Coronavirus Series: How Will the Pandemic Affect My Claim? – Part II

All of us have been affected by the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. In this series of articles, we present helpful information that can help you and your family stay safe. We also try to answer the most pressing questions our current and potential clients may have regarding how this outbreak may affect their personal injury claims.

In the first part of this article series, published last week, we discussed the challenges related to obtaining medical attention and ongoing treatment that accident victims may face during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We also presented some practical solutions and steps that you can take to overcome these challenges.

This week, we analyze two more aspects of the personal injury claim process that may be affected by the current outbreak. We also present reasons why you do not have to feel compelled to abandon your pursuit of compensation or even postpone it after the pandemic is over. If you have a valid personal injury claim, there is always another option.

Your Claim Resolution Options

You may feel compelled to settle your claims quickly due to both external and internal factors. For one, insurance companies, like other businesses, are forced to operate in an increasingly uncertain and challenging economic environment. It is projected that the insurance industry as a whole will suffer significant losses in relation to various events caused by the pandemic. 

Thus, many insurance companies are forced to protect their profits now more than ever. It is easy to foresee, then, that at least some insurers will negotiate injury claims more aggressively to increase their profit margin. For example, they may also try to exercise increased pressure on the injury victims to settle fast for an amount far below the actual value of the claim.

If you are an accident victim, you are likely experiencing an even greater economic strain not only due to the looming recession but accident-related financial losses as well. That’s why anyone who has filed a personal injury claim may be more willing to accept a settlement even though its terms are less than fair. You may simply feel that you need money right away and don’t have time to wait for negotiations or a trial.

Such concerns are understandable. Yet, accepting a settlement in the early stages of negotiation almost invariably results in a loss for the injured party. That’s why, before making any decision with regard to the future of your claim and its resolution, you should always consult a lawyer first. Together, you will be able to find the best possible solution available in your circumstances.

Affecting Court Operations

Due to social distancing measures as well as the decisions of state and local governments, many courts have had to adjust their operations and aren’t processing claims at their regular speed. This may mean significant delays for your personal injury case. The consequences may also include some unexpected rescheduling or cancellation of hearings or conferences.

On the other hand, the courts are not completely closed. They may choose to continue with your case at this time, even though you may be unable to appear in court in person. For example, in one recent yet prominent legal case involving a defective drug, the overseeing judge decided that the litigation will proceed despite complications caused by the pandemic. To achieve that, various activities related to the lawsuit will be held over a video conference. Other courts may start applying similar measures as events continue to unfold.

You Don’t Have to Put Your Personal Injury Claim On Hold!

There’s no doubt that all of us are facing a situation of increased uncertainty and hardships. Due to all potential complications that may arise as a result of the pandemic, you may feel compelled to discontinue your claim, or you may be discouraged from filing a new claim for injuries you suffered during the outbreak.

These feelings are natural. In reality, however, there are still viable and effective ways to conduct a personal injury claim safely and successfully even as this pandemic is in its full swing. Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers remain fully operational and ready as ever to represent our current and potential clients. We have taken all possible measures to ensure the safety of both our staff and our clients. For now, our staff members are all working remotely, but our availability and the quality of our services have not been affected.

To obtain more information on how we are complying with the current guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our local governments, read the regular updates we are providing. There, you will also find information on how we are prepared to handle your personal injury cases during this pandemic.