklessly or displaying intentional misconduct.