Richmond Personal Injury Attorney
Most personal injury claims involve serious injuries that require long-term or on-going medical care for physical and psychological damage. These kinds of injuries do not clear up in a matter of days; in fact, they may never cease to cause you pain and distress as well as drain you finances and severely impact your ability to earn a living. Paralysis, burns, major fractures and extensive brain damage can all lead to long-term or lifelong suffering.
If you have suffered any of these injuries are the result of another’s careless, reckless or dangerous actions, contact a Richmond personal injury lawyer who has a demonstrated record of success filing personal injury claims in VA. For a general understanding of the types of circumstances that can lead to such injuries, and the types of claims that can be filed on your behalf, please read further.
Intentional Torts or Negligence Claims
Civil claims for these kinds of injuries generally fall into one of two areas in the law: torts or negligence. Intentional torts are a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to someone. In fact, civil suits for assault, battery, or wrongful death may stem from criminal cases against a defendant. Criminal conviction may heal society’s wounds, but it won’t address the lasting harm done to the individual victim. As a result, the victim of a crime should seek the assistance of a dedicated personal injury attorney in Richmond immediately after speaking with police and receiving medical treatment.
Negligence, meanwhile, is the breach of a legal duty that actually causes harm to another person or persons. Usually in negligence cases, there is no intent to injure; nevertheless, the defendant’s failure to adhere to his/her duty resulted in damage to someone else. Common examples of personal injury lawsuits which arise from negligent acts are slip and fall cases, auto accidents, and medical malpractice.
Common Types of Serious Injury Claims
Slips and Falls
Slip and fall injuries involve what is known as premises liability and duty of care. That is to say, the owner of a place open to the public (residential, commercial, public, etc.) where the injury occurred has a duty by law to maintain his or property for basic safety. In a grocery store, this would include the responsibility to keep floors clean and dry and to warn customers of the potential dangers posed by substances like cleaning solution or spilled liquids that might cause an unsuspecting shopper to slip and fall. In some extreme cases, slip and falls can lead to traumatic brain injuries, or even severe damage to the spinal cord, which can be costly and difficult to recover from fully.
For private residents, premises liability includes the responsibility of keeping the property’s walkways, yard and the structure itself in a reasonably safe condition and warn of hidden dangers. Suits that result from dog bites or other animal attacks would also fall under the duty to maintain one’s premises. To learn if your claim falls under this category of premises liability, speak with a Richmond personal injury lawyer today.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents are another source of many lawsuits that result from negligent acts. In 2012, the Commonwealth of Virginia experienced a one percent increase in fatal motor vehicle crashes with the deaths of 775 reported that year, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). An additional 67,004 people were injured as a result of automobile collisions, which accounted for a six percent increase when compared with 2011 statistics, and a staggering 123,579 crashes were reported to authorities, indicating a 3 percent jump when compared with the previous year, according to a DMV report (.pdf). Given the heavy number of motorists traveling in and around Virginia and our nation’s capital, the report demonstrates the very real potential for serious injuries as a result of car accidents in the Arlington, VA area. If you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, it is important to know what your legal rights are. An experienced Richmond injury lawyer can assess your case and will work to ensure that your recovery is complete.
When a serious accident unfortunately results in the death of a loved one, the surviving relatives or family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to receive compensation for certain losses, including funeral expenses.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is yet another negligence-based action common in courts across the country. It involves the failure of a doctor or hospital or nursing home to meet the standards that the profession and the community require for the safe practice of medicine. When that failure results in any harm to the patient, medical providers may be liable for the damages, including any of the patient’s medical bills, lost wages, loss of mobility from disability, and pain and suffering. Dealing with doctors, hospitals, insurance companies and their attorneys can be overwhelming for an injured patient. A Richmond personal injury attorney can evaluate the patient’s situation to determine the amount of damage done, provide necessary advice on who and how to sue and navigate the patient through the litigation process.
Product Liability
When a dangerous, defective, or improperly labeled product results in an injury, the victim may have a product liability case. Our VA personal injury attorneys understand the procedures necessary to file these sorts of claims, which are most often directed at large manufacturers or other big companies.
Calculating Personal Injury Compensation
Calculating personal injury compensation involves assessing various factors to ensure victims receive fair reimbursement for their losses. This is how these calculations are made:
Medical Expenses
Compensation can cover medical costs related to the injury, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments. Detailed medical records and bills substantiate these claims.
Lost Wages
If the injury results in time away from work, compensation can include lost wages. This covers income lost during recovery and future earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term disability. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employer statements document these losses.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. The multiplier method is often used, where total economic damages are multiplied by a factor reflecting the severity of the pain and suffering.
Future Damages
Future damages account for anticipated medical expenses and long-term care needs. Expert testimony from medical professionals and life care planners accurately projects these future costs.
Importance of Promptly Consulting with a Personal Injury Attorney
Promptly consulting with a personal injury attorney in Richmond is crucial for protecting your legal rights and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation. Insurance carriers often have strict reporting deadlines, and failing to act quickly can jeopardize your claim. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of the legal process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
Immediate action is essential to preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and thoroughly document your injuries. Delays can lead to lost or degraded evidence and weakened witness recollections, which can significantly impact the strength of your case. Consulting an attorney early allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your claim, helping to ensure that all potential sources of compensation are identified and pursued.
Contact a Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer
Whether the injury was the result of intentional or unintentional action, the services of strong legal counsel are always in a victim’s best interests. No matter how strong you think your case may be, the complexities of evidence, procedure, negotiation, and trial require the skill of a qualified attorney.
To assess your case and determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to, call our firm today to set up a free consultation with one of our Richmond personal injury lawyers. Your first consultation is free of charge, and you will not pay a fee unless you are successful in your claim.
