There’s nothing quite as heart-wrenching as witnessing a child in pain or distress. The anguish becomes even more profound when we realize that their suffering stems from the negligence or reckless behavior of others.
Children, with their boundless potential and innocence, are especially vulnerable to the consequences of such thoughtlessness. The emotional toll on families dealing with these situations is immense, and the road to recovery can be long and challenging.
For nearly 40 years, Richard Serpe has been advocating for young victims of accidents. We understand that these cases require not only legal expertise but also a compassionate approach tailored to the unique needs of children and their families.
Our Virginia child injury attorneys are committed to ensuring that every child receives the justice and support they deserve, working tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and to secure fair compensation for their injuries and suffering.
We are deeply invested in the well-being of every child we represent, recognizing the profound impact these experiences can have on their lives and futures.
Contact us for a free consultation. No legal fees unless we win.
Types of Virginia Child Injury Cases
Our attorneys represent injured children and their families in cases including:
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Birth injuries and medical negligence
- Premises liability injuries
- Swimming pool and drowning accidents
- Recalled products that lead to injury
- Car accidents involving child passengers
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving children
- Wrongful death cases
Our Virginia Child Injury Lawyers
When you’re trusting someone with your child’s case, choosing the right attorney matters more than ever. Our firm combines decades of experience with a client-centered approach to pursue the maximum compensation available.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has spent a significant portion of his career representing injured children and their families. He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and was named “Lawyer of the Year” 2027 by Best Lawyers for plaintiffs’ personal injury litigation (Norfolk) — an honor given to only one attorney per practice area, per city, each year.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord brings a focused, thorough approach to every case she handles, with particular attention to the added legal steps that come with representing a minor, from court-approval requirements to protecting settlement funds until a child reaches adulthood.
What sets our firm apart isn’t the number of cases we take. It’s the depth of attention we bring to each one, especially when our client is a child who can’t advocate for themselves.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you’ll receive:
- Decades of experience
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your child’s case
What Fighting for Your Child Looks Like
- Building a strong case: We gather medical records, incident reports, and witness statements, and bring in medical experts when needed to establish how the injury happened and who’s responsible.
- Taking on the insurance company so you don’t have to: Once you hire us, you stop dealing with adjusters. We handle every conversation and refuse lowball offers that don’t account for your child’s full recovery.
- Planning for your child’s whole future, not just today’s bills: A fair settlement can account for past and/or future medical care, special education needs, long-term disabilites, and the activities and experiences the injury has taken away.
- Navigating the extra legal steps that come with a minor’s claim: Settlements involving children require court approval in Virginia, and funds typically must be protected until the child turns 18. We manage that process so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
- Going to court when necessary: Most child injury claims settle. When an insurer won’t offer a fair number, we may have to prepare for trial while continuing to negotiate.
Parent Client Reviews
“My 7-year-old daughter was attacked by our neighbor’s dog. Richard and his staff did a thorough investigation and secured a settlement that covered her medical bills and set aside funds for her future education.” – Google Review
“We cannot thank Serpe Firm enough for the support and representation they provided throughout our case. From the beginning, they demonstrated respect, compassion, and a high level of professionalism. They kept us informed, answered our questions clearly, and handled our case with integrity, commitment, and dedication. Thanks to their experience and hard work, we achieved a favorable outcome. At every step, we felt our family was in good hands and that we had a team that truly cared about us and our case. We are deeply grateful to the entire Serpe Firm team and highly recommend them to anyone looking for responsible, honest, and dedicated attorneys who not only provide excellent legal representation but also truly care about their clients.” – AVVO Review
Virginia Child Injury Settlements
Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results, but they reflect the quality of work we bring to every case:
- $5,000,000: Defective vehicle leads to child’s wrongful death, Roanoke
- $2,000,000: Child suffered severe injury during birth, Norfolk
- $1,500,000: Child suffered severe and permanent brain injury, Porthsmouth
- $425,000: Child bitten on face by dog, Richmond
- $134,000: Child bitten on face by neighbor’s dog, Arlington
- $100,000: Neighbor’s dog escaped and attacked child, Winchester
Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
Virginia law generally pauses the personal injury statute of limitations while the injured person is a minor. Once your child turns 18, the two-year clock to file a lawsuit begins running from that birthday.
That said, don’t wait. Evidence and witness memory fade fast, and some claims, including certain claims against government entities, carry shorter deadlines that apply regardless of age. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who files the claim — me or my child? A parent or legal guardian files on the child’s behalf, acting as the child’s “next friend” in the lawsuit. The recovery legally belongs to the child, not the parent.
Does my child have to go to court or give a deposition? Most child injury claims settle without trial, and many resolve without the child ever testifying. If testimony is needed, we prepare the child and family in advance.
Will my child’s settlement money be protected until they turn 18? Virginia law requires court approval for a minor’s settlement, and courts typically require the funds to be protected, often through a structured settlement, until the child reaches adulthood.
Is there a deadline to file my child’s claim? Virginia generally pauses the filing deadline while your child is a minor, but some claims have shorter deadlines regardless of age. Don’t assume you have until your child turns 18 to act.
What is my child’s case worth? That depends on the severity of the injury, medical costs, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage. We evaluate every case individually and won’t give you a number before we understand the full situation.
Talk to Our Virginia Child Injury Attorneys
You’ve already been through enough. Let us handle the legal fight for your child. The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC represents injured children and their families statewide. Your consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation. Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to schedule your free case evaluation.
