Effects of COVID-19 on Rhode Island Personal Injury Cases

It’s been more than 10 months since the novel coronavirus began to surge across the United States. Rhode Island was not spared. More than 110,000 cases and 2,083 deaths have been reported statewide. While cases are down compared to a few months ago and overall case positivity rate has stayed below 5%, Rhode Island, like the rest of the country continues to grapple with additional new cases, deaths and the challenges of vaccine distribution.

Life has not returned to “normal” in Rhode Island quite yet. But schools have resumed in-person learning and people are out and about despite several limitations. People also continue to suffer personal injuries in car accidents, slip-and-fall accidents and other mishaps caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you or a loved one has been injured, you may have a number of questions about how your claim will be settled or adjudicated. Here are some key questions answered with regard to Rhode Island personal injury claims.

Are Courthouses Open?

It is important to know that courthouses are open and functioning in Rhode Island. Personal injury cases are filed and heard in civil courts. All courthouses are observing social distancing guidelines, verbally screening those entering the buildings, and requiring all who enter to wear facemasks. Filings can be made through the electronic filing system, by mail or other means, as allowed by the rules or administrative orders of each court. Your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your personal injury case is filed with the proper documentation and on time.

Getting Medical Treatment

If you have been injured because of a car accident, slip-and-fall accident or some other traumatic event, it is very important that you receive prompt medical attention, treatment and care. This is critical not just because getting medical care generates the documentation and evidence that plays a significant role in bolstering your personal injury case, but also because getting the care and treatment you need helps put you on the road to recovery.

During the coronavirus pandemic, you may hesitate to visit a hospital, emergency room or doctor’s office for treatment due to concerns about contracting the virus. While these concerns are justified, it is still true that getting the treatment you need is vital when it comes to your health and well-being, and documenting your injuries and treatment. If you don’t seek prompt medical care and fail to follow your doctor’s recommendations for follow-up treatment and care, you may be jeopardizing your personal injury claim.

You should do your best to keep up your medical appointments as much as possible while following all recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) including social distancing and using face coverings. Since healthcare facilities are busy caring for COVID-19 patients, you may need to wait longer to receive treatment. This could also mean that your case could take a little longer to settle because you won’t know the full scope of your damages until you complete your treatment and reach maximum medical improvement.

Settling a Providence Personal Injury Case

If you have suffered an injury as the result of a car accident or some other traumatic event, you may be undergoing significant financial strain, often made worse by the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. You may need the money from your settlement urgently to pay the mortgage, rent or other bills. Some insurance companies may attempt to manipulate you or exploit your misfortunes by offering an unfair, low settlement.

It is crucial that you contact an experienced Providence personal injury lawyer before you accept any settlement from the insurance company. Rushing to accept a low settlement may mean that you will not be compensated for the totality of your losses. Talk to your lawyer before you make such a critical decision that could potentially affect your financial future.

Contacting a Providence Personal Injury Lawyer

The coronavirus pandemic should not affect your ability to get in touch with an experienced Providence personal injury lawyer. At d’ Oliveira & Associates, you will still be able to talk to a lawyer by phone or through video conferencing. We can help guide you through the complexities of navigating a personal injury lawsuit, particularly during this pandemic. While a pandemic is a temporary situation, which we hope will end soon, a personal injury case is something that can have an impact on you and your family for a long time to come.

Therefore, it is crucial that you don’t delay contacting a personal injury lawyer because of the pandemic. Our personal injury lawyers are here to serve all new and current clients. Do not wait to take action because doing so could drastically reduce the value of your personal injury case. Call us at (800) 992-6878 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.