What Is the Virginia General District Court, and How Can It Help in a Personal Injury Case?

 

In Virginia, the legal system is structured to provide options for personal injury cases based on the severity of the injury and other factors. One option for smaller cases is the General District Court. In this post, we’ll answer common questions about the General District Court, its advantages, and how it can help you resolve your personal injury claim.

What Is the Virginia General District Court?

The General District Court in Virginia typically handles smaller cases where the injuries sustained may not be severe, and the medical bills are relatively low. This court provides a venue for cases that don’t require the higher costs and complexity of a circuit court trial.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Are Best Suited for General District Court?

General District Court is an ideal venue for smaller personal injury cases. These are cases where:

  • Medical bills are relatively low
  • No permanent or long-term injury is evident
  • The treatment period for injuries is short

If your case involves significant medical bills, long-term or permanent injury, or ongoing medical treatment, it may be better suited for circuit court. However, if the damages are limited, the General District Court is a good option to consider.

What Are the Benefits of Filing a Case in General District Court?

There are several benefits to filing a personal injury case in General District Court:

  • Less Formality. The procedures in General District Court are less formal compared to circuit court. This can make the process less intimidating for individuals who may not be familiar with the court system.
  • Lower Costs.  Because of the reduced formality and shorter duration of cases, the costs of pursuing a case in General District Court are typically lower than in circuit court.
  • Quicker Resolution. One of the biggest advantages is the shorter time frame to resolve cases. You can often get your case heard and resolved much more quickly in General District Court compared to the circuit court system.

Can You Appeal a General District Court Decision in Virginia?

Yes, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your case in General District Court, you have the right to appeal the decision to Circuit Court.

What Happens if I Appeal My General District Court Case to Circuit Court?

If you appeal your case from General District Court to Circuit Court, the process starts over as if the first trial never happened. You will have a new trial, which can include:

  • A jury trial, if you choose
  • The ability to adjust the amount you are suing for
  • A more formal court setting with stricter rules of evidence and procedure

This gives you a second opportunity to present your case and seek a fair outcome if you believe the General District Court decision was not adequate.

How Do I Know If My Personal Injury Case Should Be Filed in General District Court or Circuit Court?

The decision about where to file your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the amount of medical bills. If your injuries are minor and your medical bills are not significant, General District Court may be the best option for a quicker and less costly resolution.

However, if you have sustained more serious injuries or incurred substantial medical bills, Circuit Court might be a better choice, as it allows for higher damage claims and a more comprehensive trial process. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we can evaluate the facts of your case and explain which court may be most desirable for your particular situation.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Personal Injury Accident?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to explore all your options for seeking compensation. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have decades of experience helping clients in personal injury cases throughout Virginia and North Carolina. We can help you decide whether General District Court or Circuit Court is the best option for your case.

No matter the size of your case, we are here to help. Call us today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Virginia Beach personal injury attorney. We will review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.