U.S. Has Seen More than 2,000 COVID-Related Employment Lawsuits

As of April 6, the number of employment complaints related to the COVID-19 pandemic had surpassed 2,000 in courts around the United States. This is thanks to a ramping up of such lawsuits that occurred in the most recent months. While it took eight months to reach the 1,000 mark, it was less than five before that number doubled, thanks in part to businesses reopening around the nation.

The period between December 2020 and March 2021 marked some of the busiest months in recent memory for employment lawsuits, and particularly those related to the pandemic.

Here are some interesting statistics:

• Where they’re happening: The states with the most complaints are California (487), New Jersey (267) and Florida (142). California accounted for 29 percent of all complaints filed in America since the start of the year, after accounting for 21.4 percent of the first 1,000 complaints to be processed.
• Wrongful termination: The vast majority of complaints (83.3 percent) include allegations of wrongful termination for blowing the whistle on COVID safety noncompliance. This is up from 74 percent of the first 1,000 complaints.
• Increasing retail: Healthcare continues to be the industry hit with the most COVID-related employment law complaints, but retail is starting to see a significant increase, nearly doubling from 7.5 percent of the first 1,000 complaints to 13.7 percent of the complaints filed in 2021 so far.
• Class action suits occurring: There have been 86 COVID-19-related employment lawsuits filed already across the united states, 18 of which were filed since the start of the year.

It is expected that as the economy continues to rebound and more businesses open back up for in-person operation, the number of COVID-related employment lawsuits will only continue to increase.

For more information about the steps to take if you believe your employer is flouting COVID safety protocols, contact an experienced whistleblower lawyer at Kardell law Group.