Litigation is the next big COVID threat to employers.

First came the virus ... then came the lawyers.

As The Washington Post recently noted, "Hundreds of lawsuits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic are rapidly amassing in state and federal courts ... Complaints reach across industries and state lines, with some seeking significant monetary damages."

With so many people unemployed and having little to lose (and a lot to gain), they aren't being shy about bringing coronavirus legal claims related to workplace safety, wages, leave, accommodations and more.

Key question: Could an employer be held liable if a worker contracts coronavirus while performing his job (and how can that be proved)?

The issue has launched a battle in Congress, where Republicans are backing a bill to protect employers from lawsuits brought by employees who say they were sickened at work. Democrats want to strengthen worker rights to sue over unsafe conditions.

Typically, work-related injuries are covered...