Personal Injury Law 101
You May Be Entitled to Compensation If You’ve Been Hurt by Someone Else
Virginia personal injury lawyers defend people who are injured by the negligence of another. These cases only involve criminal prosecution if the defendant willfully harmed the injured person. The injured party may be due a financial settlement to compensate for their losses. Because personal injury cases can be complex, lengthy and confusing, the injured person has a better chance of a fair outcome when represented by an experienced personal injury lawyer.
How Can a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
If you’ve been hurt by the carelessness of someone else, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you about the approximate value of your case. Most Virginia personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, and if the lawyer agrees to represent you, you’ll pay nothing unless you win your case.
Is There a Limited Time to File a Claim?
Under the Virginia statute of limitations, you generally have two years after the accident occurred or after your injuries became apparent to file a claim.
How Much Compensation Can I Get?
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your losses. Generally, the more serious your injury and the greater your losses, the more compensation you’ll receive. There is no cap on the amount of damages that can be awarded. Compensation can be for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and even for the loss of enjoyment of life. If you’ve been deliberately injured, you may be entitled to punitive damages as well, although the state limits how much you can receive. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to get you all the compensation you deserve.
What Is Contributory Negligence?
If you are to blame for your injury by even one percent, you may forfeit any damages you would otherwise receive. Most of the time, the defendant must be able to prove that the injury was partially your fault.
What are Some Examples of Personal Injury Cases?
Typical personal injury cases involve:
- Automobile, truck, bus and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice and medical negligence claims
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Product liability cases
- What Is Wrongful Death?
Wrongful death occurs when a loved one is lost due to deliberate harm or negligence. A personal injury lawyer can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family of the deceased. Compensation for a wrongful death can help survivors cope with losing a parent or spouse and with the loss of income, services and companionship formerly provided by the deceased.
Do All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial?
After filing a suit, the parties will generally negotiate in an attempt to settle the dispute out of court. If negotiations get bogged down, your lawyer may suggest mediation. An impartial mediator will attempt to help the parties communicate and agree on a fair settlement. If mediation is unsuccessful, your case will probably proceed to trial.
If you or a loved one have been harmed by the negligence of another, contact the Virginia law offices of Steven M. Oser for a personal consultation.