Robert Kuciemba worked for Victory Woodworks, Inc. (Victory). In the fall of 2020, Kuciemba asymptomatically transmitted COVID-19 to his wife, Corby Kuciemba. Mrs. Kuciemba then sued Victory, to hold Victory liable for her COVID-19 infection. Mrs. Kuciemba alleged she contracted COVID-19 both through direct contact with her husband and through indirect contact with his clothing. She also alleged that Victory had a duty to keep her from this harm.
The district court dismissed the lawsuit. First, the court concluded that California workers’ compensation exclusivity barred Mrs. Kuciemba’s claim that she contracted COVID-19 through direct contact with Mr. Kuciemba. Next, the court determined Mrs. Kuciemba’s “indirect contact” theory was not a plausible claim. Finally, the court reasoned that even if Mrs. Kuciemba’s claims could survive, Victory’s duty was to provide a safe workplace to its employees, and that duty did not extend to nonemployees who, like Mrs. Kuciemba, contracted viral infections away from Victory’s work premises.
Note:
While this is not a published Northern District of CA decision, this case offers guidance for a rapidly emerging area of law. LCW anticipates that agencies may see COVID-19-related litigation in 2021 and beyond.