What Does COVID-19 Mean for My Personal Injury Case?
Depending on where you live, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have little to no impact on your personal injury claim and its resolution. Paradowski Law, for example, remains open and does not expect any disruption of day-to-day business. Our staff will remain available, and our office is functioning like normal.
However, this does not mean that we are taking the coronavirus lightly. On the contrary, Paradowski Law is taking extra precautions to protect our employees and clients and limit the potential spread of COVID-19. Such measures include increased cleaning and sanitization of all workplace surfaces, increased access to hand sanitizer, and our procedures are in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
If for any reason, you have concerns about visiting our office, we are available via phone, e-mail, and video conference to discuss the details of your case.
Are Texas Courts Open to Hear My Case?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals have entered an emergency order modifying and suspending certain provisions related to court proceedings. It is important to note that this emergency order does allow for all hearings, depositions, and other proceedings of any kind to be conducted remotely, such as by teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and other means. In person jury trials in most Texas counties have been suspended and are not expected to resume until sometime in 2021.
However, while jury trials have been temporarily placed on hold, we are still aggressively prosecuting and resolving claims without interruption, and have had access to the courts via remote videoconferencing when and as needed.
Can I File an Accident Claim During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Yes. Accidents are still occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, and people still need access to experienced personal injury attorneys. You are still able to speak with us and are still able to file a personal injury claim if you have been injured.
Should You Keep Your Doctor Appointment?
With the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the increase of cases across Texas, you are likely debating whether you should continue with your scheduled medical care.
This is an understandable concern. You may fear that the risk of contracting the virus while making your doctor’s appointment outweighs the benefit of these medical visits. Getting sick from the virus is not only inconvenient, it can cause major health issues and put your family and friends at risk of contracting the virus as well. We understand your concerns in these trying times.
But we also know how important treatment is for your healing process and for your case. If you are seeing a doctor for post-accident medical care, you need to continue treatment according to your doctor’s orders, as much as possible. This medical care helps you heal, while also demonstrating to the judge, jury, and to insurance adjusters the level of your pain and the seriousness of your injury. Even during this time of social distancing, you have options for your continued treatment.
What to do Before You Cancel Your Doctor’s Appointment:
Before making any changes to your medical care, talk to your primary care physician or other medical professional and follow their advice regarding your post-accident medical care and therapies.
If your current doctor has stopped seeing patients, and you have been advised to continue your post-accident medical care, other doctors are available. Find a physician in your area who is taking patients and make an appointment. If you are unable to find a doctor who is taking patients, please contact us and we can help you find a doctor who can help.
Appointment slots may be limited. If you cannot be seen for all your recommended appointment times, you should attend every possible appointment. One visit a week is better than none.
A telemedicine visit is an acceptable replacement for in-person appointments. Speak with your doctor to see if this is an option and if it would be suitable for your treatment plan.
If you decide not to go, ask your doctor about other options you can do at home. This includes home exercises, stretches, light cardio such as walking, and time outdoors.
Also, if you are unable to attend your appointments, please make sure you call your doctor’s office regularly and inform them of your progress, pain and any changes. Be sure to ask them to document your calls in your file. This is vital, as it keeps a record of your physical state and recovery which are necessary for your case. This also helps your doctor make informed decisions for your post-accident medical care.
If you make any purchases for your care at home such as foam rollers, heating pads, pain medications, and prescriptions pertaining to your treatment, send us the receipts. This way, we can track your expenses and work to make sure you are fully compensated.
Before you decide to cut out all doctor’s visits, please consider the alternatives. Telemedicine has seen a huge spike in popularity since the outbreak of COVID-19 and for good reason. While you are practicing social distancing, it is important to continue with regular fitness practices, especially if recommended for your treatment. While fitness centers may be closed, you can stay active at home. If it aligns with your treatment plans, take frequent walks, stretch regularly, eat well, and take in plenty of fluids. Following simple but consistent steps like these will keep your health on track and help you improve your mental state.
As always, the team at Paradowski Law is here for you. If you have concerns, questions, or updates, call, text or e-mail us anytime. Throughout these trying times, we continue to work hard on your case to get you the compensation that you deserve, as quickly as possible. Even during the Coronavirus pandemic, our team is equipped to continue working for you. Please let us know how we can help.
(855) 524-2976 (call or text)