When someone is involved in a car accident, truck accident, or other accident that causes serious injuries, their life could be changed in an instant. Victims deserve to be compensated for how their lives will change. But unfortunately, many people don’t understand why these claims often receive such high payouts.
When looking for a serious injury attorney, Virginia accident victims should hire a lawyer who understands the real value of a personal injury case.
One of the biggest misconceptions about personal injury cases is that, when attorneys and victims seek a high amount of compensation, they are just being greedy.
“Personal injury cases aren’t just about money; they’re about fair compensation for the damages an injured person has suffered,” says C. James Williams III, principal at Richmond personal injury law firm Burnett & Williams. “When we ask for a large sum, that’s often because it’s what will be necessary for the victim to rebuild their life and return to normalcy.”
What does a personal injury case compensate victims for?
The core of a personal injury settlement or jury award comprises the tangible damages that a victim has faced because of their accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These are the easiest damages to argue because there is a paper trail of receipts proving the cost of the damages – it just becomes a matter of proving that the defendant’s negligence was the cause of these damages.
However, any good lawyer will tell you that these tangible losses are only part of the damages a victim suffers. There are invisible damages that victims might not know to argue, but a personal injury attorney can see the value in, not the least of which is pain and suffering.
“If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering, and inconvenience,” says Williams. “Although it’s hard to put a value on these non-economic damages, we will fight to get you fair compensation for what you have experienced.”
Even harder to quantify is the emotional anguish that a victim suffers after a life-changing accident. This is especially true for complex cases, such as traumatic brain injuries or wrongful death. Severe injuries may make it difficult for victims to enjoy the things they used to enjoy, especially if they involve physical activity. Or if a victim’s injuries have caused permanent scarring or disfigurement, it could cause significant harm to their self-esteem.
“Insurance adjusters try to remove the humanity from the claims process,” says Williams. “But a skilled trial attorney will do their best to tell the story of the cost – tangible and intangible – that the injury has caused. Each attorney on our team is a former insurance defense attorney who knows the claims process from the inside, so we know what it takes to win your case in court.”
Another aspect of a personal injury claim that a trial attorney may be able to argue more effectively is future damages. In addition to the damages you have already suffered because of your injuries, your lawyer wants to ensure that you are fairly compensated for any expenses you may incur in the future. For example, if your injury may cause chronic pain or require surgery in the future, your lawyer may strive to include compensation for that in your settlement or jury award. Or if your injury has caused a permanent disability that will cause a loss of future earning capacity, the damages should be much higher.
What can a personal injury lawyer do to improve your injury claim?
When you work with a personal injury attorney, they will take a deeper look at your case in a way that could uncover new evidence that strengthens your claim. Your lawyer will begin your claim with an extensive investigation process that involves collecting witness testimony, evaluating any official reports that were made, and potentially even revisiting the scene of the accident. This will help them develop an argument that makes it most likely that you will win your case.
Personal injury lawyers also have access to a network of resources that can help level the playing field against the multi-billion-dollar insurance companies. For example, your lawyer may have connections with medical experts who can provide expert witness testimony about the nature and severity of your injuries, or they may work with accident reconstruction specialists who can help fill in some of the gaps in the narrative of what caused the accident.
Of course, the most invaluable resource that a skilled trial lawyer brings to the table in a personal injury lawsuit is their own reputation. If the lawyer you hire to handle your personal injury claim has a track record of winning big in the courtroom, it could add weight to the negotiation process. The insurance company may be more inclined to offer a fair settlement out of fear that they will lose more if your case goes to trial.
Contact Burnett & Williams for a free consultation to be your Virginia serious injury attorney
“If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in Virginia and needs a serious accident attorney, contact us today for a free consultation,” concludes Williams. “We will review your case and determine whether we are the right Virginia personal injury lawyers to fight for fair compensation.”
