Common Questions About Michigan Personal Injury Lawsuits During COVID-19

Even under normal circumstances, people very commonly have a lot of questions about lawsuits. They aren’t something people deal with every day and it’s very easy to feel intimidated by all the legalities that apply to your particular situation. But when the coronavirus pandemic came to the United States and places were ordered to shut down to prevent the spread of the virus, that added another layer of complexity to the mix. If you’re dealing with a Michigan personal injury case right now, here are some answers to some common questions people have.

Can I Still Get Help From a Lawyer?

Under Michigan’s shelter-in-place order, lawyers generally do not fall into the category of essential workers who are allowed to leave their homes for work. However, that does not mean that people are unable to get help from a lawyer if they need it during this time. Even though in-person consultations and meetings are on hold from the time being, the Michigan Bar Association allows attorneys to meet with clients remotely. This way, we’re able to do things like provide consultations for new clients and offer guidance and assistance for existing clients.

Has COVID-19 Impacted Statute of Limitations for Cases?

When a person is injured, one of the best things they can do is get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Many types of legal cases are bound by a statute of limitations, which means you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for damages. But with people being ordered to stay home, many people are wondering if the coronavirus pandemic has had any impact on the statute of limitations.

On March 23, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order which extended deadlines for case initiation and filing responsive hearings for civil and probate trial cases during the state of emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic. If you have any questions about the statute of limitations that applies to your case, it’s best to talk to your lawyer.

Can Documents Still be Notarized or Witnessed During This Time?

Very often, lawsuits involve documents that need to be notarized or witnessed. While in-person meetings are still being discouraged, teleconferencing technology can be used in lieu of meeting in person.

These are difficult times and having to deal with a lawsuit right now can make things even harder. The team at Goodwin & Scieszka is still available to help with Michigan personal injury lawsuits. Every situation is unique, so contact us today with any questions you have and find out how we can help.

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