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COVID-19 and Personal Injury Cases: Filing During a Pandemic

With Covid-19 cases surging in the United States over the past several months, our day-to-day practices have drastically changed.  Americans have learned what we need to do to reduce our risks and improve our health.  Businesses and institutions have had to quickly adapt. 

But how has the pandemic affected personal injury cases? 

1. Medical Assessments.  After an accident, it is crucial to be assessed by a healthcare provider.  During normal times, accident victims would visit a provider.  But during the pandemic, it may be harder to get a timely appointment.  Additionally, individuals with underlying conditions may be concerned about potential exposure to Covid-19 and decide against visiting a healthcare provider.  If you have suffered injuries from an accident, we recommend you be assessed promptly by a healthcare provider to determine the extent of your injuries — even if it is a virtual telemedicine consultation. 
2. Legal Procedures.  Since courts have been closed for weeks and even months of the pandemic, most have a backlog of cases.  However, judges have been permitted to hold hearings, conferences, and bench trials remotely.  In Florida, all in-person jury trials scheduled to begin March 30, 2020 or later were postponed to October 13, 2020.  Tort cases, including personal injury lawsuits, typically take a back seat to more pressing litigation so you can expect that personal injury cases will face delays. 
3. Virtual Communication.  Many attorneys, healthcare providers, and even insurance companies have moved their communications from face-to-face to virtual.  Our attorneys are available to meet with you via confidential video calls to discuss the details of your personal injury case.  Once we understand the details, we can determine the optimal path to complete the discovery process – even if we need to conduct interviews through phone or teleconferencing. 
4. Insurance Companies.  While insurance companies are essential and have been open for business during most or all of the last few months, Covid-19 has altered normal procedures and pressed companies to operate with fewer employees.  Consequently, consumers will likely experience longer wait times to speak with a representative or process claims.

Despite these potential delays and changes, if you don’t file your case in a timely manner, you may hinder your ability to obtain fair compensation for a personal injury.  Consequently, you need an experienced attorney who understands the legal system and the latest technology to help you navigate the insurance, healthcare, and legal systems during these unprecedented times.  Assessing the facts of the case, ECanter Lawyers with you to determine the best path for your case, whether that means settling the case or waiting to go to trial.

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury before or during the pandemic, our experienced attorneys can help.  To speak confidentially with our attorneys, please contact our office today at 561-447-4500.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500