COVID-19 Update: How We Are Serving and Protecting Our Clients

In Idaho, Governor Little has issued a Stay at Home Order. This has meant that many organizations and businesses have had to either close their doors or substantially alter how they conduct business. Law firms have also been affected by COVID 19 by these responsible requirements that have been issued by our local government leaders. Of course, the question now is, “How does all this change affect a person’s Personal Injury case?” Here at Racine Olson, we have the answers to your personal injury questions as well as how to resolve them in this challenging time.

At the outset, it is important to understand that Governor Little’s Order excluded legally mandated activities and stated that attorneys are necessary so we all continue to serve you.

This also means that if a two-year statute of limitations is approaching on your personal injury claim, you must immediately file suit. Racine Olson can file a Complaint with the Court to prevent your case from being barred. Although the courts are running with a severely shortened staff, we are able to file documents electronically and carry on your business. It is imperative that you contact us quickly if you are approaching your two year statute of limitations. If you go past that date, regardless of whether the COVID 19 crisis continues, your case will be barred.

In order to comply with Governor Little’s Order, we have closed and locked the doors of our physical building. However, our virtual office remains open and undeterred. When you call us, the receptionist will answer the telephone just as she always did. She will next transfer your call to a personal injury specialist here at Racine Olson in Pocatello. That attorney can visit with you, answer your questions, and arrange to meet with you via FaceTime, Facebook, Skype, Zoom, or some other video conferencing medium. Information regarding your case can still be gathered and medical records and bills can still be obtained. In short, we can move forward with your case just as quickly as we ever have.

It seems clear that Governor Little does not want to extend the Stay at Home Order any longer than necessary to protect the citizens of Idaho. In the meantime, if you currently have a case in front of an Idaho Court and trial is approaching in the next thirty to sixty days, it seems unlikely that the trial will actually occur. However, there are many things that we can do on your case that do not require direct Court involvement. These include depositions and mediation. Here at Racine Olson in Pocatello, we have begun taking depositions of wrongdoers by video conference. We are able to accomplish this seamlessly and effectively. Indeed it seems as though we are in the same room with the tortfeasor.

We are also able to resolve cases through settlement discussions with opposing counsel and/or mediations. In fact, the offices at Racine Olson are set up such that multiple parties in complex cases can all participate with a mediator through video conference calling. In fact, we have already conducted mediations in just this fashion.

The important thing right now is to not be any more concerned about your legal issues than you would have been before COVID 19. Racine Olson remains open and can help you just like we always have. Racine Olson has been here since the 1940’s; this is not the first societal challenge this firm has faced. We’ll be there when you call us.

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