Coronavirus Update

This is an unprecedented time – whether here in Massachusetts, around the country, and even the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has wrought changes that most of us have never seen before. And it can be scary.

Amidst this turmoil, we want our present and future clients to know that we are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health situation related to COVID-19. Be reassured that we are taking all available steps to remain fully accessible to our clients as we continue to react in accordance with their best interests during this unprecedented time.

Resources and updates about the Coronavirus can be found at the following links:

• Essential Businesses & Utility Company no Shut-Off Orders
• Nursing Homes - COVID-19

In order to make sure that our clients’ cases are managed with maximum efficiency and attention, here are some answers to questions that you might have about how we are handling our clients’ cases, and accepting new ones, during this crisis. If you still have any questions after reading this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us any time at: bill@kickhamlegal.com, or call us at Ph: 781-320-0062; Alternatively, you can also phone and text us at Ph.: 617-285-3600.

Is your office currently open during normal business hours?

Answer: Yes, you can contact us anytime during normal business hours, (9:00 am to 5:00 pm). Feel free to call us after hours if you have an emergency; we can respond 24 hours a day.

When and how can I contact you?

Answer: 1) Email: bill@kickhamlegal.com; 2) call us at Ph.: 781-320-0062, 3) Call and/or text us to Ph: 617-285-3600.

Because of travel restrictions, what video chat platforms do you offer for clients?

Answer: 1) Skype, 2) FaceTime (iphones), 3) Zoom; 4) freeconferencecall.com

Are you accepting new clients?

Answer: yes. We remain fully available to new clients, via videoconferencing, phone, email and text.

How can I get updates regarding the status of my case or legal matter?

Answer: simply contact us by email, phone, or text (see above)

Are Massachusetts courts still open? Will my court date be rescheduled? What if I can’t come to court because I’m sick or quarantined?

Answers: Following orders of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, all Superior Court trials, whether jury or bench, that were scheduled to commence between March 17, 2020 and April 17, 2020, are being postponed until a date no earlier than April 21, 2020. For each postponed case, the courts will re-schedule a trial date and we will let all affected clients know of new dates, in writing and by email.

Will scheduled depositions, mediation, arbitration, or settlement negotiations be held as planned?

Answer: these normally in-person events can be conducted by videoconferencing or phone conferencing, but dates will likely be changed somewhat. We will advise our clients if any dates for these events need to be changed, and we will set up necessary videoconferencing arrangements.

We know that all of this information is complicated, so please feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time. In the meantime, see the following links below for federal CDC, and Massachusetts state government updates regarding public health orders, court operations, and other information:

• Massachusetts State government updates on coronavirus/covid-19: (www.mass.gov/covid19). You can also sign up for text messages from state officials (“COVIDMA” to text #L 888-777). Another information source is the Massachusetts 211 Website - OR call 211.

• Massachusetts Court system updates: https://www.mass.gov/guides/court-system-response-to-covid-19#-superior-court-

• Federal CDC updates: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/. At this website, you’ll find an easy-to-print COVID-19 household checklist. It would be a good idea to put this on your kitchen refrigerator or somewhere that it’s visible so that it’s always “in front” of everyone in your household. It includes tips on disinfecting your home as well as managing stress and anxiety.

• For renters: Tenants should not be forced to move during this time, and landlords will find it very difficult to pursue evictions during this time, as the Housing Court has rescheduled all non-emergency matters until no earlier than April 21, 2020 or later, and has vacated all default judgments entered between March 1 and April 21. Document all communications with your landlord in writing and photograph any health or safety violations.

• For homeowners & mortgage payments: You have legal rights, too. In order to begin a foreclosure in Massachusetts, a mortgage lender must first issue the homeowner a “mortgage default notice” and also provide a 90-day “right-to-cure,” during which time you are allowed to make up any missed payments. It’s during this “right to cure” period, that you can ask your lender for a loan modification.

• For legal advice not related to Massachusetts accident & injury Law: While, our firm may be able to assist you if you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence (depending on the facts of the incident), for other legal issues, the best way to seek help is probably to first look online for lawyers who handle that specific legal area. The Massachusetts Bar Association website has resources, as well as “Dial-A-Lawyer” dates, when you can call in and speak to a lawyer who handles the specific area of law you may be facing. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office also accepts and mediates consumer complaints.

About the Law Office of William D. Kickham & Associates:

Attorney William Kickham and his colleagues have very successfully represented Massachusetts injury victims for more than twenty-five years. Attorney Kickham has been consistently recognized as one of the top 100 plaintiffs’ injury lawyers in Massachusetts, and is a member New England Super Lawyers, an invitation-only, peer-nominated and peer-reviewed organization that names only the top five (5) percent of Massachusetts injury lawyers to its ranks. We specialize in all areas of personal injury law, including birth injuries, medical malpractice, car accidents, traumatic brain injuries, pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, construction site accidents, defective products that cause injury, and burns and gas explosion cases.

We remain committed to serving our current clients and new clients during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Massachusetts. You can consult with us without any cost by calling either Ph.: 781-320-0062 or Phone or text us to Ph.: 617-285-3600. You can also click here, to send us contact form, or email us to: bill@kickhamlegal.com.

In the meantime, stay safe and healthy.

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