A Norfolk personal injury lawyer should be your first call if you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
In Virginia, when someone is injured due to the misconduct or negligence of another person or company, they may be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This can help recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other financial losses resulting from the injury.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, a trusted downtown Norfolk personal injury law firm, proudly serves local residents and clients throughout Virginia. We are located on 580 East Main Street #310 right across from the Norfolk General District Court, where we file a large number of injury cases.
Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer Richard Serpe
For more than 37 years, top-rated 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.
Awards and Recognition
- Best Lawyers® : (2005 – Present)
- Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (2020)
- Super Lawyer : (2006 – Present)
- Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent Rating
- Avvo.com : Rated 10/10 – “Superb”
- Expertise.com: Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norfolk (2020 – Present)
Types of Norfolk Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Norfolk personal injury cases can arise from a variety of situations. Here’s a list of injury and accident cases we specialize in.
Norfolk Car Accident Cases
We handle many different types of Norfolk car accident cases, providing dedicated legal representation to those injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault. This includes car crashes, drunk driving incidents, tractor-trailer collisions, motorcycle accidents, bicycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents. We also advocate for families affected by fatal accidents, pursuing wrongful death claims to ensure justice and financial recovery for their devastating loss.
Norfolk Dog Bites & Attacks
We have extensive experience in securing settlements for Norfolk dog bite and attack cases. We represent adults and children who have suffered physical and emotional trauma from dog bites, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve. Many of our clients are also USPS workers and delivery drivers who are frequently at risk for dog attacks while on the job. Surprisingly, many lawyers don’t fully understand Virginia dog bite cases because of the one-bite rule. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, let us review your situation.
Norfolk Premises Liability Cases
We handle a wide range of Norfolk premises liability cases, advocating for individuals injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. These cases include incidents such as carbon monoxide poisoning, slip and falls, broken stairs and handrails, drownings, and injuries caused by falling objects. Property owners and managers have a duty to maintain safe environments, and when they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.
Norfolk Maritime Cases (Accidents on the Water)
Attorney Richard Serpe brings exceptional expertise to Norfolk maritime cases, holding an advanced law degree (LL.M) in Maritime Law. We handle many types of accidents on the water. These include general maritime cases such as cruise ship injuries to passengers, recreational boating accidents, and jet-ski accidents. We also represent seamen and maritime workers in Jones Act cases, advocating for those injured due to employer negligence or the unseaworthiness of a vessel.
Norfolk Medical Malpractice Cases
We represent victims of Norfolk medical malpractice, advocating for those harmed by preventable errors in healthcare settings. We handle cases involving surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and nursing home negligence that leads to injury or death. Patients place immense trust in medical professionals, and when negligence or substandard care results in injury, the consequences can be life-altering.
Norfolk Product Liability Claims
We handle a variety of Norfolk product liability cases, representing individuals injured by dangerous and defective products. We are currently investigating accidents caused by defective guardrails, injuries from recalled infant sleepers, and harm resulting from other recalled or unsafe consumer products. Manufacturers, designers, and distributors have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the products they bring to market. When they fail to meet these standards, the results can be devastating for consumers.
Norfolk Wrongful Death Lawsuits
We handle Norfolk wrongful death cases with compassion and determination, advocating for families who have lost loved ones due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others. Our goal is to seek justice for grieving families, holding the responsible parties accountable and helping them recover the compensation needed to address the emotional and financial impacts of their loss.
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
Do I need a Norfolk personal injury lawyer?
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. Many people try to settle their Norfolk personal injury case without an attorney, but you should proceed with caution if you take that route.
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. Additionally, insurers often attempt to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount.
While its not required, hiring our Norfolk personal injury lawyers to advocate for needs can level the playing field. And, if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
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 Attorney
When 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.
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.
