Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorneys

OUR FIRM SLOGAN IS CLEAR – ALL WE DO IS INJURY LAW.

The goal for your Virginia personal injury case is simple – we work to obtain the most compensation possible for you. And because we practice law with a professional and aggressive attitude, each Virginia Beach injury lawyer at our firm has been able to recover major settlements for thousands of clients throughout Virginia, not just in Virginia Beach but also in Richmond, Fairfax, Alexandria, Roanoke, Abingdon, Newport News, Hampton Roads, Portsmouth, and other towns.

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we are here to help if you or a loved one needs a personal injury lawyer in the Virginia Beach area. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the actions of someone else, we will investigate your claim and help you recover full compensation for your losses in and out of the courtroom.

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION – GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

As injury lawyers, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis (we only receive a fee if compensation is obtained). We also advance all litigation costs and expenses (these are normally repaid through a settlement or trial award).

If you’re looking for the best personal injury lawyer for your case, we invite you to contact us and learn how we can help.

Meet Richard Shapiro, Eric Washburn, Kevin Sharp, Jim St. Clair, and Andrew Stover – Your Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyers

Richard Shapiro, Eric Washburn, Kevin Sharp, Jim St. Clair, and Andrew Stover are Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys known for their efficiency, determination, and passion. They are each ready and able to handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis in Virginia Beach, no matter the stakes.

Together, our tenacious injury lawyers have:

  • More than 100+ years of professional legal experience
  • Millions of dollars in case results
  • No fees without results
  • Call today to discuss your case

Record-Setting $60 Million Jury Verdict (including interest) for Brain-Injured Gas Station Worker Involved in Train Wreck

$21 Million Settlement for Child’s Brain Injury Caused When Truck Rear-Ended Virginia Beach Family’s Car

$8.6 Million Jury Verdict for Railroad Worker Wrongful Death Case

What is Important in Seeking the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case?

If you’re seeking the best injury attorney for your case, we suggest considering the following:

  • Prioritizing Client Needs. Our injury attorneys prioritize client needs. We know that while each client’s case is unique, in many cases clients face a painful recovery from their injuries; they often are unable to work and may be facing financial struggles to pay bills (especially the bills from medical providers). In cases of severe injury, a client may be uncertain about their ability to return to work. Our client commitment fosters strong attorney-client relationships and ensures personalized attention throughout the legal process.
  • Focused Personal Injury Representation. As a personal injury law firm, we accept only injury and wrongful death cases. This focus has given us the experience necessary to understand what the defense will likely do and how these cases will proceed.
  • Past Success. While each case is unique, and past success can never be relied upon as a guarantee for a successful outcome in any future case, our injury lawyers have achieved more than $100 million in combined settlements and jury verdicts for our personal injury law clients.

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Benefits of Hiring a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Virginia Beach personal injury lawyers

Our personal injury law firm in Virginia can help in all types of serious injury cases. There are many benefits as to why you should hire an attorney, including:

Advancing Your Case

As experienced personal injury lawyers, we can answer your questions and help you understand the legal aspects of your accident.

As a result, we can save you from hours of extensive legal research. Having someone on your side you can trust and who can help you navigate the claims process is critical. As local injury attorneys, our deep understanding of Virginia insurance laws is often the key to recovering the compensation our clients deserve.

Seeking Full Accountability

One of the primary roles of an injury lawyer is to determine all those who are legally responsible for causing injury or death. In some cases, more than one person or entity may be liable.

As an example, in the case of a drunk driving injury crash, the intoxicated driver and potentially the bar that overserved the intoxicated driver will be liable.  If the crash occurred on a construction site, the construction company may also be liable if there was negligence in the placement of cones and signage. As injury attorneys, we carefully investigate the full nature of crashes and other matters so that all responsible individuals and entities can be identified and held liable.

Our Extensive Personal Injury Representation

We have represented clients in many types of personal injury cases. Our knowledge can help ensure you have a solid claim, including the evidence you need. In addition, if your case goes to court, our trial experience will be vital.

We Have the Financial Ability to Accept Complex Cases

With decades of experience and strong financial backing, our injury lawyers possess the resources necessary to challenge large insurance companies effectively. We treat every case with the seriousness it deserves, preparing meticulously as if it were going to trial. Our injury firm is equipped with the tools, technology, and a dedicated team necessary to pursue the best possible outcome for our clients.

Protection From Insurance Companies

Insurance company adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little money as possible. If a personal injury lawyer is not representing you, the adjuster may take advantage of you or may not take your case seriously. They will assume they can beat you in court if need be.  In short – the adjustors don’t care if you choose not to retain an injury lawyer; they will still use their attorneys.

Without the threat of an accident lawsuit looming, your accident claim may be wrongfully denied, delayed, or significantly undervalued. As injury attorneys who have zealously advocated for victims in nearly all types of personal injury matters, we will protect you by handling all communication with the insurer for you to ensure you are treated fairly.

Our Virginia Beach Accident Attorneys Seek Maximize Compensation

Industry studies show that personal injury victims who hire an injury attorney generally receive three and a half times more compensation in settlements or awards, even after paying legal fees.

Our firm has extensive experience representing clients across Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg, as well as other cities throughout Virginia such as Petersburg, Richmond, Roanoke, Emporia, Harrisonburg, Radford, Charlottesville, Martinsville, Danville, Franklin, Lynchburg, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Manassas, and Fairfax. Specializing exclusively in personal injury cases, we are well-equipped to handle even the most complex and uncommon injuries with ethical and effective representation, both locally and throughout the eastern United States.

What Should I Expect From A Personal Injury Claim?

Virginia Beach injury claim

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer. Each case is fact-specific.

Each personal injury case’s value is directly correlated to its unique circumstances. However, there are common factors that are considered and often dictate a case’s worth, such as:

  • The severity of your injury
  • Your age, occupation, past medical history, pre-existing injuries, etc.
  • The extent to which your personal injury has impacted your life and ability to work
  • The extent of your bills related to the accident, such as hospital and medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription drug costs, lost wages, etc.
  • The projected costs of future medical care
  • The severity of your physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Whether you were partially to blame
  • The strength of evidence against the defendant (at-fault party)
  • The degree of negligence exhibited by the defendant
  • Insurance policy limits for both you and the liable party

Insurance policy limits can play a surprising role. For example, in a car accident case, a key component to assessing what you can receive via a settlement is the amount of insurance coverage the other driver has under their auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, many drivers in Virginia and across the U.S. have only “minimum” auto insurance coverage.

If you get seriously hurt in an accident – like suffering a traumatic brain injury, paralysis, multiple broken bones, etc. – the other driver’s auto insurance coverage may not be enough to fully compensate you for your bills, missed time from work, and pain and suffering.

Fortunately, under Virginia law, auto insurance policies must have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You can access this coverage when you are seriously hurt, and the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is insufficient to cover all of your damages. In any case, it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney and get legal advice before settling with any insurance company.

Types Of Virginia Beach Personal Injury Cases We Handle

injury lawyers in Virginia Beach

As injury lawyers who cumulatively have served Virginia Beach and the surrounding communities for more than one hundred years, we handle nearly all types of personal injury matters, including:

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death refers to a legal term that encompasses situations where a person’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. The surviving family members or beneficiaries may have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit to address the emotional, financial, and practical losses resulting from the untimely death of their loved one. Speak to a Virginia Beach wrongful death attorney today.

Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often involve large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and big rigs, leading to catastrophic injuries due to their immense size and weight. These cases are uniquely complex, as they frequently involve multiple liable parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo handlers, and vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, truck accident claims involve both state laws with respect to liability and damages and federal regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which dictate hours of service, maintenance standards, and driver qualifications.

As experienced Virginia Beach truck accident attorneys, we can navigate these intricacies, ensuring victims pursue maximum compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other losses.

Car Accidents

Car accidents refer to collisions involving smaller passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. Car accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor to severe, and determining fault is essential for insurance claims and legal actions. Seeking compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress is common in car accident cases. Don’t hesitate to call a car accident attorney in Virginia Beach as soon as possible.

Defective Products

Defective products can pose significant risks to consumers due to flaws in design, manufacturing, or marketing, often resulting in serious injuries. When a product fails to meet safety standards and causes harm, victims may be entitled to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer responsible for the defect. These cases often involve complex investigations to determine liability and require a thorough understanding of product safety regulations. Our defective product attorneys in Virginia Beach guide victims through every step of the legal process, working to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Nursing Home Abuse:

Nursing home abuse pertains to mistreatment or neglect experienced by elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Mistreatment can involve physical, emotional, or financial abuse, as well as inadequate medical care or living conditions. Addressing nursing home abuse requires vigilance, regulation, and appropriate legal action from our Virginia Beach nursing home abuse attorneys.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals deviate from the accepted standard of care, leading to patient harm or injury. This negligence can encompass misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and more. The help of a medical malpractice lawyer in Virginia Beach may be needed to seek compensation for damages resulting from such medical negligence.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents involve collisions or mishaps specifically related to motorcycles. Due to their inherent vulnerability, motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury or fatality compared to occupants of enclosed vehicles. Factors contributing to these accidents often include visibility issues, road conditions, and the behavior of both motorcyclists and other drivers. If you were in a motorcycle accident, call a motorcycle accident lawyer today.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive From an Injury Case?

There may be various types of compensation available to personal injury victims in Virginia Beach. Our injury lawyers work diligently to recover economic and non-economic damages on behalf of every client we work with.

  • Economic damages. These damages are also referred to as special damages for a personal injury claim and are meant to compensate a victim for calculable losses they sustain. Such damages can include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • All medical bills arising due to the injury
    • Lost wages if a victim cannot work while they recover
    • Any household out-of-pocket expenses incurred
    • Property damage expenses associated with the incident
  • Non-economic damages. These are also referred to as general damages in the context of a personal injury claim, and they are meant to compensate a person for more immeasurable losses they sustain in these incidents. We say immeasurable because there are no direct bills or receipts that can be added up to calculate a survivor’s:
    • Pain and suffering
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Emotional distress or mental anguish
    • Loss of consortium (loss of companionship or intimacy)
    • Permanent disfigurement or disability

Our Virginia Beach injury attorneys will work with trusted medical and economic experts to fully evaluate the client and help properly calculate total damages.

“This law firm deserves your business! Mr. Shapiro is compassionate and understanding! I always tell people to call 3 lawyers about your case and you choose not me! One of the 3 that you need to call is this law firm. You make the call on who you choose.”

What Should I Do After Being Injured in an Accident in Virginia?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Virginia Beach or the surrounding communities, taking the right steps can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your losses. While every situation is unique, the following actions are crucial:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Your health and safety should always be the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Medical records also serve as critical evidence in your personal injury claim.
  • Document the Scene. If you are physically able, gather evidence from the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the location, your injuries, property damage, and anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as road hazards or broken equipment. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
  • Report the Accident. Notify the appropriate authorities. For car accidents, this means calling the police to file a report. An official report can be invaluable when building your case.
  • Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel. Insurance companies often seek to minimize their payouts, and adjusters may use your statements against you. Refrain from providing recorded statements – your injury lawyer should handle all communications with an insurance company or their legal counsel. And don’t sign anything without consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer first.
  • Keep Detailed Records. Maintain a file with all documents related to your accident and injuries, including medical bills, prescriptions, accident reports, correspondence with insurance companies, and any other related expenses. A detailed record will help your attorney calculate the full extent of your damages.
  • Consult a Personal Injury Attorney. Navigating the legal process alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries. An experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected. Acting quickly is crucial, as Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your health and legal rights, positioning yourself for the best possible outcome. Contacting an injury attorney early in the process can make a significant difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?

Virginia Beach injury lawyer

As experienced personal injury attorneys, we understand that victims often struggle financially, particularly as they are awaiting a settlement from an insurance carrier or jury verdict. That is why we handle Virginia Beach personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis.

This means that our clients will not have to worry about paying any legal fees until after we recover the compensation they are entitled to. If we do not win the case, our clients will not have to pay us a dime in legal fees. Our fees are a portion of the settlement or jury verdict, ensuring that our interests are aligned with yours. We also advance all litigation costs and expenses, so that you do not need to pay for these while your case is ongoing.

What Is The Statute of Limitations for Virginia Personal Injury Cases?

Any person who sustains an injury in Virginia Beach needs to know that they have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The personal injury statute of limitations in Virginia is two years from the date an injury occurs. If an injury victim fails to file a lawsuit within this two-year timeframe, they will likely lose the ability to recover the compensation to which they are entitled.

Those who sustain an injury also need to be aware of court deadlines put in place by insurance carriers. The vast majority of personal injury claims in Virginia Beach are resolved through insurance settlements. However, insurance carriers have very strict reporting deadlines that must be adhered to. As experienced personal injury lawyers, we monitor critical deadlines to ensure our clients do not lose the opportunity to seek justice and maximum compensation for their injuries.

Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Can I Recover Compensation in Virginia for a Personal Injury If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

No. Virginia is one of the few remaining states in the country that operates under a contributory negligence system. This means that any person who sustains an injury must be without fault for the incident to recover compensation for their losses. Even if an individual is 1 percent responsible for causing an accident that led to their injuries, they could be prevented from recovering compensation altogether.

This is vastly different from how other states handle issues of partial liability. In most other states, there is a comparative negligence system in place where a person can receive reduced compensation if they are partially at fault for the incident. That is why it is so important for individuals to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach who can counter any accusations of fault.

Proving Fault After An Injury In Virginia Beach

To be able to recover compensation following an injury in Virginia Beach, you must be able to prove that another party is fully at fault for the accident.

That will require proof of their negligence, which involves demonstrating the following four elements:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty of care to demonstrate reasonable care and prevent harm. (e.g., in car accident cases, drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to follow traffic laws)
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty of care. In other words, they failed to do what a reasonable person would have done in a similar situation. (e.g., in the car accident case example, if the driver was texting and driving, speeding, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, etc.)
  • Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty is directly linked to your injuries, and you would not have been injured if not for your negligent actions. (e.g., police reports notating your injuries and medical records from immediately after the accident)
  • Damages: The defendant’s actions caused financial and/or personal losses, such as medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, etc., for which you are entitled to compensation.

Solid evidence of the defendant’s negligence will be critical to your case’s success. According to Instruction 6.000 of the Virginia Civil Model Jury, if a person fails to act reasonably to protect themselves under the circumstances of the incident, they would be a contributor and, therefore, would lose their chance of collecting compensation. This is why our personal injury lawyers are diligent at gathering every piece of necessary evidence of fault that would aid your personal injury claim.

If you’re unsure whether you’re considered partially at fault for your accident, contact our office for a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys will take the time to explain your legal rights and will help you with your claim to recover your deserved compensation.

Common Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your Personal Injury Case

In the aftermath of an accident, even small missteps can have a significant impact on your ability to recover fair compensation. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, avoiding certain pitfalls can protect the strength of your claim:

  • Failing to Follow Medical Advice. Adhering to your doctor’s recommendations is critical, not just for your health but also for your case. Skipping follow-up appointments, discontinuing prescribed treatments, or ignoring medical advice can give the opposing party an argument that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
  • Not Preserving Evidence. Evidence plays a vital role in proving liability and damages. Failing to gather or secure evidence—such as accident photos, witness contact information, or damaged property—can make it harder to support your claim later.
  • Waiting Too Long to File a Claim. Virginia’s strict statute of limitations means you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
  • Discussing Your Case Publicly. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. Casual conversations, even with friends or family, could inadvertently reveal details that harm your claim.
  • Posting on Social Media. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys often scour social media profiles for evidence to undermine your case. Posts about your activities, injuries, or the accident can be taken out of context and used to discredit your claim.
  • Underestimating the Role of Personal Injury Representation. Attempting to handle a personal injury claim without an injury attorney can lead to costly mistakes. Personal injury laws are complex, and an experienced injury lawyer can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and counter any strategies used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.

Avoiding these mistakes can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim. With representation from the experienced Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, you can focus on your recovery while we handle your case.

If you or a loved one was injured in Virginia, we invite you to call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation. After learning more about the facts of your case, we can explain your legal options for seeking justice and maximum compensation for your injuries.

Virginia Beach Personal Injury FAQ

Virginia Beach personal injury FAQ

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

Our Virginia personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Our fee is based upon a percentage of the settlement or award.

How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Case?

It can vary widely, from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.

Will My Virginia Beach Case Go To Court?

Working with our Virginia Beach injury lawyers, you have the maximum chance for an ample out-of-court settlement, so you never have to see a courtroom to gain your compensation. The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, with fewer than 4 percent of cases requiring court litigation.

Can I Reopen A Settled Personal Injury Claim?

Generally, once a case is settled and a release is signed, you cannot reopen the case. However, there may be exceptions in cases of fraud or mistakes.

What Happens If The Responsible Party Doesn’t Have Insurance?

You can file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or potentially pursue the responsible party’s personal assets.

What If The Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

If your claim is denied, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand the reasons for the denial and explore options for appealing the decision or filing a lawsuit.

How Can I Find A Reputable Injury Lawyer In Virginia Beach?

Look for injury attorneys with significant experience in personal injury law, check reviews and ratings, ask for referrals, and consult the Virginia State Bar for any disciplinary records.

What Should I Do If An Insurance Company Offers Me A Settlement?

Before accepting any settlement, consult with a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer to ensure the offer is fair and covers all your expenses and losses.

How Do I Prove The Extent Of My Injuries In A Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Medical records, doctor’s reports, expert testimony, and personal documentation (like a pain journal) can help establish the extent and impact of your injuries.

Can I File A Personal Injury Claim On My Own?

While it’s possible to handle a claim on your own, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation, especially if the case is complex or involves severe injuries.

Contact a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury caused by the careless, negligent, or intentional actions of another individual in Virginia Beach, the dedicated injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp are standing by to help you today. We have extensive resources at our disposal, and we want to make sure that you recover full compensation for your losses. Let us investigate every aspect of your claim so we can get you on the path to recovery.

When you need a Virginia Beach personal injury lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here on our contact form or calling us at (833) 997-1774.

Explore More Personal Injury Resources & Articles

We invite you to explore our website for a wealth of resources on personal injury law. Our articles cover a range of topics to help you better understand your legal rights and the steps you can take after an accident.