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Smithfield Personal Injury Lawyers

Helping You Recover Compensation for Your Injuries and Anguish After an Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault.

After an accident, you need an ally who will work tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected. Our team at the Serpe Firm can be your advocate in your time of need. Contact us to set up a free, no obligation, consultation to discuss your options. We handle car accidents, dog bites, boat accidents, and many other types of personal injury.

Distance Shouldn’t Prevent You From Quality Legal Service

The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC is a Norfolk, Virginia based personal injury law firm serving individuals and families across the Commonwealth. Distance should never prevent a person from getting the quality legal service and justice they deserve. That’s why we offer meetings in our office (following current guidelines), as well as safely and securely online. Our clients reside across the state and the nation.


Attorney Richard Serpe

Attorney Richard SerpeAs a Virginia personal injury attorney for more than 35 years, Richard Serpe advocates for those who have been injured due to negligence. Mr. Serpe is a highly skilled attorney with a reputation for meticulous preparation and presentation. He’s earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case he takes on.

Awards & Recognition: “Super Lawyer” – top 5% of lawyers in Virginia (2006 – Present); Best Lawyers in America (2005 – Present) and Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Plaintiffs (2020); AV rating (highest given) from the Martindale-Hubbell law directory; Rated 10/10 – “Superb” by attorney rating service Avvo.com.


Understanding Personal Injury Settlements

Settlements and verdicts are based on the damage done and the severity of your injuries. However, another major factor includes policy limits. Agreed to in the insurance policy purchased by the insured, policy limits often represent the ceiling for settlement negotiations. A personal injury attorney will ensure that all avenues of compensation are explored.

Depending on the specifics of your accident, victims may be entitled to one or more of the following types of damages:

  • Medical Costs: Ambulance rides, a life-saving surgery, or months of physical therapy can all become very expensive. An attorney will seek compensation for those bills and any future medical expenses relating to your injuries.
  • Lost Wages: Some accidents will put people out of work for weeks, months, or even permanently. This loss of earnings can be included in your settlement.
  • Pain and Suffering: This is based on the severity and permanency of your injuries. It is determined by how much pain you suffering you experienced, or will continue to experience, as a result of the accident.
  • Wrongful Death: The Virginia Wrongful Death statute allows certain family members to bring a claim for losses they have suffered due to the death of a loved one. This can include funeral costs, medical bills, and the future loss of income for your family.

How Long Does A Personal Injury Case Take?

There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to settle Smithfield personal injury case. Here are some of the most important:

Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement

Reaching MMI before starting negotiations with the insurance companies will ensure that all of your medical bills, past and future, are included in a settlement. This is a big factor in the length of time it will take to settle a claim.

Negotiations

Next comes negotiation. Your personal injury lawyer, seeking the maximum compensation possible, will work with the insurance company to land on a number that satisfies both parties.

Trial

Although most of our cases are settled without having to go to trial, if an agreement cannot be reached, we may need to file a lawsuit. Although filing a lawsuit kick starts the process of preparing for a trial, negotiations will still continue. Just because litigation is initiated doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily go to court.


Statute of Limitations (Deadlines)

In Virginia, it is necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit within strict deadlines imposed by law. In many cases, Virginia provides for a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations. However, every case is different and this deadline could vary depending on the circumstances of the situation.

Although two years might seem like a long time, the investigation and negotiation processes can be lengthy. To protect your rights, you should speak with a Virginia or Smithfield personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Once you have missed this deadline, you will no longer be able to file a claim.


No Legal Fees Unless We Win

We understand the fees associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice. Our personal injury lawyers believe that everyone should have a voice when it comes to asserting their rights. Corporations and insurance companies have tremendous resources, and our no-fee promise levels the playing field. Our no-fee promise means that you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we settle or win your case.  Contact us for a free consultation.

    FREE CASE REVIEW







    top attorney rating badge
    martindale-hubbell top rating
    Richard Serpe recognized by Best Lawyers, Norfolk personal injury
    Richard Serpe Super Lawyers
    SETTLEMENTS AND VERDICTS
    $5
    MILLION
    Defective Vehicle Wrongful Death
    Roanoke, Virginia
    $3.5
    MILLION
    Barge Accident Brain Injury
    Richmond, Virginia
    $2.5
    MILLION
    Carbon Monoxide Wrongful Death
    Portsmouth, Virginia
    $2
    MILLION
    Birth Injury
    Hampton, Virginia
    $1.6
    MILLION
    Drunk Driving Injury
    Eastern Shore, Virginia
    NO LEGAL FEE
    UNLESS WE SETTLE OR WIN
    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
    Suzanne, Google Review
    Their heart is with you
    I was severely injured by medication produced by a top corporate entity. I was unable to continue working, the whole situation seemed hopeless. The team at Serpe law offices was
    - Suzanne, Google Review
    Norma, Manassas, VA
    I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe
    “I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe. Understanding, Compassionate and trustworthy. They are very knowledgeable and they WILL GET THE MOST compensation for your case. I was just looking
    - Norma, Manassas, VA
    Eddie, Norfolk, VA
    A settlement that changed my life
    “After a major maritime accident on the water, I was scared and didn’t know where to turn. The Law Offices of Richard Serpe and his great staff treated me with
    - Eddie, Norfolk, VA
    Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Compassionate, Dedicated and Attentive
    “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent legal Services I received fron Attorney Richard J Serpe’ Law Firm. Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate , dedicated
    - Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Hard Work and Zealous Devotion
    “A tip-top law firm led by one of the finest lawyers I know. In addition to the usual qualities of hard work and zealous devotion to the cause, Richard Serpe
    - Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
    He listened carefully to our concerns and gave us honest legal advice
    “My husband and I worked with Richard for the past year and had a wonderful experience. At our first meeting, he did not push us to sign anything or make
    - Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
    Shaniqua, Winchester, VA
    Richard Serpe, and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner
    My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence,
    - Shaniqua, Winchester, VA
    Don, Virginia Beach, VA
    Absolute trust
    “My experience with Richard Serpe can be summarized in two words, “absolute trust.” I came to Mr. Serpe on the advice of a friend after a car hit me while
    - Don, Virginia Beach, VA
    Allena, Eastern Shore of VA
    Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side
    Such a wonderful group of people to have by your side! Genuinely cares and wants to help you and your family 🙂
    - Allena, Eastern Shore of VA
    Melissa Baumann, Norfolk, VA
    Richard acted as my advocate, my friend, my partner and my champion
    Within seconds of meeting with Richard Serpe, he identified a number of potential mistakes I was making – many of which could have been quite costly. Throughout the entire process,
    - Melissa Baumann, Norfolk, VA
    Art Serratelli, Virginia Beach Immigration Lawyer
    You will feel better — instantly
    “I endorse this lawyer. Richard is an extremely intelligent person and a very kind man. Not only is Richard a top-notch attorney, but he also is very compassionate one. You
    - Art Serratelli, Virginia Beach Immigration Lawyer
    Hallie, Williamsburg, VA
    I am very satisfied!
    “I highly recommend this Personal Injury Law Firm. They kept me in the loop with everything going on and gave honest advice. I am very satisfied!”
    - Hallie, Williamsburg, VA
    Janine, Virginia Beach, VA
    Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional
    Mr Serpe is a kind, considerate professional I would recommend to anyone who needs legal help recovering from an auto accident or other personal injury. I really enjoyed working with
    - Janine, Virginia Beach, VA
    Liz & Steve, Virginia Beach, VA
    Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system
    Richard Serpe was the answer to our prayers for finding justice in the legal system. Our fight against the Chinese over the course of six years was emotional and difficult
    - Liz & Steve, Virginia Beach, VA
    Michael, Google Review
    Absolutely amazing what he has done for me!
    “My experience with Richard was great. He put in the time and effort to get what I needed done and in months he worked a miracle that I didn’t expect!
    - Michael, Google Review
    Angela W., Richmond, VA
    Richard Serpe was able to get an excellent recovery for my daughter
    When my daughter suffered an injury from lead poisoning, I did not know where to turn. There did not seem to be many lawyers who could help. The landlord responsible
    - Angela W., Richmond, VA
    Elizabeth C., Virginia Beach, VA
    Thank you Richard Serpe and your firm
    This firm has been beside us through the whole process from when we first found out that our home had been built with Chinese drywall until justice was served. They
    - Elizabeth C., Virginia Beach, VA
    Mikhal T., Richmond Virginia
    The people who work for him were always great to work with
    Richard Serpe handled the case for my daughter for injuries she received over 10 years ago. The people who work for him were always great to work with! They responded
    - Mikhal T., Richmond Virginia
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