Asheville Personal Injury Lawyer › Auger Law Asheville Coronavirus Updates

Auger Law Asheville Coronavirus Updates

We want to start by sending our best wishes and hopes for good health to all of our current, past, and potential clients.  Please know that during this unprecedented time the lawyers and professional staff of Auger & Auger are working hard for our clients and doing everything we can to continue to operate in the customer-focused and dependable way that our clients have come to know during our 25+ years of representing injured North and South Carolinians.  

During this time our office is operating under normal business hours with most of our staff working remotely. Deemed an essential service by the Governor of NC, even though we have the express permission to come to work every day, we have decided that it is in the best interest for our community, team and of our clients to operate exclusively through the many technological friendly methods we have already been using for several years. 

For example, any client or potential client that would like to speak to us face to face can request a zoom meeting through their laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Any documents that require signatures can be signed through either DocuSign or sent via Federal Express. All of our team members are able to access all of our files remotely using secure remote login software. Additionally, all of the team members are equipped with work phones that can be answered wherever they may. While we all may not be working together under one roof as we would normally, with all of the processes we have in place, you would not know it. 

Please know that we are continuing to monitor this frequently changing situation and we will do everything we can to continue to offer our services to everyone that needs us. We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone again of the aforementioned digital accommodations we provide. For example:

• You can contact us via phone and email. Call at (828) 222-7649 and email at [email protected]
  
• Start a chat with us right now by clicking chat at the bottom of the page.
  
• You can sign documents electronically via your phone or computer using DocuSign, a fast, secure, and entirely paperless application that eliminates the need of coming into our office.
  

At Auger & Auger, our clients and their families always come first. If you have questions or concerns about your current case or legal matter, do not hesitate to contact us now through any of these channels. Please remember that our phones are answered 24/7 and we will speak with you! 

Q&A Guide for Current & Prospective Clients 

Q: How are you handling current cases?

A: We are here working diligently for our client cases during the coronavirus shutdown. We have had the tools and technology in place to assist our clients from home long before this situation occurred. We are always here to assist. Read more here.

Q: I am still under the care of a doctor and I need additional medical care (therapy, diagnostics, surgery) but I have been told that my treatment is being delayed because of Coronavirus. Will this hurt my case?

A: No. You should continue to follow your doctor’s orders and attend treatments and appointments as directed.  Please keep in mind that treatments delayed by your doctor are different than you delaying your own treatment. Learn more here.

Q: I heard I should avoid hospitals, emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities for non-emergencies. Should I continue treatment if I have an ongoing case? 

A: It is important that you continue to follow your doctor’s instructions. Most offices have special procedures to protect patients from being scheduled among other patients that are sick or showing signs of illness. Read more here.

Q: Is there anything else I can do to help move my case forward? 

A: Please keep an eye on your emails and check messages on a regular basis as we will all be relying more on emails, telephone calls and other forms of communications in the weeks ahead to relay information about your case. Learn more here.

Q: What happens if I contract COVID-19 (or any other illnesses) while receiving treatment for my ongoing case?

A: If you are ill from Coronavirus or any other illness that occurs while you are treating for your accident-related injuries, please discuss your medical care with ALL of your doctors. Read more here.

Q: Can I file for Workers’ Compensation if I got injured working from home amidst the COVID-19 Crisis?

A: There are strict guidelines that govern workers’ comp claims, so it is a good idea to speak to an experienced injury lawyer if you are injured while working. Learn more here.

Q: North Carolina has declared a State of Emergency. Does this affect my insurance if I get into a car wreck?

A: No. Do not drive your car unless you have at least the state-required minimum coverage. You are still required to have insurance for your vehicle. Read more here.

Q: If I contract COVID-19 through the course and scope of my employment, does that count as a Workers’ Compensation claim?

A: At this time the answer is unclear. It is possible that laws could be passed to protect people on the frontlines that contracted Corona-Virus through their work. Learn more here.

Q: Can I still hire a lawyer for my recent car accident or other injury cases with so many businesses and courts being closed?

A: Yes. Lawyers have been declared an essential business and our office is operating under our regular business hours. We have the tools and technology to keep hard at work for all of our clients. Read more about how we can help here.

Q: Why can’t I just wait until after all of this is over to build my injury case?

A: You can, but no experienced personal injury law firm (including our firm or our colleagues) would recommend that game plan. The insurance company is not closed and they are already working to find information that could be used to devalue your injury claim. Learn more about our recommendations here.

Important Resources for Covid 19 Information

Here are some important resources that you may want to take a look at.  We are not responsible for the content of these websites and information is frequently changing.  However, these organizations may have helpful information for you and your families during this time. If there is a specific resource not mentioned, please let us know and we will do our best to help you find what you are looking for. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Learn more about potential benefits for people facing challenges caused by Covid-19:

https://www.benefits.gov/help/faq/Coronavirus-resources

Find out information about the stimulus payments being deposited by the IRS:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

NC Department of Health Coronavirus informational resources:

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control Coronavirus informational resources:

https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Need help filing an unemployment claim in NC? Check out this link:

https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment/filing-your-unemployment-application

Need to file an unemployment application in SC? Check out SC’s website for such claims:

https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/apply-for-benefits/claims-process

Looking for a large online tool for different Covid-19 information resources? Try Google:

https://www.google.com/covid19/

Don’t let fears of coronavirus keep you from obtaining the legal representation you need and deserve. If you or a loved one were hurt due to any type of accident or act of negligence, we are here to help.  Give us a call at 828-222-7649 as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation and learn more about the legal services we offer. Contact us via phone, chat, or email so we can continue to provide you with the care and expertise you’ve come to expect at Auger & Auger.