Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, VA

With a wealth of experience serving clients in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Geoff McDonald & Associates offers personal injury attorney services from its Virginia Beach office. The dedicated team is committed to guiding clients through the intricacies of the legal system following an injury. Recognizing the emotional challenges that accompany injuries, their focus is on ensuring clients receive fair compensation. Whether dealing with a car collision or a slip and fall incident, the team provides compassionate support and assistance during this challenging period.

Geoff McDonald & Associates, as seasoned personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, bring proven expertise to the table, with a track record of securing settlements exceeding $400 million for their Virginia clients. They have successfully handled a diverse range of cases, from traffic-related incidents to workplace accidents. Their meticulous approach to investigation and evidence collection establishes a robust foundation for advocating clients’ damage claims.

Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re seeking justice for a personal injury in Virginia Beach, the experience of the attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates is critical. Their proficiency extends to handling duty of care and breaches, where they excel in defining reasonable measures and identifying failures to meet these standards.

The firm’s expertise shines in connecting breaches of duty to resulting injuries and accurately assessing and pursuing compensation for tangible losses, including medical expenses, and intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

For legal assistance, call today at 804.888.8888.

Get Legal Help for Personal Injuries in Virginia Beach

Geoff McDonald & Associates provides legal support for individuals dealing with personal injuries in Virginia Beach. Their experienced team of attorneys assists clients in navigating the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the journey.

Personal injuries in Virginia Beach can have significant physical and emotional consequences, including medical bills, loss of wages, and trauma. Seeking legal help is essential, and the attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates work diligently to gather evidence, build cases, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of their clients.

Injuries can occur in various situations such as traffic accidents, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, or slip and fall accidents. The attorneys analyze each case individually, identifying the responsible party and establishing a connection between their negligence and the injury.

Dealing with insurance companies can be complex, and the attorneys at Geoff McDonald & Associates assist clients in navigating this process to ensure they receive fair compensation for their losses.

Why Choose Geoff McDonald & Associates

Geoff McDonald & Associates, a law firm in Virginia Beach, offers legal representation with a focus on client support. The team of personal injury attorneys is committed to pursuing justice and compensation for their clients.

Their approach involves not only handling legal cases but also coordinating medical care and navigating dealings with insurance companies on behalf of clients. Recognizing the challenges of experiencing a personal injury, the team provides support during this challenging period.

Dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate service, they take the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and goals, keeping clients informed throughout the process. Additionally, they provide a no-fee guarantee, ensuring clients only incur fees if the case is successfully won.

Your Rights as Personal Injury Victims

In the aftermath of personal injury, individuals might not be fully aware of their rights. It’s helpful to understand that the law provides specific protections and entitlements for victims.

One essential right is the ability to seek compensation for damages, which goes beyond physical injuries to include emotional trauma, loss of income, and other losses beyond medical expenses.

Victims have the option to enlist the services of Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys—legal experts well-versed in personal injury law—to provide guidance throughout legal proceedings. They serve as advocates, ensuring that rights are respected and full compensation is pursued.

Victims also have the right to a fair trial. If negotiations for settlements prove unsatisfactory, there is the option to bring claims before a court. Attorneys can represent victims, presenting compelling cases to seek the justice they are entitled to.

Types of Personal Injury Cases

Let’s now turn to the various types of personal injury cases handled by Geoff McDonald & Associates.

These include:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Slip and fall accidents
Instances of medical malpractice

Different cases pose unique challenges, demanding specific skills and expertise.

Car Accidents

In their practice, personal injury lawyers encounter a diverse range of car accidents falling under the personal injury category. Representing victims in Virginia Beach, they handle cases involving rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and head-on accidents. Beyond the accident type, the focus is on the profound impact these incidents have on lives—resulting in severe injuries, escalating medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional distress. Personal injury lawyers play a helpful role in guiding clients through the aftermath, conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for fair compensation.

Truck Accidents

Beyond car accidents, McDonald & Associates address truck accidents, a significant personal injury case in Virginia Beach. Drawing on extensive knowledge, these experienced personal injury lawyers recognize the severity and life-altering nature of truck accidents. Their expertise proves invaluable in navigating such complex cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

McDonald & Associates, as personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, frequently encounter motorcycle accidents, each presenting unique circumstances and consequences. Navigating the complexities of making an injury claim after a motorcycle accident, their team conducts thorough investigations to establish fault and secure deserved compensation.

Slip And Fall Accidents

Delving into slip and fall accidents, McDonald & Associates tackle another prevalent personal injury case in Virginia Beach. These accidents stem from a property owner’s negligence, resulting in hazardous conditions. Common causes include wet or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, unmarked obstacles, and adverse weather conditions. As personal injury attorneys, McDonald & Associates assist victims in navigating these challenging situations.

Medical Malpractice

Addressing medical malpractice, it’s helpful to note that personal injury attorneys frequently handle such cases. Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet the standard of care, leading to harm or injury. This encompasses misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or negligence during childbirth. It’s essential to discern that not every medical error constitutes malpractice.

Workplace Injuries

In their line of work, they’ve encountered a wide variety of workplace injuries, each requiring a unique approach to the personal injury case. As Virginia Beach injury attorneys, they’ve handled:

Repetitive Strain Injuries: Prolonged repetitive movements can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Falls: Slips, trips, and falls are common, especially in construction or industrial workplaces.

Machinery Accidents: Injuries caused by equipment malfunctions or misuse can be severe.

Chemical Exposures: Harmful substances can lead to burns, respiratory issues, or long-term illnesses.

Each type of workplace injury requires specific evidence and expert witnesses. Personal injury attorneys can help victims navigate these complexities, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve.

Premises Liability Cases

Beyond workplace injuries, they handle premises liability cases, addressing incidents like slip and falls and negligent security. Their approach involves diligently establishing that property owners failed to maintain a safe environment through investigation, evidence gathering, negotiation, and, if necessary, trial.

Wrongful Death

Handled with care, wrongful death cases—be it due to medical malpractice, vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, or product liability—are approached with practicality. Their goal is to guide families through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

Spinal Cord Injury

Approaching spinal cord injury cases pragmatically, they understand the severity’s impact. Meticulous in gathering evidence, they aim to secure compensation for medical expenses and damages, supporting clients from negotiation to court representation.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Dealing with traumatic brain injuries with precision, their team understands the subtleties and long-term impacts. Operating pragmatically, they navigate these cases with attention to detail and a commitment to client well-being.

Types of Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases

Within personal injury law, claimants may be entitled to several forms of damages, encompassing economic, non-economic, and occasionally punitive damages. The exploration will delve into each category, elucidate the methodology behind injury compensation calculation, and offer guidance on interactions with insurance companies.

Economic

McDonald & Associates recognize that clients’ economic damages in personal injury cases often encompass medical bills, lost wages, property repair or replacement costs, and loss of earning capacity. As personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates understand that these economic hardships can be overwhelming and strive to secure the highest compensation for their clients.

Here is a summary of the four primary types of economic damages:

Medical Bills: Include all expenses related to medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Lost Wages: Represents the income lost due to the inability to work.

Property Damages: Encompasses the cost to repair or replace damaged property.

Loss of Earning Capacity: Represents potential future income lost due to permanent disability.

Non-Economic

Beyond the tangible economic damages, McDonald & Associates are also dedicated to pursuing two types of non-economic damages for their clients in personal injury cases. As personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates understand how devastating accidents can be, beyond just financial loss.

Non-economic damages recognize the emotional and psychological impact of an injury, which often outweighs the financial burden. The first type is pain and suffering, acknowledging the physical discomfort and emotional distress suffered due to the accident.

The second type is loss of companionship, compensating family members when an injury impacts the quality of the relationship.

McDonald & Associates strive to ensure their clients receive the full extent of damages they are entitled to, reflecting both the economic and non-economic impact of their personal injury.

Punitive

Following the discussion on non-economic damages, punitive damages are another form of compensation one can pursue in personal injury cases.

Punitive damages differ from other types in that they are:

Not based on actual losses but awarded to punish the defendant.
Usually awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were exceptionally reckless or negligent.
Generally higher than other damages, acting as a deterrent for others.

Punitive damages are not awarded in all cases, but when they are, it can significantly increase the compensation received.

Calculating Compensation for Injuries

Calculating compensation for injuries is essential. As personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates handle a variety of injury claims.

The first step in calculating compensation for injuries involves evaluating actual losses, such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, or property damage. Next, McDonald & Associates consider non-economic damages, commonly referred to as ‘pain and suffering,’ which can include emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical pain.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

In McDonald & Associates’ experience as personal injury attorneys, effectively dealing with insurance companies plays a significant role in securing the types of damages available in personal injury cases. As personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates have identified four critical steps in dealing with insurance companies:

Promptly Report the Accident: As soon as the incident occurs, inform the insurer to initiate the claim process.

Get Legal Support: Lawyers at McDonald & Associates can guide clients through the complex process, ensuring their rights are protected.

Document Everything: Keep track of all medical records, damage reports, and communication with insurers for evidence.

Negotiate Wisely: Don’t accept the first offer. McDonald & Associates help negotiate to get clients the compensation they deserve.

What to Expect from a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Case

As individuals navigate through a personal injury case, it is critical for them to understand what to expect at each stage to prepare for potential challenges and decisions ahead. The path of a personal injury case in Virginia Beach, VA, can be complex, but with the help of experienced injury lawyers in Virginia Beach, individuals can gain a clearer understanding and better control of their situation.

Once individuals decide to proceed with a personal injury case, their first step involves a detailed consultation with their lawyers. This is where they discuss the case, the injury, its impact on their lives, and the potential for claiming compensation. The injury lawyers in Virginia Beach will then conduct a thorough investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness testimonies, and any relevant police reports.

Subsequently, a lawsuit is generally filed, which will be followed by a period known as ‘discovery,’ where both sides investigate the claims and defenses of the other. This process may involve depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. The Virginia Beach, VA personal injury attorneys will guide you through these steps, ensuring you are prepared and informed.

If a settlement cannot be reached during the negotiation phase, the case will proceed to trial. Here, the injury lawyers in Virginia Beach will present the case, aiming to prove the defendant’s liability. It’s important to remember that this process can be lengthy, and patience is key.

Personal Injury Case Timeline

Understanding the timeline of a personal injury case is critical to set realistic expectations and prepare for the process. Let’s discuss the three main stages: investigation, negotiation, and litigation. Each stage plays a significant role in the progression and outcome of a personal injury case.

Investigation

The investigation begins as soon as the lawyers are hired to represent a personal injury case, outlining a timeline that suits the unique circumstances of each situation. As personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA, McDonald & Associates attorneys follow a meticulous process:

Gathering all necessary evidence, from medical records to accident reports.
Consulting with medical professionals to understand the severity of the injuries.
Identifying potential witnesses and taking their statements.
Assessing the financial impact of the injury on the client’s life.

The aim of Geoff McDonald & Associates attorneys in Virginia Beach is to create a compelling case that accurately reflects the extent of the client’s suffering and loss.

Negotiation

After completing a thorough investigation, McDonald & Associates then move on to the negotiation phase of your personal injury case. As your personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates are committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. McDonald & Associates will negotiate with the opposing party, using their expertise in law to argue your case. McDonald & Associates are prepared to counter any lowball offers, fighting for a settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries.

If a fair agreement cannot be reached, McDonald & Associates won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Throughout this process, McDonald & Associates will keep you informed, ensuring you understand every step.

Litigation

If negotiations fail, McDonald & Associates are ready to step into the courtroom and litigate on your behalf in a personal injury case. As your personal injury attorneys in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates will navigate you through the litigation process, which typically involves the following steps:

Filing a complaint: McDonald & Associates will draft and submit a legal document stating your claims and damages.

Discovery: McDonald & Associates’ law offices will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare for trial.

Trial: McDonald & Associates will present your case, argue on your behalf, and aim for the best possible outcome.

Verdict: A decision will be made by the judge or jury.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Virginia

In the state’s personal injury law, there’s a strict timeline for filing lawsuits known as the statute of limitations. This rule governs the period within which an injured party can bring a legal action for their damages. As personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach, McDonald & Associates are well-versed in these laws and can help ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.

The statute of limitations can vary depending on the type of personal injury claim. For instance, in general personal injury cases like car accidents or slip and fall incidents, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, for certain cases like medical malpractice, the statute of limitations may extend past the two-year mark if the victim is still receiving treatment for the injury. But remember, each case has unique elements, and it’s critical to consult with McDonald & Associates, your Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys, to understand your specific timeline.

It’s also important to note that if your claim is against a government entity, the statute of limitations can be even shorter. In such cases, you must give written notice of your injury within the time specified by each government entity that is involved.

Understanding the statute of limitations is a critical aspect of injury law. Missing the deadline can bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries, no matter how legitimate your claim may be. That’s why McDonald & Associates are here to help you navigate these legal timelines and ensure you get the justice you deserve.

Breach of Duty of Care

As personal injury attorneys, McDonald & Associates are often asked about the concept of ‘breach of duty of care’ in personal injury cases. To put it simply, the term refers to a situation where one party fails to act with the level of care that would be expected of a reasonable person in the same situation, and that failure results in harm to another person.

Now, breaking it down into four key points:

Duty of Care: This is a legal obligation imposed on all of us to behave in a manner that doesn’t put others at risk. For example, drivers have a duty of care to obey traffic laws and not cause harm to other road users.

Breach of Duty: This happens when someone fails to meet their duty of care. A driver who speeds, for instance, is breaching their duty of care.

Cause in Fact: McDonald & Associates, as personal injury lawyers, must prove that the breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries. If a speeding driver hits a pedestrian, the breach of duty (speeding) is the cause in fact of the pedestrian’s injuries.

Proximate Cause: This means the harm suffered by the plaintiff was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. If a driver speeds and hits a pedestrian, it’s foreseeable that the pedestrian could be injured.

Contact Us Today

At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we’re here to assist you in your personal injury case. When you reach out to our Virginia Beach office, our welcoming and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the initial steps of your case. We understand that each situation is unique, and we’ll listen attentively to your account, address your questions, and provide customized advice to empower your decision-making.

Call us on 804.888.8888.

Concerns about legal costs shouldn’t deter you from seeking justice. Geoff McDonald & Associates offer a complimentary consultation to all potential clients. In this session, you can discuss your case comprehensively with one of our experienced attorneys, gaining insight into the potential merits and challenges, as well as understanding the expected procedures and timeline.

In personal injury cases, timely action is critical. Don’t hesitate—contact the personal injury lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates in Virginia Beach today. Your journey towards justice starts with a simple phone call.

About Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Virginia. It is a haven for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. The city is known for its 3-mile oceanfront with golden sand and the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Other attractions include the First Landing State Park, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Virginia Beach is a culinary delight with fresh seafood restaurants, international cuisine, and trendy cafes. The city also offers a variety of charming neighborhoods, each with its unique personality.

Virginia Beach enjoys four distinct seasons and is a walkable and bike-friendly city. It is a year-round destination with something for everyone.

Neighborhoods We Serve

Bayside
Chesapeake Beach
Chic’s Beach
Croatan
East Beach
First Landing
Great Neck
Kempsville
Lynnhaven
Oceanfront
Pembroke Manor
Sandbridge
Shadowlawn
Shore Drive
Thalia
Virginia Beach Town Center
West Neck
Woodstock

Points of Interest in Virginia Beach, VA

City Government:

City Hall: 4452 Corporation Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
Office of the City Manager: 4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Department of Human Resources: 4400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Department of Public Works: 2416 Courthouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry: 2509 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Department of Social Services: 2408 Courthouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Police Department Headquarters: 400 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Fire Department Headquarters: 3425 Dam Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA

State Government:

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): 1563 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
Virginia Employment Commission: 580 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Virginia Department of Social Services: 4452 Corporation Ln, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA

Federal Government:

Social Security Administration: 2020 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: 4200 Hampton Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
U.S. Postal Service: 2929 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA

Other Government Agencies:

Norfolk International Airport: 1000 Airport Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
Naval Air Station Oceana: 1520 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457, USA
Hampton Roads Transit: 1600 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
Virginia Beach Housing Authority: 1252 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, USA·

Parks in Virginia Beach, VA

First Landing State Park: 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge: 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Mount Trashmore Park: 3333 Gatemouth Brown Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23504, USA
Pleasure House Point Natural Area: 10621 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23505, USA
Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area: 1020 E Little Creek Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23518, USA
Stumpy Lake Natural Area: 4007 Dam Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
False Cape State Park: 4000 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Bayside Park: 4700 First Court Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Red Wing Park: 1800 Sandfiddler Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, USA
Lynnhaven River Park: 740 Ferrell Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA

Schools in Virginia Beach, VA

Tidewater Community College – Virginia Beach Campus: 1801 University Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, USA
Virginia Wesleyan University – Virginia Beach Higher Education Center: 1817 University Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, USA
Strayer University – Virginia Beach Campus: 1800 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 800, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Averett University at Virginia Beach: 701 E 21st St, Suite 600, Virginia Beach, VA 23517, USA
ECPI University: 5555 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
Norfolk State University – Virginia Beach Higher Education Center: 5885 Greenwich Rd, Suite 300, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
Regent University – Virginia Beach Campus: 600 College Park Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
Remington College – Virginia Beach Campus: 1920 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
South University – Virginia Beach Campus: 3600 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 101, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Bryant & Stratton College – Virginia Beach Campus: 500 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA

Rivers in Virginia Beach, VA

Lynnhaven River: Flows into the Chesapeake Bay and forms part of the eastern border of Virginia Beach.
Eastern Branch Elizabeth River: Flows into the Elizabeth River and forms part of the northern border of Virginia Beach.
Southern Branch Elizabeth River: Flows into the Elizabeth River and forms part of the western border of Virginia Beach.
Broad Bay: Connects to the Chesapeake Bay and borders the southernmost tip of Virginia Beach.
Back Bay: A large lagoon separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a barrier island, partially within the boundaries of Virginia Beach.
First Landing Bay: A smaller bay located within First Landing State Park, connected to the Chesapeake Bay by a narrow inlet.
False Cape Creek: Flows into the Atlantic Ocean and forms part of the southern border of False Cape State Park.
Cherrystone Creek: Flows into Lynnhaven Bay and forms part of the eastern border of the Lynnhaven River basin.
North Landing River: Flows into the Chesapeake Bay and borders the westernmost tip of Virginia Beach.

Highways in Virginia Beach, VA

Interstate 264 (I-264): Runs east-west through Virginia Beach, connecting it to Norfolk and Chesapeake.
Interstate 64 (I-64): Forms the northern border of Virginia Beach, providing access to Richmond and beyond.
State Route 337 (Virginia Beach Expressway): Runs east-west through the northern part of Virginia Beach, connecting it to I-64 and the Hampton Roads Beltway.
U.S. Route 13 (US 13): Runs north-south through the eastern part of Virginia Beach, providing access to Norfolk and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
U.S. Route 460 (US 460): Runs east-west through the southern part of Virginia Beach, connecting it to Chesapeake and Suffolk.
State Route 168 (Denbigh Blvd/Mercury Blvd): Runs north-south through the western part of Virginia Beach, providing access to I-664 and the Norfolk Naval Station.
State Route 164 (Tidewater Drive): Runs north-south through the eastern part of Virginia Beach, providing access to the Norfolk International Airport and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
State Route 337 (Lynnhaven Parkway): Runs north-south through the central part of Virginia Beach, providing access to Lynnhaven Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.
State Route 190 (Witchduck Road): Runs east-west through the southern part of Virginia Beach, connecting to Chesapeake and providing access to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
State Route 165 (Kempsville Road): Runs north-south through the western part of Virginia Beach, connecting to Norfolk and providing access to Mount Trashmore Park.
Virginia Beach Boulevard: Runs east-west through the central part of Virginia Beach, connecting the oceanfront to the Lynnhaven River and beyond.
General Booth Blvd: Runs north-south through the eastern part of Virginia Beach, providing access to the Oceanfront and the First Landing State Park.
Shore Drive: Runs north-south along the Atlantic Ocean, providing access to the various beaches and parks in the city.