$20 Trillion Coronavirus Lawsuit?
Larry E. Klayman and Freedom Watch Seek to Hold Chinese Liable for $20T over Coronavirus Pandemic
On March 17, 2020, Plaintiffs Buzz Photo, Freedom Watch, Inc., Larry Klayman, and putative plaintiffs as members of the class and subclasses and all persons and entities similarly situated filed suit against The People’s Public of China, The People’s Liberation Army, The Wuhan Institute of Virology, and Shi Zhengli. The introduction summarizes the basis for the lawsuit:
INTRODUCTION AND NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This is a complaint for damages and equitable relief arising out of the creation and release, accidental or otherwise, of a variation of coronavirus known as COVID-19 by the People's Republic of China and its agencies and officials as a biological weapon in violation of China's agreements under international treaties, and recklessly or otherwise allowing its release from the Wuhan Institute of Virology into the city of Wuhan, China, in Hubei Province, by among other acts failing to prevent the Institute's personnel from becoming infected with the bioweapon and carrying it into the surrounding community and proliferation into the United States.
2. Since biological weapons have been outlawed since at least 1925, including by China's membership in treaties, these illegal weapons constitute and are in effect terrorist-related weapons of mass destruction of population centers.
3. This is a civil action on behalf of the lead Plaintiffs and other members of the class comprised of subclasses identified herein of those directly injured by the spread of COVID-19.
Damages and Claims Alleged in Coronavirus $20T Lawsuit
In paragraph 13 of the Complaint, Plaintiffs allege damages suffered by Plaintiff Buzz Photos:
Plaintiff Buzz Photos, which is located in and does and did substantial business in this judicial district, specializes in high school sports photography, serving students, parents, and schools in memorializing school events and promoting family and community involvement in school events. The interruptions and closings of schools and cancellation of sports events caused by the illegal acts and practices alleged herein by each and every Defendant, jointly and severally, acting in concert as joint tortfeasors, has shut down and closed Buzz Photos' business and its stands on the verge of bankruptcy. The company lost about $50,000 over the last weekend alone. The company has been forced by the COVID-19 epidemic to lay off employees.
Later in the complaint, Plaintiffs allege six separate causes of action:
Aiding and Abetting the Risk of Death or Serious Bodily Injuries to U.S. Citizens and Class Members;
Provision of Material Support to Terrorists;
Conspiracy to Cause Injury and Even Death of U.S. Citizens;
Negligence;
Wrongful Death; and
Assault and Battery
Click to access a fully copy of the Coronavirus lawsuit filed.
Final Thoughts on Freedom Watch v. The People’s Republic of China Lawsuit over Coronavirus
Like the coronavirus pandemic, it is difficult to predict where this lawsuit will end up. However, a lawsuit seeking $20 Trillion in damages against China will definitely raise eyebrows.
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