Essential legal services by Nigams Legal during COVID-19
Nigams Legal is committed to provide legal assistance to Western Australian citizens during this difficult time. We are keeping a track of the ongoing changes – and quickly adapting them in order to provide flawless advice on various legal matters. Also, we are trying our best to deliver uninterrupted services during this lockdown as we are categorized among the essential services.
Legal problems during Covid-19
Though COVID-19 is majorly affecting people’s health but it also giving rise to many unprecedented legal problems. There are some common legal problems people are experiencing after the rollout of government’s guidelines such as quarantine, self-isolation and the shutdown of certain businesses. Some of them are listed below:
- Employment associated issues like delayed or no salaries, and dismissals without notice.
- Criminal acts related to COVID-19, such as spread of false information and creating panic.
- Disputes over refunds in case of cancelled events due to social distancing directives.
- Delayed child support payments in case parents lose their jobs.
- People experiencing racism due to travel history.
- On the spot fines (Infringement notices).
The above are just few examples. There can be many other legal problems which people may encounter. Since we excel in criminal law in Perth, we are paying more attention to criminal cases resulting from COVID-19 pandemic which broadly covers Criminal Code Amendment (COVID-19 Response) Act 2020 (No 8). According to this act, there is going to be 10 years of imprisonment as a maximum penalty for assaulting a COVID-19 patient or creating a fear that they have COVID-19.
There will be 7-years of imprisonment as a maximum penalty for threats to injure or harm someone who falls under ‘protected officer’ category by exposing them to COVID-19. As prominent criminal lawyers Perth, we are actively taking the cases falling under this act and helping our clients to get dedicated legal support while ensuring best possible outcomes.
How we are ensuring consistent services
With the exception of Jury trial in the District and Supreme Courts, the courts are still operating and hearings are still taking place. So we are trying to represent our clients in courts as much as possible. We are taking several measures to ensure continuity of our legal services. For example, we are strictly following social distancing guidelines and all the lawyers at Nigams Legal are exercising self-distancing to minimise person-to-person contact.
We are trying to conduct most meetings and giving advice over phone or video calls (using various apps like Skype/WhatsApp/Zoom). Also, we are being extra vigilant in the cleanliness and sanitization of our offices, documents and other work areas.
With these precautionary measures, we are ensuring continued legal support for our valued clients and helping them overcome legal challenges effectively during these challenging times.
At the end, we wish for your good health and well-being and request you to observe social distancing.
