When the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) started to appear in the U.S., schools across the country began closing their doors temporarily in the hopes of slowing or stopping the spread of the disease.
Self-isolation, social distancing, washing your hands, and staying at home unless absolutely necessary are currently the best ways to do your part to flatten the curve. Parents have had to take on the responsibility of helping their kids complete schoolwork for the time being, as Governor Kemp has ordered that all schools will remain closed through at least April 24, 2020.
The coronavirus is starting to be diagnosed in children all around the U.S. If your child contracted the disease before schools closed, you may be able to take legal action. Continue reading to learn more about how the coronavirus spreads, it’s impact on schools in Georgia, and whether filing a personal injury claim for your child is an option.
How COVID-19 Spreads and the Impact on Schools in GA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that the coronavirus is a respiratory disease that can spread through nose discharge and drops of saliva in infected individuals.
When people fail to wash their hands after coughing or sneezing into their hands, the disease spreads. Because schools keep students in close contact, schools across the country shut their doors in order to protect kids from contracting the disease and spreading it to others.
Georgia schools first began to take precautions in mid-March, and officially closed their doors on March 18, 2020. Originally, schools were to remain closed through March 31, 2020. But because the country and state did not begin to see a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases, the Governor extended the closure through April 24 for the time being.
But Can You Sue?
We wish we could give you a direct answer, but the truth is, it is difficult to know yet. When someone contracts the coronavirus, they can be asymptomatic for between two and fourteen days before starting to show symptoms.
If your child’s school was slow to close its doors, failed to adhere to the governor’s orders, or failed to take proper precautions prior to the school closure, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Every case is different, and you will need to discuss the details of yours in great detail with your lawyer to learn more about what legal options may be available to you and your family.
Get Help from a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are interested in further discussing the possibility of pursuing a personal injury claim on behalf of your child, contact an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer at Fischer Redavid PLLC. You can fill out the online contact form we have provided at the bottom of this page or give our office a call at (888) 694-0708 when you are ready to get started on your case.