Catastrophic injuries can have a devastating impact on your life, leaving you with a new set of challenges that extend far beyond the initial physical pain. But it’s possible to secure adequate compensation through legal channels if you have suffered a catastrophic injury in Virginia Beach.
To secure compensation, and to secure the fairest amount, consulting with a personal injury lawyer is not just advisable—it’s indispensable. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we have over 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Virginia, helping thousands of citizens get justice and holding the responsible accountable, as you can see in our case results.
How a Virginia Beach Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help You
After a catastrophic injury, you may not only struggle with physical difficulties but also face a legal system that can be both complex and unforgiving for victims and their families.
In this scenario, a personal injury attorney provides their expertise and legal knowledge to help you understand your rights, collect crucial evidence, file a claim, do the paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the compensation you deserve.
We can help you with an initial consultation to analyze your situation, assess the damages, calculate fair compensation, and help you claim the compensation you deserve.
For answers to your questions about a catastrophic injury in Virginia Beach, call:
800-321-6741
Accidents That Lead to Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries occur in a variety of situations, but some accidents are more likely to result in these types of injuries than others. Overall, the most common accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries and we hear from local victims include:
- Car accidents: often caused by reckless driving or other causes of negligence.
- Medical malpractice: including surgical errors and misdiagnosis.
- Slip and fall accidents: usually due to negligence in maintaining safe premises.
- Workplace accidents: which are common in high-risk jobs like construction.
If this is unfortunately your case, you don’t have to pass through the process of getting compensation for your catastrophic injuries alone. We can help you determine who is responsible, and start the legal process to claim the fair amount of compensation you and your family need to fully recover.
Common Virginia Beach Catastrophic Injuries
We have seen how catastrophic injuries can occur in many types of accidents, leading to long-term or permanent disabilities and requiring extensive medical care. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we handle a wide range of catastrophic injuries to help victims secure the compensation they deserve, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal injuries
- Complex fractures
Our experienced legal team works tirelessly to support victims of these severe injuries. We understand the profound impact these injuries can have on your life and are dedicated to helping you recover both economically and emotionally.
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Steps to Take After a Catastrophic Injury
Knowing the steps to take after a catastrophic injury can help protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation. Here are the crucial steps we recommend to follow:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety are the top priority. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Prompt medical treatment ensures that your injuries are documented and treated appropriately.
2. Report the Incident
Report the incident to the relevant authorities. For example, if the injury occurred in a car or truck accident, contact the Virginia Beach Police Department and file an accident report. If it happened at work, report it to your employer.
3. Document Everything
Collect and preserve evidence related to the incident. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Keep copies of medical records, police reports, and any correspondence related to the incident.
4. Gather Witness Information
If there were witnesses to the incident, collect their contact information and statements. Witnesses can provide valuable third-party accounts that support your version of events.
5. Consult with an Experienced Attorney at Tronfeld West & Durrett
After experiencing a catastrophic injury, getting in touch with a seasoned catastrophic injury lawyer promptly is a crucial step in the process of claiming compensation. Our team of skilled attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett is prepared to discuss the specifics of your case, carefully evaluating its merits based on the nature of your injury and the circumstances of the accident. We are dedicated to helping you understand your legal rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
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Holding the Negligent Accountable in Virginia
Establishing liability in catastrophic injury cases in Virginia is especially challenging due to the state’s strict “contributory negligence” system. Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your injuries, you can be completely barred from recovering any damages.
However, establishing liability strictly depends on your case’s specific circumstances. For example, in some cases, such as in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, liability is very clear. However, in other cases like medical malpractice, or cases that involve multiple parties, establishing liability is more complex.
This makes gathering robust evidence crucial. From eyewitness accounts to expert testimonies, every piece of evidence serves to strengthen your case and establish the full extent of the other party’s negligence. Our lawyers can help you understand how contributory negligence may apply in your case and work to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Keep in mind that after a catastrophic injury, timely action to initiate legal proceedings is very important. According to the Virginia Code § 8.01-243 statute of limitations, you have a two-year window to file a personal injury claim.
Injured in a Catastrophic Accident in Virginia Beach? Claim the Compensation You Deserve
When it comes to compensation, you may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that are directly related to your injury and can be easily quantified in monetary terms. These tangible losses include medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
Non-Economic Damages
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify but are no less important in helping you move forward with your life. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, among others.
The Process of Claiming for Compensation in Virginia
With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can ensure the process of claiming compensation after a catastrophic injury will be worth it. Overall, the process typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Consultation
The first step in claiming compensation for a catastrophic injury is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach. This initial consultation (which is free at Tronfeld West & Durrett) sets the stage for the entire legal process, as it helps you evaluate the merits of your case and understand your legal options.
Step 2: Investigation
This phase involves a thorough investigation to gather evidence related to your injury. From medical records to surveillance footage, photos of the accident scene, and eyewitness accounts, every piece of evidence serves to strengthen your case and allows your lawyer to build strong legal arguments on your behalf.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
This is the formal initiation of your legal proceedings. At this stage, your lawyer will draft and submit the necessary legal documents, including a detailed account of your injuries and the amount of compensation you’re seeking.
Step 4: Negotiation or Trial
Although most cases are resolved by negotiating with the involved parties out of court, sometimes it’s not possible to reach a fair settlement. In this scenario, we are ready to take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury (Virginia Code § 8.01-243.). This deadline means that you have a limited time frame to take legal action and seek compensation for your injuries. It’s important to understand that missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue a claim, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case.
However, there are exceptions to this general rule, such as cases involving minors or situations where the injury was not immediately apparent, which can extend the time frame in which you can file a claim.
Our attorneys can help you understand these exceptions and ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines, thereby preserving your right to compensation.
Why Do You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer to Claim Compensation in Virginia Beach?
In Virginia, the laws around personal injuries are really strict. If you’re even slightly at fault for your injury, you could lose your chance to get any compensation for your damages. That’s why having a lawyer who knows this area of law inside and out is so important.
Tronfeld West & Durrett can help you get the best outcome possible for your case. Without having an expert on local laws on your side, you’re risking losing out on money that could help you recover and move on with your life.
If you are ready to take action to recover compensation after a catastrophic injury and hold the responsible accountable in Virginia Beach, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form