Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can you sue for in a personal injury case?”
The coronavirus outbreak has killed over 14,000 Americans, but the death toll could climb to 240,000, according to sobering projections from the White House. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many processes, institutions, and establishments in our country, including in North Carolina.
In light of this, many North Carolinians are wondering how the pandemic could affect their ongoing or potential personal injury case. In other words, if you have a pending lawsuit or are preparing to file one, will you be unable to obtain compensation because of the COVID-19 pandemic and North Carolina’s stay-at-home order?
The question is anything but bizarre given the unprecedented circumstances. After all, the pandemic has paralyzed North Carolina’s court system, which is why your personal injury case could be affected.
What Happens to Your Court Date During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
As North Carolina’s courts remain “largely closed” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all hearings and trials will be postponed. However, if your court date is for a matter deemed “absolutely essential for constitutional or public safety reasons,” then the court may make an exception.
In an April 3 press release, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley postponed all non-essential court proceedings until June 1, 2020. If you are unsure about whether your court date will be postponed or canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact your Charlotte personal injury attorney.
Are North Carolina’s Courts Closed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Although Chief Justice Beasley issued an order postponing court proceedings until June 1, 2020, she authorized proceedings to be conducted via remote audio and video transmissions. In her order, she also allowed:
- The use of sworn statements under penalty of perjury rather than notarization for court filings and oaths; and
- Service of court documents by email.
Also, North Carolina’s online court services continue to work, allowing residents to pay traffic tickets, pay other fees, and even file court documents from the comfort and safety of their home. However, before paying for traffic tickets, consult with an attorney, especially if you have been in a car crash.
What to do if You Were Injured in an Accident During the Pandemic
If you were injured in a motorcycle collision, car accident, or any other accident during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should seek medical attention right away. While most hospitals are overwhelmed during these unprecedented times, they may still be able to treat you.
Just because there is a stay-at-home order in North Carolina does not mean that you can no longer exercise your legal rights. You still have options to seek justice and obtain compensation by filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Many attorneys in North Carolina continue to work during the pandemic, and our law firm, Arnold & Smith, PLLC, is no exception.
Our Charlotte office continues to operate 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Consultations are available via phone or by video conference. We have technology that allows us to communicate with insurance companies, execute documents, and file court documents remotely, among other things.
Contact our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, for a no-obligation consultation. Let us assist you in handling your case during these tough times. Call at (704) 370-2828 to receive a consultation with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/services
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/closed-1418602
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