There is no question that COVID-19 has completely changed our daily lives. Most of us are adjusting to a life we have never experienced. We must socially distance ourselves from others, and many of are working remotely (including my office). Many of my clients are concerned ab0ut how this change in society will impact their case. They are asking  “How will my personal injury case be effected by COVID-19.

Although we are just starting out in this “new normal” I can tell you that personal injury claims in Massachusetts have not been greatly impacted as of yet. For the most part, the insurance claims process has not been interrupted. Insurance companies are still evaluating and settling cases, even though their adjuster are working from home. My office has settled many cases since the onset of COVID-19 with numerous different insurance companies.

As for cases that are already in litigation, the courts have instituted changes to cope with the pandemic. Now, parties are permitted to file pleadings electronically. For example, if you have a car accident, you attorney now under the new rules serve discovery and deposition notices electronically. This policy is great at its allows for litigati0n cases to move through the courts notwithstanding the pandemic.

With alternative dispute resolution, due to social distancing, arbitrations and mediation are now being held through Zoom and GoToMeeting. This technology is great and flexible as it provides video conferencing so parties can still resolve their cases via arbitration and mediation. For example, if you have a pending slip and fall case and the parties have agreed to mediate or arbitrate the case, you will not have to worry about COVID-19 slowing down your case, thanks to this useful technology.