The coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the United States has significantly altered the way of life for almost everybody in this country. This pandemic has also affected ongoing personal injury cases in Georgia, as well as new cases that are arising during this health crisis. Due to stay at home orders as well as court closures, all types of legal matters have been dramatically affected.
Treating Injuries During COVID-19 Outbreak
Those who have been injured due to the negligence of another person right now are often left wondering how they should get treatment for their injuries. After all, seeking medical care and continuing treatment is a vital part of the personal injury case process.
Right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have recommended that non-urgent and routine medical care be conducted, as much as possible, through telehealth methods. This could mean phone calls or video conferences with doctors or physical therapists. In many cases, this may be sufficient for continued treatment for those who have sustained personal injuries and have ongoing cases.
If you have an urgent or emergency need, you do need to seek assistance at the closest urgent care facility or hospital for medical treatment. For true emergencies, call 911 or get to the hospital immediately. The risks a person faces from not seeking treatment far outweigh the risks of contracting COVID-19 in emergency situations.
How Courts Are Working During the Epidemic
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold D. Melton issued a Statewide Judicial Emergency. The order has already been extended once already and is now set to expire on June 12, 2020. This order may also be extended again.
This judicial order is necessary in order to enforce social distancing and safety measures recommended by the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Under this order, all criminal and civil jury trials will be suspended, and courts are barred from summoning and impaneling new trial juries and grand juries.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court and long before they go to trial. However, even cases that are settled out of court are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Much of the processes that go into reaching a settlement are also being delayed, including an investigation into liability for an injury, gathering evidence, obtaining depositions, and more.
Once courts began to open back up, they will still not immediately resume normal operations. It will take some time for the court system to catch up, which means that personal injury cases may take longer to resolve.
Remote Representation For Your Case
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the negligent or careless actions of another person, seek legal assistance today. The team at Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis, P.C. is ready to get to work on your behalf today. We understand that COVID-19 has completely altered the way of life for most people and Georgia, but we are still dedicated to helping injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. We offer completely remote representation for your case as an effort to mitigate the risks presented by COVID-19. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 770-251-7100.