How a Personal Injury Department Not Only Survived but Flourished During the Pandemic “Lock-Down”
Practically without warning, New York State closed the Courts and told law offices to close their doors – deeming most of law firms’ work as “non-essential”. With that blow to the ego, law firms and lawyers complied. Then the questions and challenges began when operating during a pandemic lockdown.
HOW DID WE CONTINUE TO OPERATE?
How does a personal injury department in a law firm continue to operate and continue to provide quality and productive legal services to its clients? Litigation came to a screeching halt and continues to be that way. The Courts cancelled appearances, motions and trials. Lawyers cancelled depositions and the pandemic intensified.
How do the attorneys get new clients and new business, and injured persons retain an attorney? All of these questions and many more needed to be answered and answered quickly.
WHAT WE LEARNED OVER THE LAST YEAR WHILE OPERATING DURING A PANDEMIC?
Our team of personal injury attorneys effectively and efficiently delivered top-quality legal services to our PI clients and provided complete counsel as needed. Although not physically in the office at times out Personal Injury team spent the time successfully negotiating numerous settlements for our clients
and working up cases. We found that insurance adjusters and defense attorneys had the time to review and evaluate claims.
The attorneys spent a considerable amount of time talking to adjusters and attorneys and negotiating and settling cases. Covid provided more time to spend to work and be productive while staying safe. Our attorneys had time to review medical records, submit demand packages to insurance companies and
defense attorneys and negotiate cases. Attorneys had the opportunity to work on and complete large projects which are difficult to devote continuous time to while running to Court and litigating cases.
HOW COULD OUR PERSONAL INJURY TEAM EASILY TRANSITION TO WORKING REMOTELY DURING THE PANDEMIC
During the last several years, LoTempio PC Law Group invested in technology and training. With that technology and training the PI team had moved to an almost paperless office environment. Files scanned and maintained in the system previously allowed attorneys, paralegals, and support staff the freedom to access a client’s file and information from virtually anywhere. What once was considered a freedom and perk now became vital to the Firm’s ability to work and produce good results, and represent our clients. Prior to the shutdown, a PI attorney worked remotely at times. We utilized that experience.
The Firm’s internet phone system gave clients and potential new clients easy and immediate access to attorneys and other staff.
In addition, the PI team utilized Zoom, Skype for Business, and Facetime to continue to communicate with clients and to set up virtual appointments with new clients. Attorneys were also able to conduct firm meetings to provide support for each other as well as to continue to discuss how to be more effective and productive. Recently, Judges and law clerks start handling Court appearances virtually.
REOPENING OF THE COURTS
As the Courts re-opened, our team was ready. On the first day, we filed a number of lawsuits that were put on hold. As the re-opening process continues, the practice of law will be different and society will be different. With a focus on safety and flexibility our Personal Injury team and Firm will evolve and embrace the changes that will be necessary. These changes will be vital to not just survive but succeed and continue to provide complete counsel to our clients. That means handling your case no matter where that attorney is, where you are or how the Court wants to proceed.
In conclusion, LoTempio Law Group never stopped fighting for you while successfully Operating during a Pandemic.
WHAT OUR PERSONAL INJURY TEAM HANDLES
The Personal Injury team of lawyers at LoTempio P.C. Law Group, combined, have over 75 years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases: motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, construction accidents, injuries on property, medical malpractice, and significantly nursing home abuse and neglect. We handle claims made under the New York State Child’s Victims Act. As needed, we expect we will pursue claims relating to the Covid-19.
Call us and talk directly with one of our personal injury attorneys about your case. We are here to help.
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