This is an important issue not only for attorneys, but for the people of Texas who have cases in the courts. The problems with the e-filing system could mean delays.
San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) June 27, 2014
Laura G. Tamez, a partner and shareholder in The Herrera Law Firm, recently appeared before the Texas State Senate to describe how the mandatory electronic filing of court documents affects all attorneys.
San Antonio personal injury lawyer Tamez was one of two attorneys who described their experiences with e-filing delays and other problems, according to Texas Lawyer on June 9, 2014. Testifying for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Tamez told the Senate Jurisprudence Committee that e-filing delays have become a big issue six months after the start of mandatory e-filing of court documents.
“We are increasing some heart palpitations,” Tamez said, according to Texas Lawyer.
Tamez said the traditional way of filing document typically involved walking to a counter and getting the file stamped by a clerk. Attorneys would then know the document was filed. With e-filing, an attorney might believe the e-file was sent electronically without any problems. However, a clerk might reject the document two or three days later. And in some cases, the clerk fails to tell the attorney the reason for the rejection and doesn’t provide a deadline to correct an error, according to Texas Lawyer.
Tamez argued that the default should be for clerks to accept the filing rather than causing a rejection to linger for several days.
Further complicating the e-filing process is that different clerks have different requirements for attorneys to follow. The attorneys called for more consistency with the e-filing system.
Commenting on the Texas Lawyer article, Tamez said the issues involved with e-filing ultimately can affect Texans who are seeking justice.
“This is an important issue not only for attorneys, but for the people of Texas who have cases in the courts,” Tamez said today. “The problems with the e-filing system could mean delays. Deadlines could be missed. Our hope is for the legislators to hear about our experiences so they can make informed decisions when considering extra resources for the counties to pay the technological costs of implementing the e-filing mandate.”
About The Herrera Law Firm
Founded in 1983, The Herrera Law Firm, has successfully represented thousands of individuals and families who have been dealt catastrophic blows due to personal injuries from nursing home abuse and neglect, oil field accidents, car accidents, tractor-trailer truck accidents, construction accidents, workplace injuries, dangerous drugs and defective medical device injuries. The law firm’s mission is to rectify the wrongs committed against its clients so that they can regain their dignity, rebuild their lives, and reclaim financial stability. The Herrera Law Firm is located at 111 Soledad St., Suite 1900, San Antonio, TX 78205. If you or a loved one was injured, or you lost a loved one in an accident and need legal help, call (210) 224-1054 or visit http://www.herreralaw.com.