Our Firm’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

On Monday, March 16, 2020, our Firm instituted a work from home plan for the entire staff due to the spread of coronavirus in our communities, which has raised challenges for everyone, including our attorneys, our staff, our clients and the court system. With all of us working together, we expect to get through this trying time.

Our attorneys and staff have full capabilities to work remotely. We are confident that we will continue to meet our clients’ needs and expectations. We are always available via telephone and email. We are also continuously and safely monitoring our mail, following all health and government recommendations. For the foreseeable future, if you need to contact us please call or email. These are the best and most efficient ways to communicate with our staff. If you need to give us documents, please avoid traveling to our office. Instead, mail or email papers to us.

For our clients with personal injury cases, you should be aware that the courts have taken significant precautionary measures. The courts are closed except for rare, emergency situations. We expect there to be delays and postponements. We are already receiving notices of adjournments for certain conferences. Rest assured, our attorneys are monitoring the situation daily.

For our clients with workers’ compensation cases, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is continuing to operate with 100% virtual hearings. While it occasionally may cause some hearings to be adjourned, most hearings are occurring and being handled as they were prior, albeit virtually. If you have an independent medical examinations (IMEs), please call us to discuss. The WCB has issued some guidance to attorneys. Essentially, need to attend will be recommended by us on a case by case basis based on all factors, including your comfort level felt in attending. If you are out of work and receiving weekly payments, the law does require you to see your doctor once every 90 days. The WCB has provided guidance that recommends you initially speak with your doctor about telemedicine, and if your doctor is not partaking in telemedicine, the WCB will deal with lack of up to date medical evidence on a case by case basis. Regarding WC weekly payments, though there may initially be a short delay, we expect payments to continue uninterrupted.

To our referral partners and any prospective clients, we have the capability to conduct intakes via telephone or video conference. Please contact us and we will schedule an appointment.

These are trying times for everyone. We recommend following the recommendation of New York City, New York State, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and your local governments. As always, if you have any health care concerns you should contact your doctor.