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Dealing with an injury is rough. It can result in emotional and physical pain, medical expenses, and a loss of wages. Getting a settlement can’t take away the pain, but it can provide you with compensation for expenses and damages as well as a sense of closure that will help you move on with your life.
It is for these reasons that personal injury victims will be anxious to resolve their cases. However, the coronavirus has forced courts to shut down, making it impossible for cases to go to trial. Although this is frustrating, there are things you can do to keep your claim active during these trying times.
Read on to find out how you can work with your lawyer to keep your case moving forward.
What Can My Lawyer Do to Keep My Case Moving Forward During COVID-19?
Even though your lawyer won’t be able to get your case to trial, there are several things he can do to get you closer to a settlement.
Fortunately, many online platforms can be used for communication that will make it possible to keep your case active during the lockdown. Lawyers that already integrate these platforms in their day to day business operations will be best prepared to provide a seamless transition.
Here are some ways your lawyer can keep your case active during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Discovery Process: Your lawyer and his team can keep the discovery process going by finding and exchanging discovery materials and filing motions for relief. This will strengthen your case, giving you a more substantial chance of a positive outcome when courts reopen.
E-Filing: Even though courts are closed, e-filing systems are still available. Your lawyer should continue to file any documents he can during the COVID-19 crisis.
Depositions: Depositions are pieces of testimony witnesses can make outside of court to be used in court and a later date. Lawyers can use video conferencing platforms to record depositions that can be used when cases go to trial.
Arbitrations and Mediations: These are meetings that can take place out of court in small groups in private offices or via video conferencing. They involve bringing in an unbiased third party to help to dispute parties reach an agreement. They can be used to provide out of court settlements for personal injury victims.
What if My Lawyer is Unable to Represent Me Virtually?
If your lawyer does not have the resources to represent you virtually, or there are too many hiccups in the transitional process, it can negatively affect your case. In these circumstances, it may be best to find another lawyer.
With courts being shut down, now is a great time to find alternate representation. Your new lawyer will have plenty of time to get caught up on your case, so he or she is ready to represent you when courts reopen.
Finding a new lawyer will also not result in significant out of pocket costs.
You have likely worked out terms with your lawyer for them to receive one-third of your recovery fee. If you decide to switch lawyers, they will be getting one-third of the recovery fee for the work they have already done. Your new lawyer will get the remainder of the fee resulting in no additional fees for you.
Finding a New Lawyer
If you have decided that its best to find a new lawyer, you will want to find someone with the technology that is necessary to keep your case moving forward during COVID-19. You will also want someone that has the experience you need to get the best possible outcome. David Aylor is highly recommended.
David Aylor is a Charleston, S.C. attorney with over a decade of experience in personal injury law. His offices are equipped with the state of the art technology. It would be best if you kept your case active while courts are closed. He takes a client-centered approach and will work tirelessly to make sure the people he represents achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dealing with a personal injury can be frustrating. If your lawyer is not doing all they can to keep your case active during COVID-19, it may be time for finding someone who can. The David Aylor team has the resources you need and the experience you deserve.