What could possibly happen in the midst of a global pandemic, when all the courts are closed? Well, if you filed a personal injury lawsuit and are eagerly awaiting the outcome, you will be in for a disappointment. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on litigation activity. More exactly, activity is down for the time being. Lawyers have been obligated to work through stricter guidelines so as to limit the exposure of the new disease. Adapting to the new measures has been anything but easy. The legal system, which represents an essential service, is now something of a luxury.
Lawyers and judges are working remotely
Courts worldwide have imposed new rules and procedures meant to safeguard public health and welfare without negatively impacting the judicial system. Personal injury attorneys have been forced to work from the comfort of their homes and respect social distancing, so traveling to work is not an option. Judges too are working remotely, so court proceedings are taking place. Hearings are conducted over the phone or video call, which offers some flexibility. Anyone involved in a hearing, deposition, or other types of court proceeding can participate remotely. It goes without saying that these changes have impacted individual cases.
Probable delays in the insurance process
If we were to live in a perfect world, all you have to do is make a claim with the insurance company, which investigates the accident and sends the payment within a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and you have to fight for justice. In spite of the fact that insurance companies are functioning during the health crisis, they have had to deal with worker shortages, and Covid-19 delays and restrictions, meaning that they have more work cut out for them. It is highly likely that the waiting time on meaningful responses will be extended. Your injury lawyer will guide you through the entire process, so there is no reason to despair.
Insurance companies may take advantage of the situation and fight harder to hold on to the money. Despite the potential roadblocks, if you were recently injured in an accident, you should proceed with the lawsuit or claim. You may have the right to receive compensation for the injuries you have sustained. Keeping your appointments with your lawyer is essential. They will provide legal assistance during times of need. If in-person communication is absolutely necessary, the legal professional will let you know. It is recommended that appropriate safety precautions be taken.
Personal injury lawsuits are not placed on hold
Right now, you are probably wondering how long it will take until the personal injury lawsuit will be finalized. The only thing we can say for sure is that the lawsuit will not be put on hold. To be more precise, the personal injury lawyer will continue to deal with the matter and will reach out to you just as before. If delays occur, it is not the fault of the legal professional. The novel coronavirus has affected the entire industry and you should be prepared for the unexpected, and a backlog in processing court cases.