Closing Letter of 2020 From Flager & Associates
To our clients, colleagues, referral sources, families and friends:
It is safe to say that 2020 did not turn out the way we planned. To quote the immortal words of Rocky Balboa: “it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward.” With a global pandemic occupying most of the year, each and every one of us felt the effects of COVID-19, even if we weren’t personally infected with the virus. Many of us also experienced loss – of a job and all too often of a loved one. To put it simply: We took a lot of hits in 2020. Still, we must persevere. And in many ways, our firm has persevered in 2020.
Thankfully, our office was fully equipped to handle remote working. Our office regularly invests substantial time and resources in high-quality computer systems, including effective case-management software, phones, cloud storage, and exceptional IT support. As a result, when shutdown orders came our way in March, Flager & Associates was able to handle our clients’ cases as we always do: with professionalism; dedication; and ultimately, with results. We were there to answer our clients’ questions, guide them through their treatment with so many medical office closures, appear at virtual depositions and settlement conferences, and deliver the same high-quality legal services for our clients that they have grown to expect from us. Our clients maintained a positive attitude despite dealing with so much. We thank them for that and for putting faith in our firm during especially trying times. We also thank our incredible staff for going above and beyond for our clients this year.
Some things changed in 2020 but our commitment to our clients only increased. The challenges 2020 brought forced our firm to think about our clients and their cases in new and innovative ways. We could not stay down after getting hit. We had to take the hits and keep moving forward. That forward is now the start of a new year: 2021. With vaccines being rolled out and better treatment options available, we are hopeful that 2021 will begin to look more and more like the world we knew. We miss having our clients in the office. We miss our normal holiday gatherings and celebrations with friends and family. Let’s all do our part to bring this pandemic to an end so we can get back to those simple joys in life we love so dearly and have missed so much. We thank all of our clients, referral sources, colleagues, family, and friends for all of the support, hope, and trust they have given us this year.
Wishing you and your families a Happy and Healthy Holiday and New Year.
Flager & Associates’ Tips for Celebrating Safely This Holiday Season
Follow your county’s COVID-19 guidelines. Business operations and gathering limitations differ depending on where you live. Make sure you are following the guidelines put in place by your county’s government officials. You should also keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus from the CDC. They offer general safety tips no matter where you’re located.
Wear a mask. According to the CDC, you should wear a mask whenever you are outside of your house or around other people. That means that if people you don’t live with are coming over, including kids who are at college and coming home for the holidays, you should be wearing a mask. Most stores and businesses require masks for entry, so when you have to run out for a last-minute gift or food, make sure you’re prepared. Keep extra masks in your car so you’re never without one.
Maintain a safe distance when outdoors. Since COVID-19 experts consider outdoors safer than indoors, many people are choosing to meet up with friends or family outside. Whether you’re taking a walk, sitting in a park, or having a meal together, you must maintain a safe distance of at least six feet when you’re with people who do not live with you.
Limit your travel. Typically, the holidays are the busiest times for the travel industry but this year experts are recommending that you stay home if possible. For those who are choosing to travel, you need to be extra cautious. If you’re flying anywhere, make sure you wear a mask and wipe down your area with a disinfectant wipe. You should also wear a mask in the car if you’re traveling with passengers outside of your bubble. Keep in mind that while wearing a mask and sanitizing your hands and surfaces can help stop the spread of COVID-19, you should also continue following general safe winter driving tips.
Wash and sanitize your hands often. You should wash or sanitize your hands after any outing or gathering. Going to the grocery store or pharmacy poses less of a risk when you wear a mask and clean your hands immediately after. If you’re around other people, sanitize your hands frequently — even after the smallest transactions like passing someone a drink.
The holidays are certainly going to look and feel different this year. Flager & Associates has adapted to the changes brought on by COVID-19 and this will be no different throughout the holiday season. While we continue doing our best to end the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to do the same. Together, we will get through this.
