Our lives have been turned upside down by this virus, which has taken so much from all of us. We are grieving lost loved ones. We are worried about those who have survived, but still have lingering symptoms that impact their quality of life. We long to return to the way things were.
How the Coronavirus Impacted the Legal System
The legal system has not escaped upheaval. Courts across the state began to shut down in early March, and some remain open in person only for emergency and essential matters. Beginning June 1, each circuit was granted the authority to decide when and how to return to normal operations.
In a statement on this decision, Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said, “Our courts around the state have risen to this enormous challenge to continue the Judicial Branch mission to protect the rights and liberties of all by providing equal access to justice, resolving disputes, and upholding the rule of law. The Court realizes that the health crisis is not over, but we must advance justice in a safe and organized manner.”
In the more rural areas of the state, which have not been as hard-hit by the virus, in-person hearings may soon resume. Here in the Chicagoland area, remote hearings are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. However, this should not deter anyone who thinks they have a personal injury claim from seeking justice.
Virtual hearings are proving to work well in most cases. Our firm has also been able to adapt to doing initial consultations and pre-trial work like discovery and settlement negotiations remotely. If you have concerns about proceeding virtually, we understand. However, we urge you not to wait to speak to an attorney.
Even during this time of crisis, personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations. This is basically a countdown clock that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. If the clock runs out, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit, no matter how seriously you have been injured, or how clearly the evidence demonstrates the other party’s fault.
Contact Our Office Today to Schedule an Initial Consultation
We also encourage injury victims to call our office sooner rather than later because it makes it easier to gather compelling evidence. The more time has passed since your injury, the more likely it is that some evidence will have been destroyed or forgotten. Acting quickly can help us gather important photos at the scene of the accident, and get statements from witnesses before their memory fades.
If you have suffered an injury in the greater Chicago area, the Stein & Shulman law firm is here to help. Whether you are ready to take legal action and seek compensation, or are just curious about what options are available to you, we are ready to take your call. Please contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation so we can learn more about your case, and help you figure out a way to move forward.