Simon Peel Formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems Discusses COVID-19 Workplace Lawsuits

Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems discusses the first wave of COVID-19 workplace lawsuits.

San Francisco, CA  / The coronavirus pandemic has been trying for employers, and it only seems to be getting worse. Recently, the first wave of COVID-19 workplace lawsuits began, and major employers across the country are starting to sweat. Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems recently discussed what COVID-driven workplace lawsuits could mean for employers and employees.

Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems explained that lawsuits could be a new wave of tribulations for employers. Liability lawsuits in the workplace were once difficult for plaintiffs to prove, but this year, it seems the coronavirus pandemic could reverse this trend.

“We’re seeing a lot of companies that refused to require social distancing and face masks,” Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems said. “They could be seeing some major ramifications now.”

Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems explained that these lawsuits are more likely to be successful against companies that did not follow the well-established medical protocols. The most legitimate lawsuits will likely come from those who were exposed to the virus because their employers were not concerned with these precautions.

Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems explained that Norma Zuniga recently filed a lawsuit against Safeway on behalf of her husband who died due to the recent coronavirus pandemic on April 13, 2020. Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems added that her husband Pedro worked at a Safeway distribution center in California and, as Zuniga states, employees were still coming into work when they were sick.

The company also appeared to be negligent regarding masks, as they posted the statement, “If you are healthy, a mask will not protect you from the respiratory drops an infected person coughs out. Open areas of the mask can let those drops in.”

Other companies facing lawsuits include Walmart and Tyson. However, these lawsuits are open to much debate as a new bill drafted recently puts a cap on the punitive damages employees can claim. Simon Peel formerly of Jitterbit, IBM and Cast Iron Systems explained that some Senators are currently working to try protect businesses from lawsuits, saying they’ve already faced enough due to the virus. Others believe these lawsuits are holding employers accountable and ensuring they implement proper safety precautions for their employees.

“There’s no saying what will come of these lawsuits,” Simon Peel said. “We’re hoping to find a way to support businesses but also the people who are suffering due to losing loved ones.”