Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Hampton, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Hampton, Virginia?

  757-727-6111 is the non-emergency line of the Hampton police.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Hampton, Virginia?

  The records unit is at 40 Lincoln Street, Hampton, VA 23669. The phone number is 757-727-6540.

• Can an animal bite-related personal injury claimant in Hampton sue the owner of a chihuahua that has no record of previous attacks?

  Yes, an animal-bite victim may successfully sue the owner of a chihuahua for damages even if there's been no prior record of violent behavior. The laws of Virginia apply to Hampton, and the state does not follow the "one-bite" rule of more forgiving jurisdictions. Dog owners are not given a free pass for their pets' first bite, unlike in more permissive locations.

• Can a restaurant patron in Hampton successfully sue the owner of the establishment if he slips on the floor and there was no "wet floor" sign?

  Yes, a restaurant patron in Hampton who has had a bad fall can successfully sue the owner of a restaurant that fails to display a "wet floor" sign. Property owners are required to keep their premises hazard-free and safe for the general public. Failure to meet this duty gives cause to sue, and this is evident in failing to put up signs that indicate slippery areas.

• Who are the parties that a resident of Hampton may sue over personal injuries that happen in the course of air travel?

  A resident of Hampton who sustains injuries over the course of air travel may sue the airline, the airport, or the airplane manufacturer. The airline is liable if it fails to maintain its air fleet and equip its units with the proper safety equipment. The airport is on the hook for premises liability matters at the location. Plane manufacturers may be brought to court over product defects that were concealed from the public.

• What are the kinds of medical malpractice that personal injury lawyers in Hampton often see?

  Personal injury lawyers in Hampton often see cases of misdiagnoses that lead to the patient receiving no or incorrect treatment for a condition. Surgical errors are common and range from opening the wrong part of the body to leaving behind foreign instruments after stitching the patient up. Attorneys also deal with birth errors that cause infants to develop paralysis.

• What are the common causes of children's injuries seen by lawyers in Hampton who handle daycare torts?

  Personal injury lawyers in Hampton often see daycare tort cases caused by faulty toys or playground equipment. These are compounded by the failure to maintain the premises in a hazard-free state, and there are instances of poor cleaning that lead to health issues. Childcare businesses also at times fail to keep their premises secure from predatory individuals.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.