Important Legal Papers for Rebuilding After Unrest

What you’ll discover:

What legal papers may I be required to prepare?
What if I get hurt during a protest?
Should I get legal documentation before protesting?
What if my company was harmed as a result of the protests?
What if my house or vehicle is destroyed?
What if I’m an employee and my job is no longer a friendly environment?
How can I safeguard my company and its workers in the future?

If you’ve been affected by the civil upheaval sweeping the United States, you may be wondering what to do next. Although the majority of recent demonstrations have been nonviolent, you or a loved one may have experienced property damage, bodily injury, or emotional misery as a consequence of spontaneous acts of violence, rioting, or other aftereffects. You may need specific legal papers to assist you recover and rebuild during this moment of national instability.

What legal papers may I be required to prepare?

Depending on the circumstances, you may need one or more of the following legal documents:

Personal injury/medical treatment

Letter of Intent to File a Medical Claim
Request for Medical Referral Healthcare Power of Attorney

Damage to property

Repair Contract Force Majeure Notification Police Report Worksheet

Employment

Resignation Letter Anti-Discrimination Policy Business Contingency Plan

What if I get hurt during a protest?

If you are hurt during a demonstration, you should seek medical assistance right once. Generally, your care provider will submit insurance claims on your behalf; but, if they are out-of-network or simply do not offer this service, you may need to make your own claim. You may bundle together all of the information needed to submit your claim with a Letter to Make a Medical Claim. Each health insurance company has its own policy, so be sure to check the exact rules for your insurer to verify that you’ve included all of the information that they need.

Even if you are not physically hurt, the consequences of current events may be emotionally exhausting. A Medical Referral Request may be used if you require a referral to visit a mental health professional or for other services. This letter might also be useful if your insurance company demands referral proof in order to approve a claim. If your claim is rejected, you may also want a Letter to Appeal a Rejection of a Medical Claim.

If you were injured while interacting with police, you should submit a police misconduct report with the relevant local agency. If you have any concerns or believe that your rights have been infringed, you should consult with a lawyer.

Should I get legal documentation before protesting?

Although you may not want to join in a violent protest, you never know who could object to your demonstration. Regardless of the circumstances, every adult should have the following legal documents: A Last Will and Testament, a Living Will, and a Healthcare Power of Attorney are all recommended. These agreements, collectively known as “Estate Planning” documents, enable you to express your intentions for medical care and what should happen if you die. While this is already a stressful and emotional time, having certain rules in place might assist relieve your loved ones of having to make life-or-death choices for you.

What if my company was harmed as a result of the protests?

If your business has been vandalized or otherwise damaged, you should call your insurance carrier to check what coverage is available under your existing policy before deciding on repair services. Your insurance company may need a police report, so get the facts straight and get them formally recorded by your local law enforcement department.

If you decide to employ a contractor to undertake repairs, ensure sure your agreement is documented in a Repair Contract. If your physical site has been destroyed beyond repair, you may opt to temporarily or permanently relocate your company activities. If you do decide to relocate, a Change of Address Letter may be used to officially tell your present and future clients and customers of your new address.

If your company is unable to meet its contractual responsibilities due to property damage, you might consider utilizing a Force Majeure Notification to renegotiate or cancel your contracts. In order for the provision to apply to riots/looting, your initial contract must often include a force majeure clause addressing civil upheaval.

If your firm can continue to operate but needs the usage of damaged specific gear or appliances, you may need to rent equipment until you can replace it. An Equipment Lease will include information such as the names of the owner and borrower, a description of the equipment, and the rights and duties of both parties.

Besides from legal documentation, there are groups that assist small enterprises that have been harmed by riots. If you can’t afford the costs of restoring or restarting your company, try organizing a fundraising using internet channels.

What if my house or vehicle is destroyed?

Before you seek repairs, you should check with your house or auto insurance provider to determine what damage they will cover. Before they can process any claims, your insurer may ask you to present an official police report.

If you are planning to have repairs done on your house or other real estate property, a Repair Contract might assist to formalize your agreement with an independent contractor. You might also create a document that is unique to the sort of job being done. A Carpentry Contract, a Drywall Contract, an Electrical Service Agreement, or a Painting Contract are some examples.

If your vehicle has been damaged, an Auto Repair Contract may help you specify the specifics of your agreement with a technician. Nonetheless, your service providers may often have their own standard contracts on hand. If this is the case, you should have a lawyer analyze the contract before signing.

What if I’m an employee and my job is no longer a friendly environment?

If you disagree with your employer’s perspective on social justice or if your workplace has become an unwelcoming atmosphere as a result of recent events, you may opt to resign using a Resignation Letter. If you believe you are being retaliated against or treated unjustly as a result of participating in a demonstration or speaking out about employment discrimination, you should consult with a lawyer.

How can I safeguard my company and its workers in the future?

In addition to having enough insurance in place to cover harm sustained during civil upheaval, you should ensure that your contracts contain terms that protect you if you are unable to execute your responsibilities. Consider revising your Employee Handbook or developing a separate Anti-Discrimination Policy to describe your standards and explain how workers may register a complaint if necessary. Lastly, developing a Business Contingency Plan will assist you in maintaining company continuity in the case of future disturbance by describing the protocol for firm closure as well as specifics about back-up inventory and equipment.

Ask a lawyer if you have any more questions about how to defend your company and its workers.