Important News for Personal Injury Lawyers on Coronavirus, Bias Attacks

Important news for personal injury lawyers as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has issued an executive order granting qualified immunity to medical personnel treating patients with COVID-19.

The order, which modifies sections of the education law, reads as follows: “…[T]o the extent necessary to provide that all physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed registered professional nurses and licensed practical nurses shall be immune from civil liability for any injury or death alleged to have been sustained directly as a result of an act or omission by such medical professional in the course of providing medical services in support of the State’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, unless it is established that such injury or death was caused by the gross negligence of such medical professional…”

Cuomo also directed the cancellation or postponement of non-essential gatherings of any size and for any reason such as parties, celebrations, or other social gatherings.

During today’s news conference, Cuomo said the rate of new coronavirus infections is doubling every three days in New York. With the state over 25,665 cases and 210 deaths, he expects the peak could come sooner than anticipated – in two or three weeks.

Bias Incidents

New York State Bar Association President Hank Greenberg issued a statement today condemning bias incidents. Asians and Jews have been targeted in recent incidents related to coronavirus.

“It is never acceptable for anyone to use language that even vaguely suggests that a particular nationality, religion or group is responsible for or deserving of the coronavirus,” said Greenberg. “America is in the midst of a public health emergency, and now more than ever we need to come together as a society to support and protect each other.”

Click here to read the full statement.

Latest NYSBA.ORG Coronavirus News

We are adding new content each day to our website related to the coronavirus public health emergency and its impact on the legal community.

Today’s content features a deep dive into the likely longer-term impacts of coronavirus on the legal community including financial hardship and expanded use of technology. Another article takes a close look at the impact the pandemic is having on legal education. Will there even be a bar exam in July?

Free Webinar Reminder

Beginning tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and continuing each of the following two Wednesdays (April 1 and April 8), NYSBA will be presenting a weekly update and discussion on legal and practical issues arising from COVID-19. The one-hour webinars are free for members and will feature three experienced labor and employment lawyers from Bond, Schoeneck & King. Click here for more information.