This is a question that many people have been asking since Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced in late March that non-essential businesses in their state/district would be closed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To answer the question: law firms are considered essential businesses, BUT, we here at The Lapidus Law Firm have closed our office and are now working remotely. In other words, the Lapidus Law Firm remains open…online.
While all of the courts in the region are closed for non-emergency matters, which includes trials and other types of civil case proceedings, Insurance Claims Adjusters are still working –all remotely– and are making settlement offers as they usually do in response to meritorious claims which are appropriately documented and presented to their companies. (Not all settlement offers are acceptable).
Fortunately, with email, fax, phones & regular mail still working, many claims are settling. For those claims where the offers are reasonably low, the courts all accept lawsuits for filing purposes, so that when the courts re-open, the case will be ready to proceed as fast as the courts will permit. This is why we’ve chosen to remain open FOR YOU.
How We’re Communicating with Clients
Thankfully, technology allows us to continue working on claims just as we did before the pandemic. We are still here to serve your accident and personal injury legal needs. We are ready to have virtual meetings with you via video conferencing and utilizing meeting apps such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, and more. And of course, emails and phone calls are still happening as well.
What We’re Still Doing For You
To be honest: not much has changed on our end, except the fact that we’re now working from home rather than in our office. So, even though state and district officials do not deem personal injury law firms to be essential businesses, we know that accidents do not stop happening, and injuries do not become 100% preventable during a global pandemic. That’s why we’re here (in our home offices) for you and working on your claims as you read these very words.
While we may not be able to meet in person, we are still busy on calls with insurance companies, and we are working on completing reports and other necessary documentation about your claims. Soon enough, we’ll be able to relax social distancing practices thoughtfully.
Are Injury Law Firms Essential Businesses?
Yes! However, while our offices are closed for the safety and well-being of our clients, staff, and community, The Lapidus Law Firm is always available to serve your legal needs. Should you or a loved one be involved in an accident or are injured due to another party’s negligence during the coronavirus pandemic, we are still here to help.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (202) 785-5111 or (301) 852-7500 to set up a free, no-obligation consultation (via video) or if you have any questions about a case. You can also email us via the form on our homepage, and we will get back to you promptly.
Please stay safe and healthy…and stay at home! We will handle the rest.