Westmoreland County Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury claim can come in many forms and involve a wide range of injuries and accidents. One shared feature in all of these cases, however, is the presence of a negligent act or conduct made by one or more potentially at-fault parties.
If you or your loved one was severely injured due to party’s negligence, you might have a viable legal cause of action to seek financial compensation for your losses. With guidance from a sophisticated Westmoreland County personal injury lawyer, you could maximize your potential compensation through the effective pursuit of your injury claim.
Bodily Injuries Commonly Sustained in Personal Injury Cases
The injuries sustained in an accident greatly vary depending on several factors. Some of the more commonly occurring personal injuries include the following:
- Internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, organ damage, pneumothorax, etc.)
- Traumatic head injuries
- Skeletal fractures and sprains
- Abrasions and contusions
- Spinal cord injuries (e.g., paralysis)
- Neck and back injuries (e.g., whiplash)
Regardless of the type and severity of the personal injury, if an injured party can prove the opposing party’s negligence, they can seek compensation from them. A qualified Westmoreland County law firm with personal injury case experience could work with an accident victim to determine the extent of their damages and the monetary award that would sufficiently compensate them.
Recoverable Damages in a Civil Injury Claim
For Westmoreland County residents or visitors who are harmed in an accident, the damages they can recover for their personal injuries vary depending on the type of claim. In nearly all personal injury cases, an injured party may seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills and emotional trauma. In some situations, they can also seek punitive damages meant to punish the defendant for their malicious or wanton conduct. While there are no limits for economic and non-economic damages, Virginia has damage caps placed on punitive damages and damages awarded in medical malpractice claims.
The cap on punitive damages is stated under § 8.01-38.1 of the Virginia Code and provides that the most an injured party may receive in punitive damages is $350,000. As for the cap on medical malpractice damages, the compensation an injured party may receive in a medical malpractice claim is not to exceed $2.45 million, as provided under Va. Code § 8.01-581.15. If an injured party is worried their compensation will be subject to a cap, they should consult an Westmoreland County lawyer.
Discuss Your Claim with a Westmoreland County Personal Injury Attorney
Those severely injured in an accident may experience extensive losses, along with significant physical and psychological trauma. For many accident victims, the costs of adequate medical care can threaten financial ruin. Fortunately, victims may be able to pursue fair compensation with help from a legal professional.
While the filing and pursuit of a personal injury claim may seem overwhelming, you do not need to fight on your own. To learn more about your legal options, call a Westmoreland County personal injury lawyer to schedule a complimentary evaluation of your case.
