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Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer

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

Best Lawyers Award 2025 Richard Serpe Norfolk personal injury attorney

What is a personal injury claim? When a person is injured because of the misconduct or negligence of another person or company, in Virginia, they may be able to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover financial compensation.

The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC is a downtown Norfolk personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Virginia. We can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of a Norfolk accident that wasn’t your fault.

If you or your loved one were injured in an accident, contact our Norfolk personal injury lawyers for a free, no obligation consultation.


Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer Richard Serpe

Norfolk personal injury lawyer Richard Serpe

For more than 37 years, Norfolk personal injury attorney Richard Serpe has helped individuals and families seriously injured due to the negligence of another person, a dangerous product, or company.

Richard Serpe has earned a reputation as a well-respected, hard-working attorney with a tenacious approach to every case.

He has a tremendous track record of success in obtaining favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. A large portion of his career has been devoted to the representation of injured children.

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Norfolk Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Norfolk car accident lawyer for the injuredWhat types of incidents fall under personal injury cases? Norfolk personal injury cases can arise from a variety of situations. Here’s a list of common cases we handle.

Car accidents result from actions like distracted driving (such as texting or talking on the phone), speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signals and signs. Frequent car accident locations in Norfolk, Virginia, include intersections like Tidewater Drive and E. Little Creek Road, as well as major thoroughfares such as Hampton Boulevard, interstates like I-264 and I-64.

Motorcycle accidents often stem from factors such as collisions with other vehicles, frequently due to the other driver’s failure to notice or yield to the motorcycle. Additionally, hazardous road conditions, like gravel, potholes, or uneven surfaces, contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Tractor-trailer driver negligence can lead to accidents with other cars through actions such as distracted driving, due to activities like texting. Additionally, factors like speeding, fatigue, or failure to maintain a safe following distance contribute to the heightened risk of collisions.

Dog bites and attacks are commonly caused by factors such as a lack of proper training or socialization, leading to aggressive behavior in dogs. Additionally, negligent pet ownership, including failure to secure or control the dog, can contribute to situations where bites and attacks are more likely to occur.

Wrongful death occurs when an individual’s death is caused by the negligence or recklessness. Common causes of wrongful death include fatal car accidents due to distracted or drunk driving, and medical malpractice resulting in a patient’s death due to surgical errors.

Maritime accidents, often occurring in the context of shipping or offshore operations, commonly resulting from factors such as equipment failures or lack of training leading to collisions and groundings.

Accidents on the water, including boating incidents and recreational mishaps, can be caused by factors like operator inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol impairment, or inadequate safety precautions, contributing to capsizing, collisions, or drowning incidents.

Premises liability cases often arise from hazardous conditions on a property, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained areas, leading to slip and fall accidents.

Medical malpractice commonly occurs due to factors such as surgical errors.


What is the average payout for a personal injury settlement?

Settlement amounts are based on both the damage done and the severity of the injuries sustained. Another major factor? Insurance coverage and policy limits. Agreed to in the insurance policy purchased by the insured, policy limits often represent the ceiling for settlement negotiations.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your situation, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of financial recovery:

  • Medical bills: Whether you need an ambulance ride to a hospital, a life-saving surgery, or years of physical therapy– medical bills can add up quickly. A Norfolk personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for these bills, as well as any future medical expenses associated with your injury.
  • Lost income: Accidents can put people out of work for months or even permanently. Loss of earnings can be factored into your settlement.
  • Pain and suffering: This is often based on how much pain you suffered, or continue to endure, as a result of the accident.
  • Wrongful death: If your loved one was killed, you’re probably grief-stricken and wondering how you’ll shoulder medical bills, funeral costs – not to mention the loss of future income for your family. Of course, the emotional loss cannot be understated either. The Virginia Wrongful Death Statute allows certain family members to bring a claim for the losses they have suffered from the death of a loved one.

Virginia Personal Injury Settlement Examples

  • $5 Million – Defective Vehicle Leads to Wrongful Deaths
  • $2 Million – Medical Malpractice Birth Injury
  • $1.6 Million – Drunk Driver Causes Injury
  • $300 Thousand – Drunk Driver Causes Car Accident
  • $150 Thousand – Texting and Driving Car Accident
  • $100 Thousand – Mail Carrier Bitten by Dog
  • $425 Thousand – Child Attacked by Dog

Should I hire a Norfolk personal injury lawyer for my accident?

Norfolk personal injury settlements

Do I need a lawyer for my personal injury case? After suffering an injury that wasn’t your fault, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your injuries, the insurance companies, the at-fault party, and the legal system are a lot for anyone to face.

Insurance companies know most people are inexperienced with the personal injury claims process. If they see an opportunity to minimize or deny your claim, they’ll take it. While its not required, hiring a Norfolk personal injury lawyer to advocate for needs can level the playing field.

And if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, a personal injury lawyer can further escalate your claim by filing a lawsuit. Here are a few ways our Norfolk personal injury lawyers can use their legal education, experience, and expertise to fight for maximum financial recovery:

  • Investigate your accident and determine the potential value of your personal injury claim
  • Protect you from abusive insurance company tactics
  • Negotiate with the insurance company to recover a just settlement
  • File a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement

These are just a few of the ways a Norfolk personal injury attorney can add value to your claim. Schedule your free consultation today.


What are the steps in a Norfolk personal injury case?

How long does it take to resolve a personal injury case? The duration varies depending on factors like the complexity of the case, negotiations, and court schedules. Some cases settle relatively quickly, while others may take months or even years to reach a resolution. Here are a few general steps in the process:

  1. Initial consultation. When a client schedules their free consultation with our team, they share their story and learn of their legal options. A discussion of the person’s rights leads to a decision of whether to work together or not. If the person wishes to hire our firm, they’ll be required to sign an agreement allowing us to represent them.
  2. Investigation. Our Norfolk personal injury team will work to investigate the accident that caused your injuries. We’ll be looking into the statements of witnesses, the police accident reports and photographs taken at the scene. In some cases, we may even hire experts to better understand what led to the incident.
  3. Documentation. Your attorney will work with your healthcare provides to assemble as much information about your injuries as possible. Hospital bills and medical records will be compiled to further support your case.
  4. Settlement negotiations. In order to receive a fair offer from the insurance company, we compile a demand package that contains pertinent results from the investigation and documentation process. Most cases are resolved at this point, but negotiations with the insurance company can continue for a lengthy period of time. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed.
  5. Resolution. Filing a lawsuit puts the timing of your case in the hands of the court system’s legal process. However, during this time, both parties may agree to mediate in an attempt to settle outside of court. If an agreement cannot be made, your case may go before a judge and jury.

How long do I have to file a Norfolk personal injury lawsuit?

statute of limitations, legal deadlines for Norfolk personal injury claims and lawsuits

Under Virginia law, 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.

While two years may seem like a long time, your healing, the investigation, and negotiations can be quite lengthy.

To protect your rights, you should speak with a Norfolk personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Once you have missed this deadline, you will no longer be able to file a claim for financial recovery.


Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers

Norfolk personal injury attorney Richard SerpeWhen you put your trust in the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C., you can rest easy knowing we’ll act with your best interests in mind. With open ears and hearts, our team is eager to help you in your hour of need.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation.

We are located in the Crown Center Building in Downtown Norfolk. 580 East Main Street, #310 Norfolk, VA 23510. We have clients across the state of Virginia and will come to you if you can’t come to us.

No Legal Fees Unless We Win

We understand the fees associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice. Our Norfolk 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 (click here to learn more about contingency fees). The attorneys at the Serpe Firm will work on your behalf to get a fair settlement. We will only charge legal fees if you receive a settlement or verdict.

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    Best Lawyers Award 2024 Richard Serpe
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    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 Accident
    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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