If you’ve recently suffered injuries in an accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You might be in considerable pain from your injuries, wondering how you’ll pay your bills, or simply exhausted from the whole experience. It is crucial to consider your future and how to get your life back on track. For many people, a personal injury claim can provide the money they need to pay their medical bills and rebuild their lives.
The Virginia personal injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison can protect your rights and help you seek fair compensation after an accident. Our firm includes 28 staff attorneys and over 100 support personnel, giving us the resources to handle the most challenging cases. We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.
What Is a Personal Injury?
A personal injury is the harm a person suffers due to another party’s negligence, intentional actions, or inaction. These injuries often lead to physical pain, emotional suffering, and financial stress. Injuries from a harmful incident sometimes result in long-term or permanent disabilities.
What Is the Main Cause of Most Personal Injuries?
Most personal injuries are the result of negligence. In a legal context, negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care and harms others. Personal injuries can result from various situations, such as motor vehicle crashes, accidents on another person’s property, or defective products.
What Are Some Examples of Personal Injury Accidents?
Our Virginia personal injury attorneys have experience representing clients injured in various accidents. Some of the most common cases we see at our firm include:
- Car accidents – Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims. They are often the result of another driver’s negligence. Some driver behaviors that lead to wrecks include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or aggressive driving. Injuries in car accidents can range from whiplash and broken bones to spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
- Truck accidents – Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic accidents. Common causes of truck accidents include driver fatigue, improper loading, equipment failure, and lack of proper maintenance. Truck accident victims often suffer severe injuries, including paralysis, amputations, and internal organ damage.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road because motorcycles lack many of the safety features of other vehicles. Motorcycle accidents frequently happen when drivers don’t notice motorcyclists, road conditions are hazardous, or mechanical issues occur. Injuries from motorcycle accidents can be severe and life-altering.
- Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrians are at high risk for serious injuries when involved in accidents with motor vehicles. They may be injured in accidents involving distracted driving, failure to yield, and speeding. Severe pedestrian injuries can include road rash, internal bleeding, and skull fractures.
- Dog bites – Dog bites can become infected and cause significant emotional trauma. In Virginia, dog owners can be liable for injuries their dogs cause.
- Burn injuries – Burn injuries can result from various accidents, including house fires, car accidents, and workplace incidents. They can lead to severe pain, scarring, and disfigurement, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Slip and falls – Slip and fall accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain safe premises, such as by not fixing slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or poor lighting. Injuries from slip and fall accidents can include bone fractures, head injuries, and back injuries.
- Broken bones – Any type of accident can cause broken bones, such as car accidents, slip and falls, or workplace incidents. The severity of broken bones can range from simple fractures to multiple complex fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Workplace injuries – Workplace injuries can occur in various industries and often result from equipment malfunctions, inadequate training, or unsafe work environments. Common workplace injuries include repetitive stress injuries and injuries from falls or objects striking people.
Remember, each personal injury case is unique, and the circumstances surrounding these common examples can differ. It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Do I Prove Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
To build a strong case and prove liability, your attorney must gather and present compelling evidence. Some forms of evidence that your attorney might use to establish liability include:
- Police reports – Police reports can provide crucial information about an accident, such as the involved parties, witnesses, and initial observations of fault.
- Witness statements – Witnesses to an accident can provide valuable testimony regarding the events leading up to the incident and help establish the defendant’s negligence.
- Photographs and videos – Visual evidence of the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage can help paint a clear picture of the incident and the extent of the harm caused.
- Medical records – Medical records can help demonstrate the severity of your injuries, the necessary treatments, and the potential long-term effects of your injuries.
- Expert testimony – Experts, such as accident reconstructionists, engineers, or medical professionals, can provide specialized knowledge and insights to support your case.
Can I Be Compensated for My Injuries?
If you were harmed in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation for your injuries. Depending on the case, your compensation may include money to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injuries. Each case is unique, so hiring a personal injury attorney who will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve is crucial.
What Would My Personal Injury Case Be Worth?
The value of your personal injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the level of negligence exhibited by the at-fault party. Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case and estimate its worth based on these factors.
What Happens If I Am Partly Responsible for My Injuries?
Virginia follows a “pure contributory negligence” rule, which means that a plaintiff who is even one percent to blame for their injuries cannot pursue compensation. That makes hiring an experienced attorney who is familiar with state laws and can build a strong case in your favor essential.
How Long Do I Have to File My Personal Injury Claim in Virginia?
In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this statutory deadline, the court could dismiss your case – and you could lose your right to seek compensation in civil court. You should immediately contact a personal injury attorney to ensure you do not miss any critical deadlines.
Will My Injury Claim Go to Trial?
While most personal injury cases end in out-of-court settlements, some proceed to trial. Whether your case will go to trial depends on many factors, particularly whether the at-fault party is willing to make a reasonable settlement offer. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who can advocate for your rights in court if necessary.
How Long Do Most Personal Injury Lawsuits Last?
The duration of a personal injury lawsuit will vary depending on the case’s complexity. While some cases end within a few months, others may take years. Our team will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How Much Does Hiring a Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
Most Virginia personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, your lawyer receives a percentage of whatever money you recover for your injuries. A contingency fee arrangement is beneficial to clients for several reasons:
- No upfront costs – You won’t need to worry about paying attorney fees while dealing with the financial burdens associated with your injuries. This allows you to focus on your recovery without added financial stress.
- Aligned interests – Since your attorney’s fees are tied to the compensation they recover for you, they have a vested interest in securing the maximum amount possible. This ensures that they will work diligently on your case.
- No fee unless you win – If the attorney cannot secure compensation for you, you won’t owe them any fees. This reduces the risk associated with pursuing a personal injury claim.
Before hiring a Virginia personal injury attorney, discuss the specific terms of their contingency fee agreement, including the percentage they will charge and any additional expenses you may be responsible for. This will help ensure you understand the costs of pursuing your personal injury claim.
Contact a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact Marks & Harrison. Our compassionate and experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. We offer a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. Don’t face this challenging time alone. Reach out to us today and let us be your advocates in your fight for justice.
