How the Coronavirus may Impact Accident Injury Claims

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an unprecedented crisis that has had far-reaching effects on virtually every area of our society. The number of Americans that have contracted the virus and died from it is absolutely tragic, and for the rest of us, our lives are going to be disrupted for quite some time.

Nothing is exempt from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak, and this includes the legal system. Georgia and most other states have strict social distancing guidelines in place, and there is limited access to the courts. The courts are generally only open for emergency proceedings, and all trials that were scheduled for the Spring have been put on hold.

At Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C., we want you to know that, although the wheels of justice are turning more slowly, we are still open and ready to serve your legal needs. We are taking all the precautions and implementing all the steps needed to keep ourselves and our clients safe, and like most of you, we are working remotely these days. That said, we have the resources and technology to stay fully operational, and we are able to complete many of the important steps toward successfully resolving your case even without the courts running at full capacity.

How Personal Injury Cases are being Affected by COVID-19

In addition to the slow-moving court calendar, there are some other challenges that many personal injury victims are running into because of the coronavirus outbreak:

Access to Medical Care

With the hospitals preparing for an influx of COVID-19 patients, many elective surgeries and other procedures have been canceled or postponed. For someone who was injured because of another party’s negligence or reckless actions, this could mean having their recovery hindered. It is important for those in this position to do everything they can to keep their appointments and follow their doctor’s orders, so this does not happen.

For personal injury victims, their health and well-being needs to remain their number one priority. This means getting proper medical care not only to help ensure a faster recovery, but also to fulfill their legal duty to mitigate their losses as much as possible. It is also necessary to document the full extent of their injuries, so they can recover maximum compensation.

Unwillingness to Keep Medical Appointments

Another issue that is closely related to the first one is the apprehension that some personal injury victims have about going in to see a medical professional with the threat of contracting the coronavirus. While this concern is certainly understandable, it is important to keep in mind that hospitals and medical clinics are going to great lengths to keep their facilities clean and safe for their patients.

The staff at these facilities are using masks and gloves, keeping surfaces sanitized, keeping patients at a 6 foot or more distance from each other, and taking numerous other steps to minimize the risks. Of course, no one can provide a 100% guarantee that they will not get sick, but the risks are very low, and it would be a far greater danger to your health if you fail to show up for your appointments and do what the doctor says.

Difficulty Recovering Fair Compensation

With so many Americans out of work (because of the effects of the coronavirus) and finances getting tighter, a lot of personal injury victims are more motivated to settle their claims. The situation is made worse by the court system slowing down and the prospect of waiting several months for your case to be heard. Sadly, many insurance companies are trying to take advantage of this situation by giving claimants lowball offers for only a fraction of what their injury is worth.

While it may be tempting to accept an insurance company’s settlement offer, it is important to remember that insurers have very little incentive right now to give you a fair offer, and it is better to be patient and hold out for something better. It is also very important during these difficult and uncertain days have a strong advocate in your corner who is fighting hard to secure the most favorable outcome possible. Going it alone against the insurance company is ill-advised even under the best of circumstances, and now, more than another, you need an experienced attorney by your side.

Contact Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. for Skilled Legal Help

If you or a loved one suffered injury at the hands of another party, Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. is ready to go to work for you. Do not put off getting an attorney involved until after the coronavirus situation is over – this will may only make it more difficult to recover the compensation you deserve.

 

To speak with one of our seasoned attorneys, message us online or call us today at (678) 981-5370.