Abogado de Compensación Laboral en Richmond

The general rules for bringing a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia are:

• You must have suffered an injury to your person or property, and
• Your injury must have resulted from someone else’s negligence or an intentional act.

Contact an experienced Marks & Harrison personal injury attorney today to find out if you have a personal injury case.

Negligence is a failure to act reasonably in a situation. This would be doing something carelessly or failing to do something at all; i.e., driving at night without your headlights on.

For more information, please contact a personal injury lawyer at Marks & Harrison today!

When a defendant in a negligence case states that the plaintiff’s negligence contributed to their own injuries.

For more information, please get in touch with a personal injury attorney at Marks & Harrison in Virginia today.

Negligence does not simply mean something has been done wrong. All of the following elements must exist for an act to be considered negligent in Virginia:

a. The defendant failed to provide reasonable care in the situation,
b. There was a breach of duty between the defendant and the victim,
c. The victim suffered an injury,
d. The defendant should have known what would occur based on the circumstances, i.e., what is known as “Forseeability,” and
e. Damages resulted from the negligence.

For more information, please review our homepage to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Richmond.

In addition to proving that someone breached a legal duty owed to you, you must also prove that there is a direct connection between the accident and the injuries that you sustained. In other words, Virginia law requires that you prove that the accident was the “proximate cause” of your injuries. The damages for which the law allows compensation include past and future medical expenses, past and future loss of earnings, other economic losses, permanent disability, psychological injuries, discomfort, pain, and suffering, and damages for the inability to perform one’s usual activities.

For more information, please contact one of our Richmond personal injury attorneys at Marks & Harrison.

A claim that the defendant in a suit brings against the plaintiff in response to the original claim.

Discovery allows both parties to “discover” or to be made aware of the information in the case. The purpose is to narrow the basis of the complaint and to eliminate surprises to both parties.

A formal interview under oath and in the presence of a court reporter. The answers in a deposition are oral.

For more information, please contact one of our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

When a large group of plaintiffs sue a large group of defendants, naming a representative in place of the entire group. Examples would be the tobacco industry suits and the suits against the drug manufactures of the popular diet medications, such as fen-phen.

Generally 2 years from the date the incident occurred.

This is a products liability case. You may be able to sue. Although the manufacturer is responsible for defective products, the following will be considered in your case:

a. Was the defect unreasonably dangerous?
b. Is the person or entity who sold you the iron in the business of selling that particular product?
c. The item must not have been substantially changed between the time of purchase and the time of use.
d. The defect must have directly caused the injury.
e. The product must have been used properly.

For more information, please review our Defective Products & Products Liability page.

It is used as part of a defendant’s defense in some cases. It states that a user assumes risk in the following ways:

a. If you’ve discovered the risk, but disregarded it.
b. If you’ve failed to properly maintain an item.
c. If you’ve failed to follow the enclosed directions.

For more information, please get in touch with a personal injury attorney at Marks & Harrison today!

You should do the following:

• Write down as much as you can about the accident itself, your injuries and any other losses (such as wages) you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
• Make notes of conversations that you have with people involved in the accident or the injury claim.
• Preserve evidence of who caused the accident and what damage was done, by collecting physical evidence and taking photographs.
• Locate people who witnessed the accident and who might be able to help you prove your case.
• Notify anyone you think might be responsible for the accident of your intention to file a claim for your injuries.

For more information, please review our Car Accidents page.

Yes. It is always a smart decision to consult with an attorney to help you with your case. Contact Marks & Harrison today to discuss your case.

Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, to protect its interests. Your attorney will work for you, to protect your rights. The insurance company has one goal, and that is to settle your case for the least amount of money possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could fall far short of the amount of money you may be entitled to. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement with your insurance company.

Personal injuries not only cause physical pain, but often result in emotional and financial hardship through loss of work, medical bills, and stress placed upon families and loved ones. All of these consequences resulting from an injury are known collectively as “damages.” If someone has caused you to suffer physical or emotional injuries, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim to recover for your damages. The compensation you are entitled to receive often depends upon the type of accident that caused the injury. For instance, the rules of recovery for an injury in an automobile crash are different from those in an on-the-job injury.

For more information, learn more from a personal injury lawyer at Marks & Harrison during a free consultation.

When someone’s negligence causes the death of a loved one, relatives may file what is called a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows the loved ones to make a claim for loss of emotional or financial support they previously received from the deceased relative.

For more information, please review our Wrongful Death page.

There are two types of damages in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Damages that compensate you for what you have suffered and lost are called “compensatory” damages. These damages include your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and money to compensate you for the results of your injuries. The second type of damages is called “punitive” damages and is meant to punish the wrongdoer for injuring you. For instance, the manufacturer of a defective product might be liable for punitive damages if they knew of the defect but continued to produce and sell the dangerous product anyway. Specific compensatory damages include:

• past and future medical and hospital expenses
• physical pain and suffering
• mental anguish/emotional distress inconvenience
• physical impairment
• disfigurement
• lost wages
• loss of earning capacity
• loss of love and companionship caused by the death of a loved one
• funeral expenses
• damage or destruction of property
• loss of enjoyment of life

For more information, please review our Wrongful Death page.

There are certain time limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If you do not act within those time limits, you may lose your right to make any claim at all regardless of the seriousness of your injuries. The time you have to file and resolve a claim can vary according to such factors as your age, the cause of the injury, and the person or entity that injured you. A claim for injury from a defective product may have a different time limitation than a claim for injury from a car crash. Similarly, a claim for injury caused by a government agency may have a different time limitation than a claim for injury caused by a private citizen.

Your case is worth either the maximum amount the insurance company will pay in order to avoid going to court or the amount of cash awarded by a judge or jury in a courtroom trial. Because the average person has no idea what these figures might be, we will examine all of the conditions surrounding your case, including liability concerns and a full medical analysis, in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries if it wishes to avoid a lawsuit.

Cases can vary in length anywhere from months to even several years in some instances. Typically, negotiations with the insurance company begin once your injuries have healed and you have been released from treatment by the doctor. This assures you full value for your injuries. While waiting for your treatment to be completed, we constantly remain busy gathering information that increases the value of your case and doing everything we can to move your case forward.

Most cases get resolved without going to trial, but we believe in being prepared in the event that an agreement between the parties cannot be reached. Therefore, we prepare every case as if a jury might ultimately decide it. By the time a case is ready for trial, our clients will have spent a great deal of time preparing for the event with the lawyers and support staff in our Firm. You will fully know what to expect if and when your case goes to trial.

The majority of the cases we handle involve a contingent fee contract. That means we do not get paid until and unless our client makes a money recovery, whether through an out-of-court settlement or a jury verdict. Full details of our fee and cost agreement will be explained to you in detail before we begin our work on your claim.

For more information, please review our How Are We Paid page.

Out-of-pocket expenses are ultimately a client’s responsibility. Because we represent most of our clients on a contingent fee basis, we advance expenses incurred during our representation while the case is pending, in anticipation of paying the expenses out of your recovery. In the unusual event a claim results in no recovery whatsoever, it is still the client’s responsibility to repay the Firm the money it has advanced toward the claim.

For more information, please review our How Are We Paid page.

It is true that you can hire any lawyer licensed in your state to handle your case, but not all lawyers have the same training or trial experience, and many firms only occasionally take on personal injury cases. Marks & Harrison handles only cases involving injured people.

For more information, contact a personal injury attorney at Marks & Harrison in Richmond, Virginia today.

Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of any people who saw the accident so that you will have witnesses to support your case. Be observant: take notes of or try to remember everything that is said and done by the other driver, witnesses, police, and even yourself. People injured in automobile accidents are sometimes not aware of their injuries due to the excitement and confusion of the moment as well as the fact that some injuries cannot be felt for hours or even days afterward, so do not be too quick or certain you are uninjured at the accident scene. Beware of any insurance company representatives sent to the scene of the collision in order to catch people off guard with incriminating questions and have them sign away their rights. Immediately after the collision, if you are injured or even suspect you may be, go to the nearest hospital emergency room or schedule an appointment with your own doctor as soon as possible.

You are invited to contact our Richmond personal injury attorneys for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation. Our Richmond personal injury lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether you are entitled to compensation. If we don’t think you need an attorney, we will tell you right away.

Names and dates are always important, as is information on the insurance coverage of the other driver, you, and relatives that reside in your household, all of which can come into play in certain circumstances. We will want to know as many details about the accident as you can recall, including the events leading up to it, the collision itself, and the events that followed immediately afterward. We also need to know about your injuries, your physicians, and your medical treatment, as well as whether you have missed time from work due to your injuries. We will want to hear as much detail as you can provide about your case so that we can make informed decisions about whether to accept your case and, if so, develop the most effective strategy to be applied to it under the circumstances.

At Marks & Harrison, you will find our staff to be courteous and professional. We are well aware that many people visiting a personal injury law firm for the first time feel nervous and ill at ease, and we will do our best to make you comfortable. Our staff will block out plenty of time to meet with a new client to discuss a potential new case. Having documents at our disposal is always beneficial, so we always suggest to new clients that they bring whatever paperwork they have pertaining to their inquiry. Of course, the initial consultation is always free.

We are confident that we will do our best representing our clients. There are no guarantees associated with any personal injury lawsuit or claim. Our clients can count on the fact that we work hard to make sure that all our cases are thoroughly prepared and ready for trial or, if appropriate, for settlement out of court.

Deciding when to accept or reject a settlement offer is rarely an easy decision. Our Richmond personal injury lawyers will always advise you of the pros and cons of trying your case versus settling it before trial, in addition to discussing the possibility of other forms of resolving claims, such as mediation and arbitration. We will do our best to help you decide whether a settlement offer is a fair one, but the decision is ultimately yours.

The word “tort” comes from the Latin word for “wrong,” and refers to a wrongful act by someone that injures the person or property of another. The “tort system” typically refers to the laws, rules and procedures used in our civil courts to allow an injured victim of a wrongful act to obtain damages for his or her injuries and losses.

For more information, schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today!

The law imposes a time limit, known as a statute of limitations, of two years for filing a personal injury claim in Virginia. However, if you have been injured in a two-car accident caused by the other driver, the sooner you consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney, the better. Evidence needs to be obtained as soon as possible after your accident and preserved in order to establish your claim.

No, Virginia is one of the 8 states that have no “dram shop” laws. The term “dram shop” comes from 18th century establishments that served gin by the “dram” or spoonful. Many states have laws in place that allow victims of accidents caused by alcohol-impaired drivers to sue the establishment that served the driver under certain circumstances. However, Virginia is not one of them.

You should still be protected if you have uninsured motorist coverage under your own policy. Under Code of Virginia § 38.2-2206, insurers are required to offer this coverage with every automobile insurance policy. It will pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs arising from an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance. It will also cover you in case of a hit-and-run accident.

Although you will be filing a claim with your own insurance carrier in this situation, keep in mind that insurance companies are in business for profit. Your insurance company may attempt to minimize the amount it pays out to you. An experienced Virginia car accident attorney can help you fight to recover full and fair compensation.

Our firm works with medical and other professionals to determine the full extent of the losses you have suffered. You may be entitled to claim damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Past and future lost earnings
• Impairment
• Disability and loss of earning capacity
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium or companionship

No. In Virginia, under the state’s “pure contributory negligence” laws, you may not recover compensation if you were partially responsible for causing the accident, as accident victims can in some other states.

Virginia has “pure contributory negligence” laws, which means that fault for a two-vehicle accident is not proportioned between the two drivers involved. In order to recover compensation, it must be determined that the other driver was 100% at fault for the accident.

At Marks & Harrison, we will thoroughly investigate your accident, and we know who to hire to go up against high-powered teams of attorneys working for insurance companies. We work with forensic engineers to establish the cause of the accident and to prove the other driver’s liability.

If someone from the other driver’s insurance company contacts you after the accident, it is generally best not to speak with that person, as it could hurt your claim. Generally, your best course of action is to contact an experienced accident lawyer to deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Bear in mind that the goal of the insurance company is to pay out as little as possible on the claim, and that the company’s representative will try to get you to settle for as little as possible.

Call 911 immediately if you need emergency medical treatment. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you believe that you suffered no injuries, you should see a doctor to rule out the possibility of internal injuries, brain injuries, or other injuries for which the symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Medical treatment is important for your health and for recovering compensation.

Yes. Pictures can help establish your claim. Most people have cell phones with cameras. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, including any skid marks or roadside damage, your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle before they are moved, and any visible injuries you sustained.

You may be injured or stunned after an accident, and it is important to have a plan in place including the following steps should one occur:

• Call 911 if anyone is seriously injured.
• Call the police and obtain a copy of the accident report.
• Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and both vehicles involved in the accident using your cell phone camera.
• Get contact information from any eyewitnesses to the accident.
• Do not admit fault or apologize (apologies can be interpreted as admitting liability).
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver.
• Get medical attention, even for minor injuries. Symptoms of some injuries, such as whiplash, may not appear until the day after the accident, and symptoms of other injuries may take even longer to appear.
• Contact an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney to deal with insurance companies on your behalf and for the best chance of obtaining maximum compensation for your injuries.

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim damages for medical expenses, past and future lost earnings, disfigurement, physical and emotional pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and other possible damages. Your best course of action is to consult with an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney to find out if you have a case and what damages you may be able to claim. When you work with Marks & Harrison in a tractor-trailer accident claim, we will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the full extent of your losses.

Traffic accident cases with large commercial trucks can be very complex and involve multiple parties. The best thing to do if you have been injured in such an accident is to seek representation by a seasoned truck accident attorney who can investigate your accident and determine the liable parties. Depending on the cause of the accident and the circumstances in your particular case, responsible parties may include the driver, the trucking company, an equipment manufacturer, a repair or maintenance facility, or other possible parties.

That depends entirely on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If the driver was forced to brake suddenly or turn abruptly to avoid a collision, or if there were unforeseeable road conditions that resulted in the rig jackknifing, the driver may not have been negligent. However, if there was no valid reason for the driver’s actions that caused the tractor-trailer to jackknife and resulted in your accident, the driver may have been negligent.

According to the NHTSA, certain moving violations committed by drivers of commercial motor vehicles cause serious accidents and can result in driver disqualification. Those violations include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Improper lane changes
• Reckless driving
• Improper turning
• Drug- or alcohol-impaired driving

Equipment failure, overloading or improperly loading, failure to perform inspections, distracted driving, and sudden braking are other common causes of tractor-trailer accidents.

Yes. A joint study of the causes of large truck crashes conducted by the FMCSA and NHTSA stated that driver fatigue had been identified as an important cause of crashes. In an effort to reduce truck driver fatigue and the resulting accidents, FMCSA issued new Hours of Service Safety Regulations effective July 1, 2013 that limit the amount of time drivers are allowed to be on the road in any given day or week and require rest periods and a 30-minute break during the first 8 hours of a shift.

Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which was established in 2000 pursuant to the federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. FMCSA issues regulations concerning all safety aspects of commercial trucking, with the goal of preventing commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. These regulations apply to driver qualifications, equipment inspection repair and maintenance, records, safety fitness procedures, leasing and interchange of vehicles, and numerous other aspects of the industry.

The “No Zone” includes the areas behind and on either side of a tractor-trailer in which the driver has very little or no visibility. Motorists should try to stay out of the areas at a short distance directly behind the truck or in the left or right rear quarters. If the truck driver fails to see your vehicle and executes a lane change, it could cause a serious collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2013, there were 3,964 fatalities and 95,000 people injured in traffic crashes with large trucks. Of those fatalities, 71% were occupants of other vehicles and only 17% were occupants of the large trucks. Non-occupants accounted for 11% of the fatalities.

The physics involved in a collision between a large and heavy semi-trailer truck and a much smaller passenger vehicle typically result in serious injuries to the occupants of the passenger vehicle. Additionally, if the tractor-trailer is carrying a load that is hazardous or flammable, exposure to toxic materials or burn injuries can result.

“Tractor-trailer,” “18-wheeler,” and “semi” are different names for a semi-trailer truck. This rig consists of a towing engine or tractor with a semi-trailer to carry freight, which is attached just forward of the rear axle of the tractor so that a large portion of the weight is carried by the tractor. Hence, the name “semi-trailer,” as it does not trail completely behind the tractor. These are the big rigs that are employed commercially to haul freight.

Workers’ compensation benefits are medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages that your employer must cover if you suffer:

• An injury from a work accident
• An illness directly caused by your work, or an “occupational disease”
• The loss of a loved one due to a work-related injury or illness.

Most employers in our state are required under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act to  buy workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance pays benefits to employees. The benefits can play an important role in helping an injured or ill worker to get needed medical care and to pay their living expenses while they are unable to work.

You should note a few important facts about workers’ compensation benefits:

• If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, then workers’ compensation benefits are your “exclusive remedy.” In other words, you cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury or illness.
• Workers’ compensation benefits are available, regardless of who was at fault. So, even if your own negligence partially contributed to workplace accident, you could still be eligible to receive benefits. You would not be eligible for benefits, however, if your injury or illness resulted from your own “willful misconduct” such as working while intoxicated.
• If you have a dispute about workers’ compensation benefits with your employer (or its insurer), you can file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).
• Receiving workers’ compensation benefits does not prevent you from filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent non-employer, or “third party.”

Additionally, you should know that workers’ compensation benefits come with a few important restrictions, including:

• If your employer provides you with a panel or list of three doctors, you must get medical treatment from one of those doctors. Any change in doctors must be approved by your employer or ordered by the WCC.
• If you receive lost-wage benefits, they will be capped at roughly two-thirds of what you were earning each week before your injury occurred and cannot exceed an amount set by statute. Also, unless you are deemed to be totally and permanently disabled, your benefits will stop at 500 weeks.
• If a doctor finds that you have a permanent loss of use of a body part because of your work-related injury, then you may be eligible to receive payment that is based on a permanent partial impairment rating.

If you file a personal injury claim against a third party or against an employer who does not have workers’ compensation insurance, the above restrictions would not apply to your case. Also, in a lawsuit, you could seek compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one suffers a work-related injury or illness, it is important to speak with a lawyer to learn about your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits as well as all other options that may be available to you.

Your ability to sue your employer for a work-related injury generally depends on whether your employer has purchased workers’ compensation insurance.

Under Virginia law, any employer with three or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance. However, some employers may operate in violation of this law. Also, if a company has fewer than three employees, it can still elect to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

So, if you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, determining whether your employer has workers’ compensation coverage will be a primary consideration. An attorney can help you to make that determination.

If your employer does not have workers’ compensation coverage, then yes, you can file a personal injury claim against the employer. However, unlike a workers’ compensation claim, you would need to prove that your employer was at fault (and your own fault can be taken into account, too.)

If your employer does have workers’ compensation insurance – in reality, most employers do – then you cannot sue your employer. Your “exclusive remedy” would be to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Keep in mind: If you suffered an injury due to the negligence of a “third party,” or non-employer, then you could pursue a personal injury claim against that party. However, your recovery would be “offset” by the amount that you have received in workers’ compensation medical and lost-wage benefits.

If you suffer a work-related injury or illness, you should be entitled to receive payment of all reasonable and related medical expenses for as long as your treatment is needed.

However, if your employer provides you with a panel or list of three doctors, you will be required to get your treatment from one of those doctors. If you do not go to one of those doctors or comply with the treatment they order, you can lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Of course, you can change doctors if your employer (or its workers’ compensation insurer) approves the change. If the employer refuses to authorize the change, you can seek an order from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.

A lawyer can play an important role in seeking authorization or an order that allows you to change doctors. For instance, an attorney can help you to show that a change is needed so you will receive adequate treatment. This is why you should seek legal help if you are seeking a change in doctors.

You should be eligible for temporary partial disability benefits if you can return to work – but only at a lighter duty, lesser-paying job.

If you cannot work at all, then you would be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits would cover roughly two-thirds of your average weekly wage (subject to a weekly cap that is set each year by law).

To calculate your “average weekly wage,” you must add up your gross earnings (or earnings before taxes) during the 52-week period before your injury occurred and divide that amount by 52.

If you receive temporary partial disability benefits, the amount would be equal to two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before your injury and your average weekly wage after your injury.

It is important to note that temporary disability benefits are terminated when you return to regular work or after 500 weeks – unless you are deemed to have a total and permanent disability.

If your employer (or its workers’ compensation insurer) rejects your claim for medical and/or lost-wage benefits, you should speak with a lawyer right away about filing a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC).

You must file a claim with the WCC within two years after the date of your workplace accident resulting in an injury. So, it is important to move quickly if your employer has denied your claim.

An attorney can help you with filing a claim and with requesting a hearing before the WCC. The attorney can also represent you at the hearing and present evidence to help the WCC make its decision on your claim, including medical records and testimony by medical experts.

If your claim is denied by the WCC, your attorney can help you with filing a written request for a review by the WCC or with any further appeals.

In many cases, an attorney can represent you in mediation that is aimed at resolving your claim without the need for a hearing.

It is important to pay close attention to the amount of time you have to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Generally speaking, you must file a claim:

• Within two years from the date of your injury from a workplace accident
• Within two years from the date you were diagnosed with an occupational disease or within five years from the date of your “last injurious exposure” at work, whichever comes first
• Within two years from the date of a loved one’s work-related death.

If you return to work and are disabled by a work-related injury again, then you have two years from the date you were last paid workers’ compensation benefits in which to file a claim.

However, in your case, an exception may apply that extends the filing time period. It is important to have your case reviewed by a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is timely filed.

If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be asked to sign a form called an “Agreement to Pay Benefits.” This form typically will state that you were injured on the job or disabled by an occupational disease, list your period of disability and contain other information about your claim.

You should make sure that all of the information is correct – especially the stated average weekly wage and the body parts that were injured or affected.

The Agreement to Pay Benefits will be sent to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) for an award to be entered on the information on the Agreement. The award requires your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier to pay your benefits.

Note: You must be disabled for at least seven days before your benefits can be paid. However, if you are disabled for a period beyond three weeks, then you can receive payment for those first seven days.

You should receive your benefits check each week. If your employer fails to send you a check as ordered by the WCC, the employer may be hit with a late penalty.

The benefits you receive are not taxable.

If your claim for medical benefits is approved, then all medical bills should be sent directly to your employers’ workers’ compensation insurer for payment. You will not need to pay any deductible.

If you are a dependent of a worker who dies from work-related injury, you may be eligible to file a claim for workers’ compensation death benefits in Virginia. The amount of benefits you can receive will depend on the extent of your dependency.

If you were wholly dependent, you could receive two-thirds of your loved one’s average weekly wage (subject to the statutory cap) for 500 weeks. If you are among several dependents, the amount would be divided amongst you.

On the other hand, if you were partially dependent, you would be eligible to receive an amount that reflects the extent of your dependency.

You may also be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in burial expenses.

You should keep in mind that you may able to pursue a third-party liability claim against a non-employer who caused your loved one’s death. This claim would seek damages available through Virginia’s wrongful death law.

The workers’ compensation lawyers of Marks & Harrison have extensive experience with helping injured workers and their families to obtain the medical and lost-wage benefits they deserve.

We would welcome the opportunity to provide a free consultation about your case in our Richmond office or at any of our firm’s other offices located throughout Virginia.

We can provide services that include:

• Taking the time to learn all the facts relating to your case
• Explaining to you all of your important legal rights
• Answering all of your questions regarding workers’ compensation
• Reviewing your medical records in order to obtain a full understanding of your injuries and medical condition
• Meeting with your physicians and other health care providers
• Seeking a settlement with your employer and its workers’ compensation insurer
• Helping you to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and representing you in any hearings before the WCC
• Pursuing all appeals on your before (if necessary).
• Keeping you advised and informed about the progress of your case at all times.

It all starts by getting in touch with us. Please call or connect with us online today.

You may be asked to sign a form called an Agreement to Pay Benefits. This form states that you were injured on the job or disabled by an occupational disease, lists any period of disability and has other information about your claim. Make sure that all the information is correct, especially the stated average weekly wage and the body parts that were injured or affected. The Agreement to Pay Benefits will be sent to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission for an award to be entered on the information on the Agreement. The award requires the carrier to pay your benefits.

For more information on Workers’ Compensation claims in Virginia, please review our Workers’ Compensation page.

The deadine to register online or by mail (postmarked by) is Tuesday, October 15^th.

Yes.

Yes, but you must show some form of identification. Learn more.

Yes, you can vote by mail without an excuse. More information on mail ballots here.

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Friday, October 25th at 5:00 p.m. by mail and online

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 5th and must be received before noon on the third day after the election if postmarked by Election Day.

Yes

Yes. Contact your Local Voter Registration Office to learn where to drop off your ballot. Click here.

Absentee ballots that are dropped off or mailed must be witnessed. Witnesses are not required for in-person voting either before or on Election Day.

Yes.

Yes – click here.

At your Local Voter Registration Office – find it here.

Yes, both by early absentee and early in-person voting.

• The first day to vote early in person is Friday, September 20th. 
• The last day to vote early in person is Saturday, November 2nd at 5:00 pm

Click here for more information.

Si resultó lesionado en un accidente de camión comercial que no fue su culpa, puede tener derecho a reclamar daños por gastos médicos, pérdidas de ingresos pasadas y futuras, desfiguración, dolor y sufrimiento físico y emocional, pérdida de consorcio y otros daños posibles. Su mejor curso de acción es consultar con un abogado con experiencia en lesiones personales de Virginia para averiguar si tiene un caso y qué daños puede reclamar. Cuando trabaja con Marks & Harrison en un reclamo por accidente de camión con remolque, investigaremos a fondo su accidente para determinar el alcance total de sus pérdidas.

Los casos de accidentes de tránsito con grandes camiones comerciales pueden ser muy complejos e involucrar a múltiples partes. Lo mejor que puede hacer si ha resultado lesionado en un accidente de este tipo es buscar la representación de un abogado experimentado en accidentes de camiones que pueda investigar su accidente y determinar las partes responsables. Según la causa del accidente y las circunstancias de su caso particular, las partes responsables pueden incluir al conductor, la empresa de camiones, un fabricante de equipos, un centro de reparación o mantenimiento u otras posibles partes.

Eso depende completamente de las circunstancias que rodearon el accidente. Si el conductor se vio obligado a frenar repentinamente o a girar bruscamente para evitar un choque, o si hubo condiciones imprevisibles en el camino que provocaron que el camión se volcara, es posible que el conductor no haya sido negligente. Sin embargo, si no hubo una razón válida para las acciones del conductor que causaron que el camión con remolque se volcara y resultara en su accidente, es posible que el conductor haya sido negligente.

Según la NHTSA, ciertas infracciones en movimiento cometidas por conductores de vehículos motorizados comerciales causan accidentes graves y pueden resultar en la descalificación del conductor. Esas violaciones incluyen:

• Ir a exceso de velocidad
• Conducir de cerca
• Cambios de carril inadecuados
• Conducción irresponsable
• Dar vuelta inapropiadamente
• Conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol o las drogas

La falla del equipo, la sobrecarga o la carga incorrecta, la falta de inspección, la conducción distraída y el frenado repentino son otras causas comunes de los accidentes de camiones con remolque.

Sí. Un estudio conjunto de las causas de los accidentes de camiones grandes realizado por la FMCSA y la NHTSA indicó que la fatiga del conductor se identificó como una causa importante de los accidentes. En un esfuerzo por reducir la fatiga de los conductores de camiones y los accidentes resultantes, la FMCSA emitió nuevas Regulaciones de Seguridad de Horas de Servicio a partir del 1 de julio de 2013, las cuales limitan la cantidad de tiempo que los conductores pueden estar en la carretera en un día o semana determinados, además de que establecen periodos de descanso y un reposo de 30 minutos durante las primeras 8 horas de un turno.

Los camiones comerciales están regulados por la Administración Federal de Seguridad de Autotransportes (FMCSA), que se estableció en 2000 de conformidad con la Ley federal de Mejora de la Seguridad de Autotransportes de 1999. La FMCSA emite regulaciones sobre todos los aspectos de seguridad de los camiones comerciales, con el objetivo de prevenir muertes y lesiones relacionadas con vehículos. Estas reglamentaciones se aplican a las calificaciones de los conductores, inspección, reparación y mantenimiento de equipos, registros, procedimientos de idoneidad de seguridad, arrendamiento e intercambio de vehículos y muchos otros aspectos de la industria.

La “zona prohibida” incluye las áreas detrás y a ambos lados de un camión con remolque en las que el conductor tiene muy poca o ninguna visibilidad. Los automovilistas deben tratar de permanecer fuera de las áreas a una distancia corta directamente detrás del camión o en los cuartos traseros izquierdo o derecho. Si el conductor del camión no ve su vehículo y ejecuta un cambio de carril, podría causar un choque grave.

La Administración Nacional de Seguridad del Tráfico en las Carreteras informa que en 2013 hubo 3.964 muertes y 95.000 personas heridas en accidentes de tráfico con camiones grandes. De esas muertes, el 71% eran ocupantes de otros vehículos y solo el 17% eran ocupantes de los camiones grandes. Los no ocupantes representaron el 11% de las muertes.

La física involucrada en un choque entre un camión semirremolque grande y pesado y un vehículo de pasajeros mucho más pequeño generalmente provoca lesiones graves a los ocupantes del vehículo de pasajeros. Además, si el camión con remolque transporta una carga peligrosa o inflamable, puede resultar en exposición a materiales tóxicos o lesiones por quemaduras.

“Camiones con remolque”, “camión de 18 ruedas” y “semirremolque” son nombres diferentes para un camión semirremolque. Este equipo consta de un motor de remolque o un tractor con un semirremolque para transportar carga, que se sujeta justo delante del eje trasero del tractor para que una gran parte del peso sea transportado por el tractor. De ahí el nombre de “semirremolque”, ya que no se arrastra completamente detrás del tractor. Estos son los grandes camiones que se emplean comercialmente para transportar carga.

Los beneficios de la compensación laboral son gastos médicos y una parte de sus salarios perdidos que su empleador debe cubrir si sufre:

• Una lesión por accidente de trabajo.
• Una enfermedad causada directamente por su trabajo, o una “enfermedad profesional”.
• La pérdida de un ser querido debido a una lesión o enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo.

La Ley de Compensación Laboral de Virginia requiere que la mayoría de los empleadores en nuestro estado compren un seguro de compensación laboral. Este seguro paga beneficios a los empleados. Los beneficios pueden desempeñar un papel importante para ayudar a un trabajador lesionado o enfermo a obtener la atención médica necesaria y pagar sus gastos de manutención mientras no pueda trabajar.

Debe tener en cuenta algunos datos importantes sobre los beneficios de compensación laboral:

• Si su empleador tiene un seguro de compensación laboral, entonces los beneficios son su “remedio exclusivo”. En otras palabras, no puede demandar a su empleador por una lesión o enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo.
• Los beneficios de compensación laboral están disponibles, independientemente de quién haya tenido la culpa. Por lo tanto, incluso si su propia negligencia contribuyó parcialmente al accidente laboral, aún podría ser elegible para recibir beneficios. Sin embargo, no sería elegible para los beneficios si su lesión o enfermedad fue el resultado de su propia “mala conducta intencional”, como trabajar en estado de ebriedad.
• Si tiene una disputa sobre los beneficios de compensación laboral con su empleador (o su aseguradora), puede presentar un reclamo ante la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia (WCC, por sus siglas en inglés).
• Recibir beneficios de compensación laboral no le impide presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales o muerte injusta contra un no empleador negligente o un “tercero”.

Además, debe saber que los beneficios de compensación laboral vienen con algunas restricciones importantes, que incluyen:

• Si su empleador le proporciona un panel o una lista de tres médicos, debe recibir tratamiento médico de uno de esos médicos. Cualquier cambio de médico debe ser aprobado por su empleador u ordenado por el WCC.
• Si recibe beneficios por salarios perdidos, tendrán un tope de aproximadamente dos tercios de lo que ganaba cada semana antes de que ocurriera su lesión y no pueden exceder una cantidad establecida por ley. Además, a menos que se considere que tiene una discapacidad total y permanente, sus beneficios se detendrán a las 500 semanas.
• Si un médico determina que usted tiene una pérdida permanente del uso de una parte del cuerpo debido a su lesión relacionada con el trabajo, entonces puede ser elegible para recibir un pago basado en una calificación de discapacidad parcial permanente.

Si presenta un reclamo por lesiones personales contra un tercero o contra un empleador que no tiene seguro de compensación laboral, las restricciones anteriores no se aplicarían a su caso.

Además, en una demanda, podría solicitar una compensación por daños no económicos, como dolor y sufrimiento.

Si usted o un ser querido sufre una lesión o enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo, es importante hablar con un abogado para conocer su derecho a recibir beneficios de compensación laboral, así como todas las demás opciones que pueden estar disponibles para usted.

Su capacidad para demandar a su empleador por una lesión relacionada con el trabajo generalmente depende de si su empleador ha comprado un seguro de compensación laboral.

Según la ley de Virginia, cualquier empleador con tres o más empleados debe tener un seguro de compensación laboral. Sin embargo, algunos empleadores pueden operar en violación de esta ley. Además, si una empresa tiene menos de tres empleados, aún puede optar por tener un seguro de compensación laboral.

Por lo tanto, si ha sufrido una lesión o enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo, determinar si su empleador tiene cobertura de compensación laboral será una consideración primordial. Un abogado puede ayudarle a tomar esa determinación.

Si su empleador no tiene cobertura de compensación laboral, entonces sí, puede presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales contra el empleador. Sin embargo, a diferencia de un reclamo de compensación laboral, deberá probar que su empleador tuvo la culpa (y su propia culpa también se puede tener en cuenta).

Si su empleador tiene un seguro de compensación laboral, en realidad, la mayoría de los empleadores lo tienen, entonces no puede demandar a su empleador. Su “recurso exclusivo” sería presentar un reclamo de beneficios de compensación laboral. 

Tenga en cuenta que, si sufrió una lesión debido a la negligencia de un “tercero” o una persona que no es un empleador, entonces podría presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales contra esa parte. Sin embargo, su recuperación sería “compensada” por la cantidad que ha recibido en beneficios médicos y por salarios perdidos de la compensación laboral.

Si sufre una lesión o enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo, debe tener derecho a recibir el pago de todos los gastos médicos razonables y relacionados durante el tiempo que sea necesario su tratamiento.

Sin embargo, si su empleador le proporciona un panel o una lista de tres médicos, se le pedirá que reciba tratamiento de uno de esos médicos. Si no acude a uno de esos médicos o no cumple con el tratamiento que ordenan, puede perder su derecho a recibir beneficios de compensación laboral.

Por supuesto, puede cambiar de médico si su empleador (o su aseguradora de compensación laboral) aprueba el cambio. Si el empleador se niega a autorizar el cambio, puede solicitar una orden de la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia.

Un abogado puede desempeñar un papel importante en la búsqueda de autorización o una orden que le permita cambiar de médico. Por ejemplo, un abogado puede ayudarlo a demostrar que se necesita un cambio para que reciba el tratamiento adecuado. Es por eso que debe buscar ayuda legal si está buscando un cambio de médicos.

Debería ser elegible para los beneficios de discapacidad parcial temporal si puede volver a trabajar, pero solo en un trabajo más ligero y menos remunerado.

Si no puede trabajar en absoluto, entonces sería elegible para los beneficios de discapacidad total temporal. Estos beneficios cubrirán aproximadamente dos tercios de su salario semanal promedio (sujeto a un tope semanal que se establece cada año por ley).

Para calcular su “salario semanal promedio”, debe sumar sus ganancias brutas (o ganancias antes de impuestos) durante el período de 52 semanas antes de que ocurriera su lesión y dividir esa cantidad entre 52.

Si recibe beneficios por discapacidad parcial temporal, la cantidad sería igual a dos tercios de la diferencia entre su salario semanal promedio, antes de su lesión, y su salario semanal promedio después de su lesión.

Es importante tener en cuenta que los beneficios por discapacidad temporal finalizan cuando regresa al trabajo regular o después de 500 semanas, a menos que se considere que tiene una discapacidad total y permanente.

Si su empleador (o su aseguradora de compensación laboral) rechaza su reclamo de beneficios médicos y/o salarios perdidos, debe hablar con un abogado de inmediato para presentar un reclamo ante la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia (WCC).

Debe presentar un reclamo ante el WCC dentro de los dos años posteriores a la fecha de su accidente laboral que resultó en una lesión. Por lo tanto, es importante actuar rápidamente si su empleador ha denegado su reclamo.

Un abogado puede ayudarle a presentar un reclamo y solicitar una audiencia ante el WCC. El abogado también puede representarlo en la audiencia y presentar evidencia para ayudar al WCC a tomar una decisión sobre su reclamo, incluyendo los registros médicos y el testimonio de expertos médicos.

Si el WCC niega su reclamo, su abogado puede ayudarle a presentar una solicitud por escrito para una revisión por parte del WCC o con cualquier otra apelación.

En muchos casos, un abogado puede representarlo en una mediación que tiene como objetivo resolver su reclamo sin necesidad de una audiencia.

Es importante prestar mucha atención a la cantidad de tiempo que tiene para presentar un reclamo ante la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia. En términos generales, debe presentar un reclamo:

• Dentro de los dos años a partir de la fecha de su lesión por un accidente de trabajo.
• Dentro de los dos años a partir de la fecha en que le diagnosticaron una enfermedad ocupacional o dentro de los cinco años a partir de la fecha de su “última exposición dañina” en el trabajo, lo que ocurra primero.
• Dentro de los dos años a partir de la fecha de la muerte relacionada con el trabajo de un ser querido.

Si regresa al trabajo y vuelve a estar incapacitado por una lesión relacionada con el trabajo, entonces tiene dos años a partir de la fecha en que recibió los últimos beneficios de compensación laboral para presentar un reclamo.

Sin embargo, en su caso, puede aplicarse una excepción que extienda el período de presentación. Es importante que un abogado revise su caso lo antes posible para garantizar que su reclamo se presente a tiempo.

Si se aprueba su reclamo de compensación laboral, se le puede pedir que firme un formulario llamado “Acuerdo para pagar beneficios”. Por lo general, este formulario indicará que se lesionó en el trabajo o quedó discapacitado por una enfermedad ocupacional, mencionará su período de discapacidad y contendrá otra información sobre su reclamo.

Debe asegurarse de que toda la información sea correcta, especialmente el salario semanal promedio declarado y las partes del cuerpo que resultaron lesionadas o afectadas.

El Acuerdo para pagar los beneficios se enviará a la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia (WCC) para que se ingrese una adjudicación en la información del Acuerdo. La compensación requiere que la aseguradora de compensación laboral de su empleador pague sus beneficios.

Nota: Debe estar discapacitado durante al menos siete días antes de que se puedan pagar sus beneficios. Sin embargo, si está incapacitado por un período de más de tres semanas, puede recibir el pago de esos primeros siete días.

Debe recibir su cheque de beneficios cada semana. Si su empleador no le envía un cheque según lo ordenado por el WCC, el empleador puede recibir una multa por la demora.

Los beneficios que recibe no están sujetos a impuestos.

Si se aprueba su reclamo de beneficios médicos, todas las facturas médicas deben enviarse directamente a la aseguradora de compensación laboral de su empleador para su pago. No tendrá que pagar ningún deducible.

Si usted es dependiente de un trabajador que muere a causa de una lesión relacionada con el trabajo, puede ser elegible para presentar un reclamo de beneficios por muerte de la compensación laboral en Virginia. La cantidad de beneficios que puede recibir dependerá del grado de su dependencia.

Si fuera totalmente dependiente, podría recibir dos tercios del salario semanal promedio de su ser querido (sujeto al tope legal) durante 500 semanas. Si está entre varios dependientes, la cantidad se dividirá entre ustedes.

Por otro lado, si fuera parcialmente dependiente, sería elegible para recibir una cantidad que refleje el grado de su dependencia.

También puede ser elegible para recibir hasta $10,000 en gastos de entierro.

Debe tener en cuenta que es posible que pueda presentar un reclamo de responsabilidad de terceros contra una persona que no es empleador y que causó la muerte de su ser querido. Este reclamo buscaría daños disponibles a través de la ley de muerte injusta de Virginia.

Los abogados de compensación laboral de Marks & Harrison tienen una amplia experiencia en ayudar a los trabajadores lesionados y sus familias a obtener los beneficios médicos y por salarios perdidos que se merecen.

Agradeceríamos la oportunidad de brindar una consulta gratuita sobre su caso en nuestra oficina de Richmond o en cualquiera de las otras oficinas de nuestra firma ubicadas en Virginia.

Podemos proporcionar servicios que incluyen:

• Tomarnos el tiempo para aprender todos los hechos relacionados con su caso.
• Explicarle todos sus derechos legales importantes.
• Responder a todas sus preguntas sobre la compensación laboral.
• Revisar sus registros médicos para obtener una comprensión completa de sus lesiones y condición médica.
• Reunirnos con sus médicos y otros proveedores de atención médica.
• Buscar un acuerdo con su empleador y su aseguradora de compensación laboral.
• Ayudarle a presentar un reclamo ante la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia y representarlo en cualquier audiencia ante el WCC.
• Perseguir todas las apelaciones en su nombre (si es necesario).
• Mantenerlo asesorado e informado sobre el progreso de su caso en todo momento.

Todo empieza por ponerse en contacto con nosotros. Por favor llame o conéctese con nosotros en línea hoy.

Es posible que se le pida que firme un formulario llamado Acuerdo para pagar beneficios. Este formulario establece que usted se lesionó en el trabajo o quedó discapacitado por una enfermedad

ocupacional, menciona cualquier período de discapacidad y tiene otra información sobre su reclamo. Asegúrese de que toda la información sea correcta, especialmente el salario semanal promedio declarado y las partes del cuerpo que resultaron lesionadas o afectadas. El Acuerdo para pagar beneficios se enviará a la Comisión de Compensación Laboral de Virginia para que se ingrese una adjudicación en la información del Acuerdo. La compensación requiere que la aseguradora pague sus beneficios.

Para obtener más información sobre los reclamos de compensación laboral en Virginia, consulte nuestra página de compensación laboral.

La ley impone un límite de tiempo, conocido como estatuto de limitaciones, de dos años para presentar un reclamo por lesiones personales en Virginia. Sin embargo, si resultó lesionado en un accidente de dos autos causado por el otro conductor, cuanto antes consulte con un abogado experto en accidentes de auto, mejor. La evidencia debe obtenerse lo antes posible después de su accidente y conservarse para establecer su reclamo.

No, Virginia es uno de los 8 estados que no tienen leyes de “dram shop” (tiendas de bebidas). El término “dram shop” proviene de los establecimientos del siglo XVIII que servían ginebra por “dram” o cucharada. Muchos estados tienen leyes vigentes que permiten a las víctimas de accidentes causados por conductores bajo los efectos del alcohol demandar al establecimiento que atendió al conductor en determinadas circunstancias. Sin embargo, Virginia no es uno de ellos.

Aún debe estar protegido si tiene cobertura de automovilista sin seguro bajo su propia póliza. Según el Código de Virginia § 38.2-2206, las aseguradoras deben ofrecer esta cobertura con cada póliza de seguro de automóvil. Pagará sus gastos médicos, salarios perdidos y otros costos derivados de un accidente causado por un conductor que no tiene seguro. También lo cubrirá en caso de un accidente de choque y fuga.

Aunque presentará un reclamo con su propia aseguradora en esta situación, tenga en cuenta que las aseguradoras están en el negocio con fines de lucro. Su aseguradora podría intentar minimizar la cantidad que le paga. Un abogado experimentado en accidentes de auto de Virginia puede ayudarle a luchar para recuperar una compensación completa y justa.

Nuestra firma trabaja con médicos y otros profesionales para determinar el alcance total de las pérdidas que ha sufrido. Puede tener derecho a reclamar daños por:

• Gastos médicos
• Pérdida de ganancias pasadas y futuras
• Discapacidad
• Invalidez y pérdida de la capacidad de obtener ingresos
• Dolor y sufrimiento físico y emocional
• Pérdida de consorcio o compañía

No. En Virginia, según las leyes estatales de “negligencia contributiva pura”, es posible que no recupere una compensación si fue parcialmente responsable de causar el accidente, como lo pueden hacer las víctimas de accidentes en otros estados.

Virginia tiene leyes de “negligencia contributiva pura”, lo que significa que la culpa de un accidente de dos vehículos no es proporcional entre los dos conductores involucrados. Para recuperar la compensación, se debe determinar que el otro conductor tuvo el 100% de la culpa del accidente.

En Marks & Harrison, investigaremos a fondo su accidente y sabremos a quién contratar para enfrentar a los poderosos equipos de abogados que trabajan para las aseguradoras. Trabajamos con ingenieros forenses para establecer la causa del accidente y probar la responsabilidad del otro conductor.

Si alguien de la aseguradora del otro conductor se comunica con usted después del accidente, generalmente es mejor no hablar con esa persona, ya que podría perjudicar su reclamo. Generalmente, su mejor acción es ponerse en contacto con un abogado experimentado en accidentes para tratar con la aseguradora en su nombre. Tenga en cuenta que el objetivo de la compañía de seguros es pagar la menor cantidad posible del reclamo y que el representante de la compañía intentará que usted se conforme con la menor cantidad posible.

Llame al 911 inmediatamente si necesita tratamiento médico de emergencia. De lo contrario, consulte a un médico lo antes posible después del accidente. Incluso si cree que no sufrió lesiones, debe consultar a un médico para descartar la posibilidad de lesiones internas, lesiones cerebrales u otras lesiones para las cuales los síntomas pueden no ser evidentes de inmediato. El tratamiento médico es importante para su salud y para recuperar una compensación.

Sí. Las imágenes pueden ayudar a establecer su reclamo. La mayor parte de las personas tiene teléfonos celulares con cámaras. Use su teléfono para tomar fotografías de la escena, incluyendo las marcas de derrape o los daños en la carretera, su vehículo y el del otro conductor antes de que se muevan, y cualquier lesión visible que haya sufrido.

Puede que esté lesionado o aturdido después de un accidente, y es importante contar con un plan que incluya los siguientes pasos en caso de que ocurra:

• Llame al 911 si alguien está gravemente herido.
• Llame a la policía y obtenga una copia del informe del accidente.
• Tome fotografías de la escena, sus lesiones y los dos vehículos involucrados en el accidente usando la cámara de su teléfono celular.
• Obtenga información de contacto de cualquier testigo presencial del accidente.
• No admita la culpa ni se disculpe (las disculpas pueden interpretarse como admitir la responsabilidad).
• Intercambie información del seguro con el otro conductor.
• Obtenga atención médica, incluso para lesiones menores. Los síntomas de algunas lesiones, como el latigazo cervical, pueden no aparecer hasta el día después del accidente, y los síntomas de otras lesiones pueden tardar aún más en aparecer.
• Comuníquese con un abogado con experiencia en lesiones personales de Virginia para tratar con las aseguradoras en su nombre y tener la mejor oportunidad de obtener la máxima compensación por sus lesiones.

Medical malpractice is a type of negligence. It occurs when a healthcare provider has a professional relationship with a patient, which creates a duty for them to provide the patient with competent medical care, or care that meets an accepted standard, and fails to do so, directly causing the patient to suffer actual harm.

In Virginia, medical malpractice occurs in many ways in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, dentist’s offices, chiropractor facilities, and other healthcare settings. Some types of medical malpractice our attorneys commonly encounter in cases include the following: 

• Emergency room errors, including unreasonably delayed treatment
• Failure to timely diagnose a serious condition like cancer, heart attack, or stroke
• Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong site or patient or leaving objects 
• Anesthesia errors, which can expose a patient to significant pain and suffering
• Birth injuries caused by mistakes before, during, and immediately after delivery
• Medication errors, such as prescribing or administering the wrong type or dosage
• Telehealth negligence or malpractice while providing online medical care and treatment.

Medical malpractice can cause patients to suffer catastrophic injuries, meaning injuries that result in permanent disability or death. For instance, a doctor’s failure to diagnose cancer may result in the cancer spreading and causing significant harm to the patient before they discover the misdiagnosis. A patient may also suffer emotional harm from the experience, and their loved ones may suffer from losing their care, affection, and support.

Even though you may not like the result of a medical plan or procedure, such as surgery, dissatisfaction alone cannot support a medical malpractice claim in Virginia. Instead, you must prove you suffered actual harm as a direct result of the medical professional’s failure to provide you with competent medical care when they had a duty to do so.

If a healthcare provider has a professional relationship with a patient, creating a duty to provide competent medical care and treatment, that provider could face a medical malpractice claim if they directly harm the patient by breaching that duty. For example, you could file a medical malpractice claim against a doctor, nurse, midwife, anesthesiologist, pharmacist, dentist, chiropractor, or other healthcare provider.

When a patient gives “informed consent,” it means the patient has agreed to go ahead with a medical plan or procedure, such as an operation, after their healthcare provider has fully informed them of the benefits and risks, discussed alternatives, and allowed the patient to ask about the plan or procedure and make sure they understand it. If a healthcare provider goes forward with a plan or procedure without a patient’s informed consent, it can cause a patient to suffer serious harm.

If you suspect you have suffered injuries due to medical malpractice committed by a healthcare provider, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should also speak with an experienced Virginia medical malpractice lawyer. An attorney will help you understand your rights and options and take immediate steps to seek fair compensation for you.

In Virginia, you must prove the following four elements to establish a medical malpractice claim: 

• Duty — Due to a professional relationship between you and a healthcare provider, they had an obligation to provide you with competent care.
• Breach — The healthcare provider breached that duty by failing to provide care and treatment that met an acceptable standard of care.
• Causation — The healthcare provider’s breach of duty directly caused you to suffer harm.
• Damages — You suffered physical, emotional, and/or financial harm due to the healthcare provider’s actions or failure to act.

To establish those four elements, your attorney may need to review extensive medical records, conduct numerous interviews, and consult with medical professionals with relevant training, knowledge, and experience.

The compensation you can recover in a medical malpractice claim depends on the severity of your injuries and, in some cases, the healthcare provider’s misconduct. These damages fall into the following three categories: 

• Economic damages — Compensation for the financial harm you have suffered, including medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity due to a permanent disability.
• Non-economic damages — Compensation for the physical pain and suffering and the emotional distress that medical malpractice causes a patient to suffer, which may be significant in some circumstances.
• Punitive damages — Damages that punish a healthcare provider for exceptional misconduct and serve to deter similar misconduct, such as intentionally inflicting harm on a vulnerable patient, such as a child or older adult.

A Virginia statute, Va. Code § 8.01-581.15, caps the damages you can recover in a medical malpractice claim. The cap applies to the combined economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. It depends on when the medical malpractice occurred. For instance, if it occurred between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, the cap would be $2.60 million, while it would be $2.65 million if it occurred between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

Virginia law (Va. Code § 8.01-243) requires you to file a medical malpractice claim within two years from the date when the medical malpractice occurred. However, the deadline goes beyond two years if you were a minor or under a legal disability. If the malpractice involved leaving a foreign object behind after surgery or fraud, concealment, or intentional misrepresentation, the deadline extends to one year from the date of discovery (or the date you could have discovered it using due diligence). Also, if a healthcare provider failed to diagnose specific types of cancer or a malignant tumor, you must file a claim within one year of receiving the correct diagnosis.