If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, you may have heard the term personal injury law. But what exactly does that mean? Who qualifies to bring a claim, and how can a lawyer actually help?
At the Halperin Law Center, we work with clients across Richmond and the surrounding areas to help them understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Here’s a breakdown of the basics: what personal injury law covers, and how having the right attorney can make a major difference in your recovery.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law exists to hold individuals, businesses, and other entities accountable when their negligence causes harm to someone else. It’s based on the idea that if you were injured due to someone else’s actions, or failure to act, you shouldn’t be the one paying the price.
These cases are civil (not criminal) and typically focus on recovering financial compensation for losses like medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Personal injury law applies in a wide range of situations, from car accidents to hazardous property conditions.
What Types of Injuries Qualify?
Not every injury leads to a personal injury case. To qualify, your injury must be the result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. In Virginia, common types of personal injury claims include:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, especially when caused by distracted or impaired drivers
- Slip and fall accidents, often due to unsafe property conditions
- Bicycle or pedestrian injuries involving vehicles or poorly maintained roads and sidewalks
- Workplace accidents, involving a third party
- Dog bites, when owners fail to control aggressive pets
In each of these situations, a successful claim must show that the other party had a duty to act with reasonable care, that they failed in that duty, and that the failure directly caused your injuries.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Help
It’s easy to assume that if you’ve been hurt and someone else was clearly at fault, you’ll be compensated fairly. Unfortunately, it rarely works that way. Insurance companies are often more focused on minimizing payouts than doing what’s right, and they know how to take advantage of someone who isn’t familiar with the legal system.
That’s where personal injury lawyers come in.
When you hire an attorney, you’re not just getting someone to file paperwork—you’re getting an advocate who understands how to gather evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, negotiate fair settlements, and take your case to court if needed. A good lawyer will also help you document your injuries, value your full losses (including future medical care and lost earning potential), and avoid common pitfalls that can weaken your case.
At the Halperin Law Center, we’re committed to giving each client the individual attention they deserve. We thoroughly investigate every case and fight for maximum compensation, as we understand the significant stakes involved.
No Upfront Cost
Most people don’t plan for an accident. Medical bills and time off work can create immediate financial pressure, and the idea of hiring a lawyer might feel out of reach. But with personal injury cases, there’s no upfront cost. At the Halperin Law Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover money for you. It’s one less thing to worry about during an already difficult time.
Know Your Rights. Get Help Early.
Timing matters in personal injury cases. Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for most claims, but more importantly, evidence can disappear quickly. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to find out if you have a claim. Contact Halperin Law Center today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights, weigh your options, and take the next step toward recovery, with confidence and support.
