In the heart of Newport News, countless people find themselves struggling with the repercussions of injuries, often inflicted due to the negligence of others. These unfortunate incidents, whether they manifest in the form of workplace accidents, medical malpractice, motor accidents, or other unforeseen events, not only lead to lost workdays but also usher in a cascade of medical expenses, emotional distress, and unforeseen challenges that can disrupt the rhythm of daily life.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our dedication to securing the rights of the injured isn’t just a professional commitment—it’s a legacy we’ve defended since 1972. We understand the impact these incidents can have on individuals and their families, and we’re committed to ensuring they receive fair compensation.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help with Your Case in Newport News
Our team of personal injury lawyers handles a wide range of cases in Newport News, including:
- Catastrophic injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability cases (for example, slip and fall accidents)
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Product liability
Navigating the complexities of an injury, especially when it’s due to the negligence of another, can be a challenging journey filled with uncertainties.
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve stood as a beacon of hope for the injured since 1972, offering more than just legal advice. We’re here to be your allies, guiding you every step of the way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
For answers to your questions with a Personal Injury serving Newport News, call:
800-321-6741
How to Determine Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
Negligence is a legal concept that refers to the failure of a person or entity to exercise reasonable care, resulting in direct harm to another person. To prove negligence in a personal injury case, we must show that:
- The defendant owed them a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty of care.
- The breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the injuries.
Establishing negligence depends on evidence, which can include collecting witness testimonies, which are valuable first-hand accounts of the sequence of events. Also, expert opinions and industry professionals’ insights are used to testify on deviations from accepted standards, further strengthening the case.
Who is at Fault?
Identifying the responsible party is crucial to prove negligence, however, this becomes more complex if there are multiple parties involved.
Proving liability it’s, overall, a meticulous process that evaluates the actions and responsibilities of everyone involved in the accident. Our team of personal injury lawyers has the experience and resources necessary to investigate your case and determine who is at fault for your injuries.
Damages You Are Entitled to Recover in Newport News
If you’ve been injured in Newport News due to the negligence of others, you may be entitled to recover the following types of damages:
Economic Damages
All tangible losses and financial costs (from medical expenses to lost income) fall under this category. Overall, economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These encompass the emotional and psychological toll the accident had on your life, like psychological trauma and diminished quality of life. Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Our team will hear your story, analyze your options, and help you calculate the damages you must claim, including those expenses that will affect you in the future.
Click to contact us today
Legal Options After Suffering from a Personal Injury Due to the Negligence of Others
Victims of personal injury cases in Newport News have several legal options available to them, including:
- Filing a claim with their own insurance company.
- Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties.
- Negotiate a settlement.
In all cases, it’s advisable to consult with a team of personal injury lawyers who can help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How to Successfully File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Newport News, Virginia
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is a structured process that involves the following steps:
1. Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with the personal injury lawyer of your choosing, they will review the details of your case and determine whether you have a viable compensation claim.
2. Investigation
If the lawyer determines that you have a viable claim, they will conduct a thorough investigation of your case, gathering evidence to support your case and consulting with experts if necessary.
3. Demand Letter
Once enough evidence has been gathered, the next step is to send a demand letter to the at-fault party, outlining the damages you’ve suffered and the compensation you’re seeking.
4. Filing the Complaint
If the at-fault party refuses to settle, you’ll need to file a complaint with the court and officially initiate the legal proceedings. Your lawyer will handle all the paperwork for you.
5. Discovery
During the discovery phase, both parties exchange evidence and information related to the case, preparing for resolving the case through mediation, settlement, or trial.
6. Mediation
If both parties agree, the case may be referred to mediation, where a neutral third party will attempt to facilitate a settlement.
7. Trial
If the case does not settle in mediation and the involved parties can’t reach an agreement, the case will proceed to trial. There, a judge or jury will determine the outcome.
8. Settlement
Often, negotiations culminate in a settlement, avoiding the need for a trial (which is a time-consuming process). Most personal injury cases are resolved in this way.
Statute of Limitations in Virginia
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, as specified in Virginia Code § 8.01-243. This means you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe, or you may forfeit your right to seek compensation.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or if the injury was not discovered immediately, the statute of limitations may be extended. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at our law firm can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your right to recover damages.
Benefits of Hiring a Newport News Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring an attorney from Tronfeld West & Durrett offers several advantages, particularly when dealing with the complexities of legal proceedings and insurance companies.
Expert Legal Advice
Our experienced lawyer understands the nuances of personal injury law and can provide valuable guidance on the best course of action for your case. As you can see in our case results, we have secured millions for our clients, ensuring all of their needs are covered by the amount of compensation we claim.
Thorough Investigation
Lawyers have the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering crucial evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
Negotiation Skills
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our skilled lawyers can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Maximized Compensation
We can help calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Court Representation
If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer represent you in court increases your chances of a favorable outcome. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our team is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury
Taking the right steps immediately after a personal injury can significantly impact the success of your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Document the scene: If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. This visual evidence can be critical for your case.
- Gather information: Collect the contact information of any witnesses and the other parties involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, and insurance details.
- Report the incident: Depending on the type of accident, report it to the relevant authorities. For example, car accidents should be reported to the Newport News Police Department, and workplace injuries to your employer.
By following these steps, you can protect your health and strengthen your potential personal injury claim. We strongly recommend contacting our personal injury attorney as soon as you can to discuss your case. We can provide expert advice, help you understand your legal options, and guide you through the claims process.
You Deserve Fair Compensation to Recover – Contact a Newport News Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in Newport News due to the negligence of others, you deserve fair compensation to help you recover and move forward. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our team of experienced personal injury lawyers has been handling personal injury cases in Virginia since 1972.
In addition to our expertise in general personal injury claims, we are also well-versed in dealing with car accidents and truck accidents. Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch legal representation to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in these complex cases.
Contact us today to get a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form