King George County Personal Injury Lawyer
All kinds of accidents can result in serious injuries, from a fall on someone else’s property to a major motor vehicle collision. When an accident is caused by another person’s negligence, the injured party may have a legal claim for financial compensation. If you believe someone else’s careless or reckless behavior has caused you harm, reach out to a King George County personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and learn about your options for recovery.
When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, most personal injury lawsuits are required to be filed within two years of the accident, but some types of cases may have longer or shorter deadlines.
Missing the filing deadline means losing the case, so it is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations when considering making a personal injury claim. A King George County attorney who has brought similar claims in local court would be familiar with the applicable filing deadlines and could help the injured party meet them in a timely manner.
Types of Recovery Available
The personal injuries suffered in an accident can lead to a variety of economic and noneconomic losses. Typical damages include medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and mental anguish. The impact of these injuries may be routine or catastrophic, from extensive hospital visits to permanent disability and the inability to work. All of these effects could make an injured person eligible for compensation.
A King George County law firm could review the personal injury claimant’s losses and discuss possible avenues for recovery. The help of an attorney could increase the claimant’s chances of recovering all forms of payment they are due under the law.
Determining Responsibility
State law authorizes a person injured in an accident to seek financial compensation from the person or entity responsible for their injury. The plaintiff must show the responsible party was careless or reckless and that their failure to act in a responsible manner caused the injuries. The plaintiff must also detail their specific losses in terms of missed wages, emotional pain, and medical costs.
Contributory Negligence
Virginia recognizes “contributory negligence” as a defense, meaning that if a defendant in a personal injury case can prove that the plaintiff at least partially caused the accident, the plaintiff will be prohibited from obtaining financial compensation. The contributory negligence rule would be a bar to recovering damages even where the defendant was 99 percent at fault and the plaintiff contributed only 1 percent to the cause of the accident.
The stringency of the state’s contributory negligence rule could make the advice of a King George County personal injury attorney particularly valuable when pursuing a legal claim for damages.
Reach Out to a King George County Personal Injury Attorney Today
If a third party’s negligence led to the accident that caused your injuries, you should discuss your circumstances with a knowledgeable legal professional. A King George County personal injury lawyer could review your case, evaluate your claim, and advise you regarding appropriate next steps. Call today to discuss your options for seeking financial compensation for pain and suffering.