Current through Acts 2023-2024, ch. 1069
Section 14-5-101 - [Expired] Claims arising from COVID - 19 - Standard of liability - Requirements - Limitations - Applicability(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, there is no claim against a person for loss, damage, injury, or death arising from COVID-19, unless the claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the person proximately caused the loss, damage, injury, or death by an act or omission constituting gross negligence or willful misconduct.(b)(1) In any claim alleging loss, damage, injury, or death arising from a COVID-19 infection, the claimant must file a verified complaint pleading specific facts with particularity from which a finder of fact could reasonably conclude that the alleged loss, damage, injury, or death was caused by the defendant's gross negligence or willful misconduct.(2) In any claim alleging loss, damage, injury, or death based on a COVID-19 infection, the claimant must also file a certificate of good faith stating that the claimant or claimant's counsel has consulted with a physician duly licensed to practice in this state or a contiguous state, and the physician has provided a signed written statement that the physician is competent to express an opinion on the contraction of COVID-19, and, upon information and belief, believes that the alleged loss, damage, injury, or death was caused by an alleged act or omission of the defendant or defendants.(3) The failure of a claimant to satisfy the requirements of subdivisions (b)(1) and (2), if required by subdivision (b)(2), makes the action subject to dismissal with prejudice upon motion of the defendant.(c) This chapter does not:(1) Create a cause of action;(2) Eliminate a required element of any existing cause of action;(3) Affect workers' compensation claims under the Workers' Compensation Law, compiled in title 50, chapter 6, including the exclusive application of such law; or(4) Amend, repeal, alter, or affect any immunity, defense, limitation of liability, or procedure available or required under law or contract.(d) Unless otherwise prohibited by the United States or Tennessee Constitution, this chapter applies to claims arising from COVID-19 except those for which, on or before August 3, 2020:(1) A complaint or civil warrant was filed;(2) Notice of a claim was given pursuant to § 9-8-402; or(3) Notice was satisfied pursuant to § 29-26-121(a)(3) or § 14-5-101(b).(e) As used in this section, "person" means an individual, healthcare provider, sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, religious organization, association, nonprofit organization described in 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from federal income taxation under 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 501(a), or any other legal entity whether formed as a for-profit or not-for-profit entity.Added by 2021EX3 Tenn. Acts, ch. 6, s 1, eff. 11/12/2021.