New Bill Will Allow Employees To Sue Over Vaccine Side Effects

MONTGOMERY, AL — A new bill proposed by three Alabama lawmakers would open the door to lawsuits if an employee experiences side effects from receiving an employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccine. The bill is proposed by Representatives Tommy Hanes, Andrew Sorrell and Arnold Mooney, according to an ABC 33/40 report.

The bill — Alabama House Bill 16 — says workers (or their families) who are forced by their employers to get vaccinated would be able to take legal action against the employer if they have adverse reactions or die after receiving the vaccine.

"These vaccines are safe and effective," state health director Dr. Scott Harris told ABC 33/40. "There's some rare side effects that have happened, people who have had anaphylaxis that being the single most significant one but that is still an extraordinarily uncommon consequence."

The ABC 33/40 report also included input from attorney Bill Eiland, who said the bill is noting more than a "publicity stunt" for the legislators to use for re-election.

"I get calls all the time saying, ‘it’s my constitutional right not to get a vaccine.’ That’s true but it’s also your employer's right and constitutional right to not let you work there any longer," Eiland said.

Read more about Alabama House Bill 16 on abc3340.com.