To Our Respected Family

I hope that this letter finds you well since the last time we were in touch. The last eight weeks have been incredibly difficult for all of us in some way. Focusing on our health has been at the forefront of our concerns. COVID-19 has proven to be a devastating virus to many.

Our country alone has suffered more than 110,000 deaths since the virus took hold two months ago. Almost 1,900,000 people in our county have been diagnosed, treated, and are hopefully out of harm’s way of Covid. The State of New York alone has reported more than 24,000 deaths. It is also reported that nursing homes have been the target of an unfair number of these illnesses and deaths. It also appears that that minorities have been more effected than other groups.

Unfortunately, the medical community has been unable to answer many questions that remain. To date, there is no medication to prevent or treat the actual virus. No vaccine has yet to be approved. The process to develop a vaccine requires at least 12 to 18 months. We are told the virus is highly contagious and can be spread through the air by a cough, sneeze, or even talking at close range. This is why face masks are required in public spaces and 6 feet distances between people in public places are being encouraged. We also do not know if one exposure and recovery will build immunity from future exposures.

Taking precautions remains essential. We recommend continuing to take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your friends. Be vigilant; try your best. Try to reduce potential exposures to the extent that you can. You will not be able to eliminate all exposures. Do your best – that is the best way to continue for now.

We are continuing to represent your interests in our law firm. For the past eight weeks, our staff has continued efforts working remotely. We have used our home offices to keep track of every case. It is amazing how we have adjusted by using the technology available to us. We cannot thank you enough for your patience and understanding while we move past this bump in the road. I mentioned in my letter to each of you in March that we would survive this – and we will.

We are beginning to transition back to the office. Please do not hesitate to call to discuss the status of the case. We are interested to know if you are remaining in touch with your treating providers. Try to reestablish contact if you have not been able to do so. We will request updated records when you have been discharged from care.

The Courts are slowly coming back to life as well. Many conferences are being handled by telephone or video conferencing. There are no trials right now. Jurors are not being asked to come to the Court house. The lawyers also have limited access to the court house. Some depositions have been taken remotely; some will be scheduled in person in the near future as well.

As far as visits to our office, we respectfully request that visits be made by appointment only . We wish to keep public foot traffic to a minimum, if possible. If you do come to our office, please use a face mask of your own, or a SMALLAW mask that we provide at the door. If you are not feeling well, have a fever, a cold, or are recovering from Covid-19, please remain at home. Quarantine is still recommended for those with Covid-19.

If you have an appointment with me or one of our staff, we will meet in our new, comfortable conference room. Of course, you are welcome to make yourself comfortable in one of our new leather swivel chairs or on the inviting brown leather sofa when you arrive. We are happy to treat you to a cup of fresh brewed coffee if you like.

Overall, there is hardship and suffering all around. But we will continue to find a way with faith, love, peace, and perseverance. We need our community leaders to continue to send messages of hope and support for one another. Bullying, put-downs, name-calling, insults, and threats of force will not put our communities back together again.

Faith in human-kind, finding common ground, and understanding one another will advance the cause of peace and solidarity. Fanning the flames of resentment, prejudice, and cultural divides will push us apart. In my mind, November cannot come soon enough. I encourage you, your friends, family, and every one of your acquaintances to register to vote . Be ready to vote in November. That is the strongest way to send your message for hope and change. Together we can make a difference. Divided we will suffer.

I wholeheartedly believe and agree that the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis was a horrific and reckless display of force by a police officer on an ordinary citizen. Instead of recognizing the limit of necessary authority, the officers involved failed miserably. Based on the information available to us, it seems the practice used by this officer has been used before many times in Minneapolis. It shakes you to the core.

We are so sad to see this in living color. This practice of neck restraints must be stopped unless some overriding reason is evident. Moreover, professionals must demonstrate compassion. They must show restraint and common sense in the field. Otherwise, minorities and others will continue to be victimized by those in positions of authority.

We recognize the right and need to let the establishment know that such an obvious injustice is unacceptable. We love our cities and the people who live lawfully in them. We cherish our landmarks, beautiful neighborhoods, favorite restaurants, notable architecture, symbols of freedom, and every chance to move about freely with a smile on our faces. Unfortunately, the combination of Covid-19, illness, death, face masks, lost employment, lost income, infringement of freedom, insults to justice, financial distress, and the absence of compassion by those in positions of authority have resulted in a firebomb of conflict .

It is no wonder “the people” were ready to explode. The building of stress throughout the community is palpable. Like volcano lava - brewing beneath the surface and blowing its top high into the sky. We reached our boiling point. It is not surprising. But that does not make it any less heart-wrenching to watch unfold. Like all tempers, this will flare and subside.

It is hoped that the medical community makes strides to treat this unprecedented pandemic. Moreover, we hope and pray that messages of optimism and positivity continue to reverberate. We reject mean and condescending words, lies, and fake, thinly veiled displays of government power solely for political gain. Holding a Bible on the steps of a church does not make a President look righteous, dignified, and in control. This is a clear example of government ineptitude and failure at the highest level.

At the same time, we also reject the unnecessary destruction of those material things we appreciate. Downtown offices are slowly coming back to life. Protest in peace. Do not condone destruction to send a message. Use your words, the power of unity, and actual knowledge about our system of democracy to build your case. Communicate your dissatisfaction constructively and through the voting booth. This is a powerful way to move the needle for change. Tyrants will not prevail when the people really listen, closely watch, learn, and respond responsibly. We can and will make a difference. Hang in there.

Very truly yours,

Craig Z. Small

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