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COVID-19 Notice: We Remain Here for You

These are unprecedented times that are scary and difficult for all of us. But with kindness, compassion, and patience, we'll get through it together.

Coronavirus Through the Coronavirus outbreak we are here, working for you. We are available to answer your questions and concerns throughout this crisis. While physically away from the office, we are diligently working remotely to move your case forward. Our highest priority throughout this time remains obtaining positive outcomes for your case and being here for you in your time of need.

Please know that we are using the most current technologies that enable us to remain open and working for you during this time, even when following government directives to work from and respect social distancing. Since 2013, we have had everything on the office computer server so we can securely access all client files through our secure, confidential VPN (virtual private network). My son-in-law has a master’s degree in cybersecurity so I have gotten is expert input on the security measures we need for client fines. Thus, we can work from home almost as well when physically in the office. One person goes in each day to sort mail, scan mail and send out time sensitive paperwork by FedEx.

Whether you have questions about your current case, or need help with a new case for a catastrophic injury or wrongful death, rest assured that we are prepared to be your passionate advocate in the context of this difficult time.

Normal operations of the courts in Georgia are mostly suspended until May 13th, by the Judicial Emergency order of the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. See Order Extending Declaration of Statewide Judicial Emergency.

Fortunately, we can electronically file and serve documents in trial courts by electronic court filing. When I was first elected to State Bar office in 2008, I began leading the push for civil e-filing in Georgia courts. It took longer and was messier in the creation than we hoped, but now we do have workable electronic court filing in civil cases in all Superior Courts and State Courts in Georgia.

Within the past week we have filed in courts three new lawsuits for clients and sent the papers out for service of process on defendants. There may be somewhat more difficulty that usual in getting lawsuit papers served on defendants, but we shall see.

We continue to remain available to you for telephone and video conferencing, email communications, and e-signings of important documents. We strive to make your life as convenient as possible.

Is Your Office Open During Normal Business Hours?

Yes, we are open. While not in the physical office, we are communicating via phone, e-mail and videoconferencing. If your call our office at 404-253-7862, our remote receptionist will patch you through or pass a message for us to call you back.

Through technologies such Zoom, Facetime, Skype, DocuSign, WhatsApp, etc., we are able to work remotely and conduct meetings that keep us productive.

What Video Tools Do You Offer Clients?

We offer a wide array of video conferencing, using FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and Facebook Messenger Video, other modalities.

Facetime is most readily accessible if you have an iPhone. Moving forward, we will help you set up Zoom, which is our preferred videoconferening technology. Call our office 404-253-7862 to speak with one of our staff, and if your case is a a fit for our practice, contact us to schedule a video conference.

Are You Accepting New Clients?

Yes, we certainly are. We offer a free consultation on cases of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death in Georgia. On meritorious cases outside our primary areas of focus, we usually can make an appropriate referral.

We do NOT handle criminal cases, family law, traffic tickets, driver’s license suspensions, employment disputes, or small claims. For those, you may contact the Atlanta Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, (404) 521-0777.

How Can I Get Updates About My Personal Injury Case?

Our team remains at your disposal to provide real time answers and updates on your current case. Call or e-mail us to schedule a phone or videoconference appointment.

What If I Have a Court Appearance?

All court appearances in state and federal courts in Georgia are currently suspended at least through May 13th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is uncertain when things will be re-scheduled. When courts resume work, criminal jury trials will have priority over civil trials, so we in the civil litigation process will need to be creative and flexible to fairly resolve cases. If you are due to appear at any court function, please contact our office for further details.

What About my Scheduled Deposition?

As of now, all court deadlines for discovery are suspended. We are working with court stenographer firms, opposing counsel and clients to coordinate scheduling of depositions through vidoeconferencing technologies.

What About my Scheduled Mediation or Arbitration?

Mediations and arbitrations are being conducted remotely, by telephone or videoconferencing. This is a moving target. Preliminary reports from around the country indicate that telephone mediations do not work well, partly because claims adjusters are less engaged that when meeting people face to face.

However, mediators using Zoom technology report that this works as well, or sometimes better, than mediating face to face. This means when we schedule mediations in clients’ cases, it will be done by Zoom videoconferencing. We will work with you Zoom setup and training so that you can become comfortable with it before your mediation.

How do I Apply for Enhanced Unemployment Compensation

Many clients in this crisis are out of work due to massive closures and layoffs. Congress has passed legislation providing increased unemployment compensation. See the Georgia Department of Labor directions on how to apply online for COVID-19 unemployment compensation.

Ken Shigley
3/31/2020

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"My family hired Ken after our parents were killed in a trucking accident in GA in 2013. We worked with Ken for 19 months before our case settled. During this time I thought Ken was outstanding. He was accessible to us at all times and maintained consistent communication. He was patient with us and took time to explain the finer points of law. While we avoided going to trial, he prepared diligently and I felt like he was leaving nothing to chance. I am relieved that our case is complete and I will miss working with Ken. He was very thoughtful and caring while helping us to stay relaxed. I would highly recommend him to anyone who requires these types of services." David U., Client, Vermont
★★★★★
"When tragedy struck our family in the form of the wrongful death of our son and caused me physical injuries and changed our lives forever, we dragged our feet about hiring a lawyer. I didn't want to face having to go through the stress. Big mistake. The first thing you do is hire local counsel. I found Mr. Shigley by surfing the web, and we got a listening ear. He was realistic, professional and worked very hard in our behalf. Not only that, he showed a genuine concern for our family, and ran interference for us on a number of issues relative to our case. If I had it to do over again, I would have hired him sooner." Carolyn R., Newnan, GA
★★★★★
"After my parents were killed in a tractor truck accident on December 2013, he fought hard against the insurance companies to help my brother, sister, and I. He was honest and always available to answer any questions I had. Ken went out of his way to meet with my brother and I while on vacation in New England. He was awesome in explaining everything to us in detail and looked out for us with every step of the lawsuit. I would highly recommend him." Joan M., Client, Massachusetts
★★★★★
"I first met Ken when I watched him try a very difficult case involving catastrophic injuries. He was an incredibly effective advocate and was able to obtain justice for his client. I have since come to know him as one of the state's leading trial lawyers, particularly in trucking cases, which involves complex regulatory and legal issues not involved in other types of cases. I do not hesitate to recommend Ken for any kind of personal injury case." John H., Attorney, Atlanta
★★★★★
"Ken Shigley is an excellent trial lawyer in the area of commercial trucking. He knows the specialized rules for handling truck wreck cases for the victims and their families when tractor-trailers leave a devastating loss, catastrophic injuries and deaths. He is an advocate who understands the impact on his clients and is highly effective in bringing them justice." Myles E., Attorney, Atlanta