The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has caused a pandemic that’s left the world turned upside-down. As safety measures and updates from the CDC and WHO are reported, many are doing everything they can to help mitigate this disease so life can return to normal. However, we currently do not know how long this pandemic will last. While we’re doing what we can to ensure a better future, there are problems happening in the present that are affecting U.S. businesses owners and their employees. Let’s look at the changes COVID-19 caused and what small business owners can do about it.
Non-Essential Businesses in Pennsylvania Are Closed
On March 23, 2020, all non-essential businesses in Philadelphia were ordered to close in order to help stop the spread of the virus. Essential businesses remained open. An essential business gets its designation as it’s essential to sustain life. Examples include supermarkets, grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, auto repair shops, and more. Businesses that aren’t essential, but have the option to work remotely can still keep running their business as well, as long as the employees are working from home.
During this time, small business owners may find themselves in a position where they have to close their doors as their work cannot be done remotely. This is putting a significant amount of stress on owners and their employees because it’s uncertain how long this order will need to be in place.
How Can an Insurance Claim Help Philadelphia Businesses?
Insurance claims can help small business owners stay financially stable during a time where the business cannot operate. There are myriad options for small business owners affected by COVID-19. They can federal relief and also find other ways to get financial assistance.
Federal relief includes the Paycheck Protection Program from the Small Business Administration. This program helps small businesses maintain their payroll during this time. There’s also the Economic Injury Disaster Loans that can provide up to $2 million per business.
Other avenues to seek financial assistance include the Save Small Business Fund, The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation COVID-19 Loan Fund, and more are available for small business owners in Philadelphia.
It’s important to know that there are several important items the business owner is going to need so they can apply.
- Payroll
- Receipts
- Signed Tax Return
- Inventory Documents
- Financial Statements
- Debt Service Payments
- Workers’ Compensation Claims
- Mortgage/Lease Payments
- Utility Payments
- Information on Laid Off/Furloughed Staff
To make sure you have everything you need so your application has a strong foundation for approval, it can be a smart idea to have a lawyer at your side. We’ll be able to go over which financial options are available to you and will help you apply. We can also assist in matters where you may be facing claim denial or are having difficulties getting all the funds your business needs.
Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco Represents Philadelphia Citizens
Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco is proud to serve the citizens of Philadelphia. Our citizens are hardworking, resilient, and deserve to get the help they need during this pandemic. As lawyers, we can help you file your claim to get the relief you need. We’re well-versed in the various technicalities and mistakes that can affect whether a claim is approved or denied. Because so many people are being affected by the pandemic, it’s important to get the relief you need as quickly as possible. We’ll do everything we can to build you a strong claim so you have the best chance of approval.
If you’ve already filed to get relief but your claim is denied, it’s important to know you still have options. You can appeal the claim denial. Our COVID-19 business insurance attorneys will do everything possible to go over what happened, why your claim was denied, and will work diligently to show that this was an unfair decision and you deserve to get financial relief for your business.
We understand how confusing this time can be. Adding legal matters to your list of responsibilities is a lot for one person to handle on their own. With our lawyers at your side, you’ll know we’re acting in your best interests. We’re going to do everything we can to help you with your insurance claim so you can maintain your business and will be able to reopen when the pandemic is over. Call our office today so we can examine your legal options.
