As we continue to monitor the latest updates and information about the global COVID-19 outbreak, we are taking additional measures to ensure the safety of our employees and continued service to our clients.
Based on reports we had received last month, Siegel, Moreno & Stettler initiated its business continuity plan to ensure a stable workflow in the event that one or all of our offices had to close or personnel had to work remotely.
All SMS Offices Are Now Remote
All SMS Offices are now working remotely with a crew in each office to handle essential day to day business to ensure our cases are handled without interruption.
Our attorneys and management have had remote applications (HIPAA compliant) for years. We now have remote operational access capabilities for all necessary staff and personnel.
For the safety of our employees, we will also be moving primarily to electronic communication to the extent possible. This will help eliminate undue office time. If this presents workflow issues with your office please let us know.
About the Courts
One of the more fluid situations we face is direction from our state and local courts. Presently most state courts are not allowing jury trials. The DIR has discouraged most personal appearances at local WCAB offices.
Both state and administrative courts continue to allow electronic service and telephonic appearances through preferred vendors. SMS has had and remains to have the capabilities to appear either in person or electronically to serve client needs.
Obviously, court appearance, depositions, mediations and other case related matters are disrupted in ever evolving ways. As best as possible we will try to keep you in the loop on the developments. If you have any questions about specific cases, please reach out to us and we will be happy to address you concerns immediately.
Since the courts will face backlogs, if you have any cases with statute of limitations between now and May 31, 2020, it would be wise to consider making sure they get referred with ample time to file a complaint given anticipated delays at the clerks’ offices. In the past we have been able to handle last-minute filings but the current situation indicates such speed will not be possible within the courts themselves.
Communication
SMS remains committed to serving all client needs during this critical time. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss any concerns. During this time we will continue to provide the very best communication with our clients. SMS has already partnered with Work Comp Central to provide virtual face to face meetings, webinars and video conferencing to maintain the level of communication our client’s have come to know and rely on.
We also have a customer services representative, Jen McCaw, who is dedicated to our clients and will provide another layer of communication and support. Going Forward
Our firm is committed to keeping our clients appraised of statewide and local changes as they relate to the coronavirus outbreak as well as its impact on our industry.
Most importantly, from our family to yours, stay safe!
