The COVID-19 outbreak was unexpected. B.C. business owners have been left scrambling for a way forward despite making dramatic operational changes and shutdowns.
Businesses protect themselves from unexpected events by purchasing business interruption insurance. If a business has insured itself against a particular risk, it could be compensated for any disruption. The most typical are fire, flood and earthquake insurance.
We all can picture a fire shutting down a business; but what about a pandemic? Does a commercial insurance policy cover for risks associated with COVID-19? Does a policy cover an owner if the local, provincial or federal government forces the business to temporarily shut down?
There are insurance policies that offer such coverage. These policies may cover business interruption from “virus” or “disease,” or where a government order has forced a business to close because of safety concerns. They are typically add-ons to a standard commercial insurance policy.
If you have purchased this coverage, we recommend that you first check your insurance policy. Keep in mind that each insurance contract and each term is different.
If you are unsure about your policy or you have been denied coverage from your insurer, contact us for free consultation.
We can review your policy and make sure your insurance company provides you with the coverage that you paid for.
Many businesses have been forced to close, limit their hours, or reduce their capacity. Despite a vaccine, the economic impact will likely continue, particularly in the face of new strains of the virus.
On January 28, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court addressed “inadequacies in current legal responses to internet defamation and harassment” by creating a new tort of internet harassment and cyber bullying.
While the global pandemic has been incredibly disruptive, the Court is embracing these changes and the legal community is using the tools available to move matters through the court system despite challenges.
Interesting reasons for judgment were recently released in the case. In this wills and estates case, a brother and sister entered into a contentious dispute surrounding the estate of their mother.