Handling Coronavirus Legal Concerns
The unprecedented onset of the Coronavirus pandemic has created some legal issues that may be impacting some people. Some matters will fall under current state and federal laws and statutes while others may be unique. At Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd., we are here to help you resolve any legal problems caused directly or indirectly by the Coronavirus.
Some of the many legal matters that may arise due to the pandemic include:
Work-Related Issues
If you were fired, furloughed, or suffered a lay-off that you feel was unfair, you may have legal recourse in some situations. While Wisconsin is a “work at will” state, your employer must still follow the law with regards to employment. If you have a contract, your employer must abide by it and is not allowed to change the terms of the agreement.
Some workers are concerned about working in dangerous conditions, such as in contact with the public without being provided with adequate personal protective equipment. Generally, an employer has the responsibility to protect the safety of their employees and cannot require them to work outside of the safety guidelines. A worker cannot be wrongfully terminated for refusing to participate in a hazardous task.
Contract-Related Issues
A breach of contract by either party, regardless of cause, may be a legal issue that you need to resolve. In many instances, negotiation between parties can help come to an agreement. In other circumstances, it may be impossible to carry out the terms of the contract or meet the date of completion. The coronavirus pandemic may meet the standards for a force majeure. This is an unavoidable catastrophe that could be a legal reason to end a contract. Litigation may be necessary to resolve contract disputes, regardless of the issues.
Family Law Matters
Several matters may surface regarding family law matters. During the pandemic, schools and daycare facilities are closed, which can make it difficult to provide care for your children. Parents may need to address medical needs of children who require medical care due to the coronavirus. In some cases, child support payments could be delayed when a parent is unable to work due to the crisis. It is essential to address these issues and come to agreements regarding child care, support, visitation, and other matters during this time.
Real Estate Transactions
It is understandable that during this economic slowdown, people are afraid to enter into real estate transactions. In some cases, you may want to cancel or make adjustments to a real estate contract that you already signed. If you are currently considering a transaction, make sure that you include options that allow you to get out of the contract under certain conditions, such as in the case of an economic recession. Our team of experienced attorneys will assist you in making contracts that protect your interests and in resolving contractual matters favorably.
Personal Injury Claims
There may be some instances which could result in a personal injury or wrongful death claim. For instance, nursing homes are required to provide proper care and take the necessary precautions to keep residents safe. If a nursing home facility fails to act properly, it might be considered a negligent action. Understaffing, improper training, inadequate management, and failure to use protective equipment could result in spreading infections, such as coronavirus. These types of infections can be particularly dangerous to the elderly population and to those with underlying medical conditions, such as many residents of nursing homes.
Will and Healthcare Directive Concerns
Every adult should have a will in place that provides instructions for how to handle your affairs should you pass away. Another concern is to ensure that you put a healthcare directive in place. A healthcare directive provides critical instructions for doctors and your loved ones should you become incapacitated. It allows you to assign power of attorney to another person who can take care of your financial and other matters on your behalf. A will and healthcare directive are essential to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.
If you suffered an injustice due to the coronavirus, you may need legal guidance and help resolving the situation. At Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd., we are here to answer your questions and guide you through the resolution of your legal case. Contact Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. today at (608) 784-8310 to talk about your immediate legal concerns.
How We are Staying Safe
Our entire team at Moen Sheehan Meyer Ltd. is taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously. We are keeping our staff members and our clients safe and protected. We understand that your legal needs do not stop due to illness, so we are here to help you. Our entire team understands the importance of keeping you and your family safe and protected.
To stay safe, we are ensuring that our common spaces, work spaces, lobby, conference rooms and bathrooms are all being properly disinfected on a regular basis. During this difficult period, we are encouraging teleconferences and phone meetings when possible. This will reduce the risk of infection for both you and our attorneys. We are fully equipped and ready to handle all of your legal needs remotely.
We continue to strive to provide you with the best legal assistance and will always work to return your calls as quickly as possible. We know that the Covid-19 situation is fluid and things are changing rapidly. Our entire team is dedicated to continuing to provide our clients with the highest level of professionalism and know that we are here to assist you in every way we can.
Tony Evers, the Governor of Wisconsin, issued Emergency Order #12 Safer At Home Order through the State of Wisconsin Department of Human Services. You can find a link to the complete official order here. Section 13, subsection (u) specifically addresses professional services, including law firms. It states:
“Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, insurance services, real estate services (including appraisal, home inspection, and title services). These services shall, to the greatest extent possible, use technology to avoid meeting in person, including virtual meetings, teleconference, and remote work (i.e., work from home).”
In accordance with this requirement, we offer complete legal services remotely. Our team has access to everything we need in order to handle your legal questions and concerns in an expeditious manner. At Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. we remain committed to our clients and to providing the best possible guidance and support. Contact us online or by phone at (608) 784-8310 and we will be happy to assist you.