Kentucky Courts have been closed for quite some time. I had a jury trial scheduled that will get “bumped” to the fall. My office has been using telecommunication for depositions. The main change during quarantine is face to face meetings. My preference is to meet with my clients for initial consultations, litigation review, deposition prep, signing of closing documents, and a variety of other portions of the legal process. However, from an injury lawyer standpoint is I can do everything by cell phone, FaceTime, and DocuSign.
Injury Case Intake
When someone needs my help it is now a streamlined process. My phone line picks up 24/7. I am able to provide advice on the phone or via email and get started working on case. To do that I have a free consultation and if I can help send a contract that allows me to get to work. My contract is straightforward: I’m paid on contingency and don’t get a dollar unless my client’s case is successfully resolved. The rest of my intake is authorizations like HIPAA or health insurance. All of it is electronically signed in compliance with the Kentucky Bar.
Communicating With Insurance
Insurance companies are still setting up claims and paying people for injuries. I normally communicate with adjusters and defense lawyers via email or phone. When a mediation is necessary that is the time we all show up to one spot. Mediations are now being done via ZOOM or FaceTime. While this isn’t my preference a case can still get resolved at an electronic mediation. Releases are signed electronically and I’m mailing settlement checks to my clients.
Courts and Hearings For Injury Cases
Next month the courts will open up for hearings. This will help move discovery forward and allow my clients to get new trial dates. Lawyers are being told that the majority of these hearings will be done remotely. The Federal Courts already do this so it should not be an issue.
We are all doing our best to stay socially distant at my office. Everyone wears masks and non-employees aren’t allowed in the building. It is how things need to be for the time being and just fine. Although I do miss physically handing checks to my clients! That day will come again. In the meantime the mail works 🙂
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