Brasher Law Firm’s Statement on COVID-19 and TX State of Emergency Declaration

We know these are trying and unprecedented times and there is a lot of uncertainty as to what you can and cannot do right now. Effective midnight yesterday, Governor Abbott declared a state of emergency for the State of Texas, and issued an Executive Order, which imposes certain restrictions on all Texans. This restricts gatherings of no more than 10 people; closes restaurants and bars for dine-in service; and closes gyms and massage parlors through April 3, 2020. Furthermore, since elderly are at the highest-risk, you cannot visit nursing homes or long-term care facilities or retirement homes unless you are providing critical assistance. All schools are also closed until April 3, 2020. You can still go to your grocery store, bank, gas station, parks, etc… so long as proper care is taken to maintain social distancing, which means staying 6 feet away from people. The full Executive Order is available here.

Our clients’ and our employees’ safety is of the utmost importance to us. We, at The Brasher Law Firm, are ensuring our office and employees are up-to-date with current COVID-19 guidelines from national, state, city, and county orders, as well as those being issued by our local courts, federal courts, and Texas Supreme Court.

Accordingly, we have instituted a firm policy that started in effect Monday, March 16, 2020 and will continue in effect until May 8, 2020 (per recent Texas Supreme Court guidelines) that limits in-person meetings and contacts. All meetings, including client meetings and opposing counsel meetings, during this time will occur via teleconference or video conference. We have been in constant contact with the Courts to check status of hearings and trial settings.  Under the current Order, all in-person hearings  and jury trials have been postponed until after May 8, 2020.  When possible, we are working with Courts to hold hearings sooner via teleconference.  

We want our clients to know that we are always working hard on your cases.  While we will see delays in trial dates and postponement of hearings, we are still working behind the scenes to represent our clients.  Our Houston office is currently working remotely, due to the nature of being in a commercial building, but are still able to do everything they could in the office.  Our Beaumont office remains open for employees. It is not open to the public, except in emergency cases. We are still completing settlements, disbursing money, scheduling depositions (for after the May deadline, or if videoconferencing capabilities are available, then before), drafting pleadings and discovery, and preparing your case for trial or final hearing.  Rest assured that in a time of uncertainty, your case with our law firm is being watched over and work is being done. 

We want all in our community to stay safe during this unprecedented time. The best way to stay safe is to stay home. We also encourage you to practice social distancing at all times, and to wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website on Key Facts about COVID-19.