Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney

Have You Been Left Injured After and Accident? Contact a Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney

Perhaps you have been involved in an accident that has left you injured—perhaps seriously. You may be facing a mountain of medical bills and your injuries may have left you unable to return to work. You are understandably frustrated, stressed, worried about your future, even angry. After all, you were simply going about your day when you were involved in an accident that was a direct result of negligence, carelessness, or recklessness. Personal injury laws are in place to protect you, and people like you who are experiencing hardship through no fault of their own. You could significantly benefit from speaking to a Petersburg personal injury attorney from Tronfeld West & Durrett if you find yourself in this unenviable position.

We work hard for our clients with a constant goal of ensuring they are properly compensated for their injuries and other damages. Whether you have been injured in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall in a public place, are the victim of medical malpractice, or have suffered any other type of personal injury, we can help. The vast majority of individuals are both unfamiliar with the legal system as well as unprepared for the level of paperwork and deadlines associated with a personal injury lawsuit. We understand statutes of limitations, and will consult witnesses, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance company in a timely, professional manner.

For answers to your questions about a Personal Injury in Petersburg, call:
804-862-1234

Types of Personal Injury Claims Handled by a Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett

There are many different types of Petersburg, VA personal injury claims. Tronfeld West & Durrett handles the following personal injury claims:

Car Accidents

Whether you have suffered a head-on car accident, a rear-impact car accident, a rollover accident, or a side-impact car accident and you have been left injured, perhaps unable to work, we can help. Perhaps you are the victim of a distracted driver, a fatigued driver, a reckless driver, or an impaired driver. No matter the circumstances you deserve a strong advocate.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often leave victims with severe, even catastrophic injuries. These injuries can result in months, years, or a lifetime of medical interventions and rehabilitative therapies—along with the financial cost. Victims of a truck accident may never be able to return to work or to their “normal” life. Truck accidents are particularly complex as there may be more than one defendant—the truck driver, the trucking company, the loading company, the maintenance company, and/or the manufacturer of the truck or truck parts. Get detailed insights on large truck incidents.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents, like truck accidents, also have a high risk of causing catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Even when the motorcyclist was not at fault in any way, he or she may have to face stereotypes regarding motorcyclists—they take risks, drive to fast, or drive recklessly. In truth, the majority of motorcycle accidents are the fault of a distracted automobile driver.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrians and bicyclists are extremely vulnerable when they are hit by an automobile. They have nothing to protect them, other than a bicycle helmet, if worn. Injuries may be severe enough to prevent the pedestrian or bicyclist from returning to work or to his or her normal life.

Head and Brain Injuries

Many types of accidents can result in head and brain injuries—concussions and more serious traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries can change the life of the injured person forever—as well as the lives of his or her loved ones. Traumatic brain injuries can even alter the victim’s personality as well as his or her ability to think and reason. Even more minor head injuries can cause chronic headaches, loss of memory, vertigo, anxiety, depression, sensitivity to light, cognitive issues, confusion, and cognitive issues.

Product Liability Injuries

We assume the products we purchase are safe and have been properly and thoroughly tested. This is not always the case. A defectively designed or manufactured product, or one with known hazards that are not disclosed can result in injury. A product liability injury can be brought under the theory of negligence, breach of warranty, or strict liability.

Medical Malpractice

Any time a medical professional fails to adhere to the accepted standards of medical care and an injury results, medical malpractice could be present. Some types of medical malpractice include a failure to diagnose, an improper diagnosis, the wrong treatment for a medical issue, or a failure to disclose the potential dangers of a treatment or medication.

Premises Liability

If you are involved in an accident on another’s property due to a known hazard, the property owner is responsible for injuries resulting from that hazard. Many premises liability accidents occur in grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, bars, retail stores, theme parks, swimming pool areas, and sidewalks.

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

There are few things worse than an individual taking advantage of a frail, vulnerable resident in long-term care. Both physical abuse of residents as well as neglecting their basic needs, occur far more often than you might think. If your elderly loved one has experienced nursing home neglect or abuse, you need a strong legal advocate in their corner.

Dog Bites

Legal guidance is crucial in navigating the complex laws surrounding dog bite claims to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. In many cases, the owners of the dog can be held liable for the damages incurred, which means victims have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Serious Injuries from a Personal Injury Require a Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence of another individual or entity, you may be facing an uncertain future. Perhaps you are unable to return to work—for a week, a month, or perhaps for much, much longer. How will you pay your regular monthly bills? When serious or catastrophic injuries occur—like spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, or traumatic brain injury—the future can look pretty grim. You could be faced with necessary, costly medical interventions and rehabilitative therapies for a very long time. These types of injuries don’t just go away with time, and they cost money you may not have.

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What Must Be Proven in a Petersburg, VA Personal Injury Claim?

While Virginia is an “at-fault” state (meaning the at-fault party must pay damages), it is also among a small handful of states that apply the pure contributory negligence rule. This means that unless the defendant was 100 percent to blame for the accident, the victim may not be able to recover damages. To collect damages following a personal injury in the state of Virginia, you will be required to prove the following four elements:

Duty

The defendant owed the victim a duty of care. As an example, every driver on the road owes other drivers a duty that includes following the rules of the road, obeying traffic signs and signals, and keeping his or her car in good running condition.

Breach of Duty

It must be shown that the defendant clearly breached the duty of care. This means that another reasonable person, given the same set of circumstances, would have acted in a more responsible manner.

Causation

Assuming the defendant owed a duty of care and breached that duty, then it must be shown that the breach of duty directly caused the accident.

Damages

Finally, it must be shown that the breach of duty that caused the accident also caused injuries and those injuries cost the victim medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.

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Steps to Follow After an Accident and Personal Injury in Petersburg

In our extensive experience at Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve encountered many types of personal injury cases in Petersburg, each with its unique challenges and consequences for families. Drawing from our decades of serving the community, we’ve distilled essential steps that victims should take immediately following an accident to safeguard their rights:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. A thorough medical examination will document your injuries, which is crucial for your health and any future claim.
2. Report the accident: Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or any other type of accident, report it to the appropriate authorities or property owners. For vehicle accidents, ensure a police report is filed.
3. Document everything: Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect names and contact information of witnesses and keep a diary of your symptoms and medical visits.
4. Avoid discussing fault: Be cautious about what you report to insurance companies or at the scene. Even innocent remarks can be misconstrued and used against you.
5. Consult with a personal injury lawyer at Tronfeld West & Durrett: Before accepting any settlement offers, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and guide you on the best course of action.

These steps, when followed, can substantially alter your case’s outcome. We at our law firm are pledged to navigate you through this entire process, secure your rights, and help you receive the due compensation.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case

While no two personal injury cases are the same, the journey to a settlement can vary widely in duration, influenced by the complexity of the case, the clarity of fault, and the extent of the injuries involved. Cases involving wrongful death claims, for instance, may require more extensive investigations and negotiations, potentially prolonging the settlement process.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we understand the urgency of resolving your case promptly while ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. By discussing real case results with our team of expert personal injury lawyers in Petersburg, you’ll gain insight into the timeline of similar cases and what you might expect in terms of duration and outcome. We invite you to reach out for a comprehensive evaluation of your case, where we can offer personalized advice and outline your options based on our extensive experience and past successes.

Statutes of Limitations

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you have been injured in an accident, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident to seek compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor (under 18 years old) at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may not begin to run until they turn 18. Similarly, if the claimant is under a disability at the time of the injury and has been declared incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be extended under certain circumstances.

Is It Worth Hiring a Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney?

Most of us have little idea of all the ins and outs of a personal injury claim. Having a Petersburg, VA personal injury attorney you trust by your side throughout the process can make a huge difference—both now and in the future. Imagine having an experienced, knowledgeable legal professional in y our corner who will advocate tirelessly for your right to a fair settlement. Your attorney can guide you through the maze of information following your accident and since personal injury claims are more complex than property claims, this can be extremely beneficial. In fact, insurance companies will often try to convince accident victims to forego an attorney. Why? Because personal injury attorneys often get from two to three times more money for their clients than clients who are self-represented.

How and When are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?

Your Petersburg personal injury attorney will either negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf or will take your case to trial. If the settlement is negotiated, then you can usually expect to receive your check within 4-6 weeks from the time you sign the paperwork agreeing to accept the negotiated amount.  Following a personal injury lawsuit in which you prevail, you can also expect to receive your check within six weeks. The compensation can be paid out as a single lump sum, or as a series of payments in the form of a structured settlement. While a structured settlement can be tailored to meet your specific needs, once you agree on the terms of the payment, they can rarely be changed.

How a Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett Can Help

Perhaps you are wondering why you should hire a Petersburg, VA personal injury attorney from Tronfeld West & Durrett? The answer to that question is twofold: experience and unwavering commitment to our clients and their futures. Obviously, there are many choices for those looking for a personal injury attorney. Attorneys Jay Tronfeld and Wiley Latham practice in the Petersburg office, and over the years we have developed a litany of successful tactics and strategies while fighting for equitable outcomes for our clients. We will always work hard for the maximum settlement possible. At Tronfeld West and Durrett, we can help you during this difficult time and invite you to come in for a free consultation. Contact Tronfeld West & Durrett today!

Call or text 804-862-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form