Harrisonburg Personal Injury Lawyers

Obenshain Law Group understands that very few clients want to go to court. If a defendant or insurance company is willing to settle a case for what we believe it is worth, then it will not be necessary to go to court. Some insurance companies are initially unreasonable and they hope that a lawyer will not want to go to trial. If an insurance company will not pay an acceptable amount, then we have an experienced trial lawyer well equipped to take your case to court.

When you work with a personal injury attorney Virginia residents trust, you can expect us to prepare each case as if it might be presented in a courtroom, even if it ultimately settles. Our preparation can include gathering medical records from local providers, reviewing police reports from agencies in Harrisonburg and the surrounding area, and consulting with appropriate professionals when necessary. By taking these steps early, we are ready to negotiate from a position of strength or present your story clearly before a judge and jury in a Rockingham County or other Virginia court if that becomes necessary.

The firm is well known and Mark Obenshain has earned a statewide reputation. He is listed in the publication "Best Lawyers in America" and for more than ten years running, he has been selected by Virginia Business magazine as a member of the "Legal Elite."

Mark Obenshain is known for his record of success and his sensitive representation of each client. Because of our reputation, we receive referrals from both plaintiff and defense attorneys.

Martindale-Hubbell lists Mark Obenshain as an AV rated attorney, the highest possible rating, due to his ethical approach and his history of success. While the firm is proud of their reputation within the legal community, more relevant is the respect earned from their clients – the true measure of our success.

As you compare options for an injury lawyer Harrisonburg residents can turn to after a serious accident, it may help to look beyond advertisements and ask practical questions. You can ask how your case will be handled day to day, who will communicate with you about developments, and whether the firm has experience with cases in local courts such as Rockingham County Circuit Court. We encourage you to meet with us, bring your questions, and decide whether our approach and values align with what you need.

We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our fee is based on what we recover for you. If we do not recover for you, you owe us no legal fees. If there is no recovery, our attorneys are not paid. When we meet to discuss your case, we will explain our fees in detail. Our first meeting is free.

Harrisonburg accident and injury lawsuits can vary in length from weeks to years in some instances. In order to handle your claim, the firm must first thoroughly investigate it to make sure you recover everything you are entitled to receive.

Every case moves at its own pace, and a Virginia Personal Injury Attorney has to account for many moving parts when estimating a timeline. Factors can include how long it takes for your medical condition to stabilize, how quickly records arrive from hospitals such as Sentara RMH Medical Center, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate in good faith. We stay in close contact with you as these pieces come together so you always know what stage your case is in and what to expect next.

In Virginia, the law does not permit someone to recover money in a personal injury lawsuit if that person's negligence contributed in whole or in part to the accident or the injury.

This is known as the doctrine of contributory negligence. It is not always easy to determine whether contributory negligence is going to be an obstacle to recovery. It is always best to have your claim evaluated by a qualified attorney in order to determine whether or not your act is going to prevent recovery.

In Virginia, you do have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit or you may permanently lose your ability to recover damages. These time limits are referred to as "statutes of limitations," and failure to meet the time limits established in these statutes may cause you to forever lose your ability to bring your claim, irrespective of the merits of your claim.

The statute of limitations will vary from state to state. Most people asserting personal injury claims arising from an accident in Virginia must file their lawsuits within two years of the date of an accident; however, there can be much shorter notice requirements for making claims against certain defendants.

Many variables and factors must be considered in order to determine the proper time limits for your case. Because every case is different and because the law is complex, we cannot advise you over the internet about the time limit that will apply to your case. In order to make sure that you comply with the time limits imposed by law, it is important for you to meet with Attorney Obenshain to obtain advice about the statute of limitation for your particular case.

Beware: Cashing or accepting a check from the other driver or from someone on his or her behalf, like an insurance carrier, could be viewed by the courts as a final settlement.

That could prevent you from seeking any further compensation in your case, even if complications later arise requiring further medical treatment. As a result, you should not accept a check or sign a release before consulting with an attorney.

Don't wait to get help. Contact our firm at (540) 318-7360 to schedule a free consultation today.