Virginia Negligence Laws

You’ve been hurt in an accident and you don’t know what to do. How will you get your medical expenses paid for, and how will you pay your other bills while you’re missing out on work income?

If your accident and resulting injuries were caused by another person and not by yourself, you may be able to submit an injury claim to obtain damages.

Suing another person when they have harmed you is within your rights because of Virginia negligence laws. You can and should hold accountable those who have harmed you, not only for yourself, but also to protect others from being harmed as well.

Understanding Contributory Negligence

Virginia’s negligence laws are a little different than other states’. In Virginia, you can only sue someone for damages if you can prove that the person or organization was 100 percent to blame for your accident. You can’t have played even the teeniest of roles in your accident.

Example: You were walking at the grocery store and there was a warning sign in the aisle. You decided to ignore the sign so you could reach your favorite box of cereal. You slipped and were injured because of a massive spill on the floor. You can’t sue for damages because you chose to ignore the warning sign.

Virginia’s Limitations on Actions Pertaining to Personal Injuries

Virginia law gives a time frame for submitting an injury claim for an accident. You have two years from the date of your injury accident to sue the at-fault party. If you don’t submit your claim within that time frame, then you will no longer be able to sue for damages, as you will have lost your chance.

Compensatory Damages in Virginia

Some of the damages you can collect in an injury case are as follows:

• Accident-related medical treatment
• Missed work wages
• Mental trauma and mental health treatment
• Physical therapy
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Permanent injury
• Pain and suffering

Call a Virginia Negligence Lawyer

Virginia negligence laws can be confusing, but filing an injury claim can be even more so. The claims process is complex and challenging, which is why most don’t handle this situation on their own. Call an attorney who can help at Halperin Law Center and get a free case review. Reach us via the contact form below, or dial 804-527-0100.