What happens to your case when a crisis strikes?
Winter Storm Uri was a major coast-to-coast storm that spread snowfall and damaging ice from the Northwest into the South, Midwest, and Northeast February 12th-16th. The storm was followed by the coldest temperatures in decades in the south-central states. Thundersnow and thundersleet were reported early that Monday on the Gulf Coast from Galveston, Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana. This was the first measurable snow in Galveston since December of 2008. Cities all over the state of Texas were smashing snow records dating back to the late 1800s. By the time the storm had finished, snow blanketed 80% of Texas. Winter Storm Uri’s impact did not stop with the snow. The snow in Texas was followed by the coldest temperatures in decades for some cities around the state.
No power, no hearings
Power outages across Texas left millions of people in the dark and bitter cold during the unprecedented winter storm that buried the state in snow and ice and brought single-degree temperatures. With power outages come many concerns. Those without generators stand to lose groceries in the refrigerator, uncomfortable temperatures in the house, and even health-risks for those with medical devices that require power. “Business as usual” is not possible in a massive power outage. With the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging legal proceedings forcing most hearings to Zoom video functionality, power is a necessity to keep the ball rolling. Unfortunately, for many in Texas, Winter Storm Uri halted their hearings and lengthened their timelines on finalizing their proceedings.
What can you do when things are halted?
“Patience is a virtue” can only carry a person so far. At the end of the day, you still want your hearings completed, your settlements done and your lives moving on. But unfortunately, when there is a crisis, specifically one that shuts down the court systems, you aren’t always going to get what you want, when you want it. The good thing is that the right attorneys will do all they can to keep the ball rolling forward, no matter the circumstances. The legal field has grown accustomed over the past year to “rolling with the punches.” The Coronavirus pandemic has altered the way so much is done in legal proceedings, tack on a power outage and it’s just another day fighting the good fight for attorneys working on behalf of their clients.
In the end, the storm will pass, the power will be restored, and ensuring you have the best legal team ready to fight another day is pivotal to your success.