Understanding Your Legal Options During a Court Slowdown in New York
For many of us, it’s been a balancing act—managing kids at home, staying up to date with the news, and trying to work remotely if we’re fortunate enough to do so.
One question we’ve been getting a lot from clients and concerned New Yorkers is:
“What’s happening with the court system? What’s going on with personal injury, employment law, or other legal cases during this time?”
Here’s what you need to know.
The New York Court System Is Mostly Paused—But That Doesn’t Mean Your Case Is
Right now, the court system in New York is essentially on hold. While courts are technically open in a very limited capacity, they are only hearing essential or emergency matters—for example, cases involving serious domestic violence or urgent family law issues.
For most civil cases—like personal injury claims, wrongful termination, workplace harassment, or discrimination lawsuits—the courts are not currently accepting filings or reviewing motions. So yes, your case may slow down. But that doesn’t mean it’s at a standstill.
Your Case Can Still Move Forward—Behind the Scenes
Even though courtrooms are quiet, the work continues. Attorneys on both sides of a case—plaintiff and defense—are still actively working. Insurance companies and defense lawyers don’t want a massive backlog of cases once courts fully reopen. That means they are often willing to negotiate and keep discussions going.
At our firm, we’re doing everything we can to keep cases progressing, from preparing documents to negotiating with opposing counsel. While court proceedings might be delayed, settlements are still happening, and strategic case planning continues.
Should You Wait to Contact a Lawyer?
Absolutely not. If you’ve been injured in an accident, fired from your job illegally, harassed at work, or believe you may have a legal claim, don’t wait to get in touch with an attorney. Just because the courts are operating at limited capacity doesn’t mean your case can’t move forward.
Early consultation allows us to start gathering evidence, assess your case, and prepare for when courts fully reopen. Plus, the earlier you act, the better your chances of preserving critical information and meeting important deadlines.
In Summary:
- New York courts are only hearing essential matters during the current pause.
- Most civil cases (personal injury, employment law, etc.) are temporarily on hold but can still move forward in the background.
- Lawyers and insurance companies are continuing to negotiate and work cases.
- Don’t delay—now is still a smart time to consult an attorney and explore your legal options.
If you have questions about your situation, we’re here to help. Give us a call or send a message—we’re happy to talk through what’s going on and how we can support you.
Stay safe, stay informed, and have a great weekend.