Stephen Baldini Quoted in Law360 on Anticipated COVID-19 Class Actions

Law360 has quoted Akin Gump litigation practice head Stephen Baldini in the article “The Coming Wave Of COVID-19 Class Actions.” The article looks at what could be a wave of class action litigation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, including commercial and employment disputes, antitrust violations and allegations of consumer fraud.

According to Law360, a slew of coronavirus-related cases have already been filed over claims such as exposure to the virus itself and alleged finance and securities frauds stemming from companies’ failures to provide COVID-19 disclosures. As a result, the article says, some lawyers are facing many difficult decisions with limited resources amid the fallout from the virus.

From his perspective, Baldini said, “You can’t help but feel it as a litigator, with the courts being either closed or running at a reduced level.”

Among the growing list of cases he anticipates, are an uptick of consumer class actions stemming from alleged price gouging, antitrust violations such as competitors agreeing on minimum prices and consumer fraud claims.

With the article noting that some consumers have already filed proposed class actions related to their inability to either use or obtain a refund for purchases for gym memberships, student housing or festival tickets following the implementation of government restrictions, Baldini pointed out that Akin Gump is “without question actively advising clients with respect to current and contemplated lawsuits.”