The attorneys at River Run Law recently settled a 7 figure case that went up to the cusp of trial. The case was mediated and settled for $1,025,000 and involved a client who was a passerby at an apartment complex when a roofing shingle flew off of the roof. After a complex investigation it was discovered that the apartment complex was having the roof repaired and it was alleged that the roofer failed to properly secure the shingles as they worked. The client's injuries included head injury, shoulder injury and a neck injury, all requiring extensive treatment. The client also suffered over a year of wage loss.
Richmond Injury and Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Passionate Advocates on Your Side
Suffering a serious injury can devastate your life. You need comprehensive medical care and the resources to keep you going until you can get back on your feet—and back to work. If someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions caused your accident, you deserve justice.
At River Run Law, we aggressively pursue justice and fair financial compensation for the wrongfully injured. We can assist you or a loved one with your personal injury or workers’ compensation claim, protecting your legal rights and holding the responsible party accountable for their actions.
You deserve to have a passionate advocate on your side. We service clients in Richmond, Virginia, and throughout the surrounding communities. When you don’t know where to turn for help, trust our experienced attorneys to get the job done for you.
Our boutique law practice leverages cutting-edge technology to provide a highly personalized level of service. We have built our practice on a foundation of trust, compassion, and responsive communication. With an extensive network of resources and a wealth of knowledge and experience behind us, we help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation for Richmond injury victims. When you trust us to handle your injury accident case, you never owe any legal fees until and unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact us now to learn more or to speak with one of our experienced Richmond, VA personal injury lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions for Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
A personal injury lawyer in Richmond can offer many advantages in your case, including:
Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf;
Protecting injury victims from settling for less than the claim is worth;
Preparing evidence that bolsters your claim;
Investigating the circumstances of your case; and
Communicating with the opposing party.
We will keep you informed about the progress of your case every step of the way. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Richmond, VA, gives you the best chance of securing the level of compensation that you deserve.
How Do I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond?
Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. Use this time to feel out the attorney and determine if you can work with them. During the initial consultation, you can discuss the facts of your case and determine whether you qualify to bring a lawsuit. After the consultation, you do not have to hire the attorney you met with. You can schedule more consultations with additional lawyers and make a decision later. Make sure you know who will be handling your case – an attorney or a paralegal.
How Much Should a Personal Injury Attorney in Richmond Charge?
At River Run Law, we do not collect a fee unless and until we secure a judgment or settlement in your favor. That means if you do not receive compensation, neither do we. We will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
If you are thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer, schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our Richmond personal injury attorneys at River Run Law.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Without a Lawyer?
Technically, you can file a personal injury claim without an attorney. However, that does not mean that you should. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in their field and have knowledge about these types of cases. Let us handle the complexities of the lawsuit while you focus on spending time with your family.
How Do I Select a Personal Injury Lawyer in Richmond, Virginia?
If you have started your search for a personal injury attorney in Richmond, VA, you have likely realized there are thousands of them. So how can you separate all the personal injury attorneys in Richmond? One way is through initial consultations, described above. Another way you can learn more about a personal injury lawyer is through their client testimonials. Client testimonials include reviews from former clients that hired the same attorney to represent them.
What our clients are saying about us
We knew our case was in good hands
"I was in a car accident that totaled my car and left me with significant medical bills. I wanted to file a lawsuit against the other driver. Casey came well recommended, and he took control of the whole process. He was very responsive and we were very happy with the settlement he obtained. He was attentive, easy to reach, and we knew our case was in good hands."
- J.T. | Car Accident, May 2021
Professionalism, Responsiveness
"I worked with Brooke Alexander who resolved my case with tremendous results. She took charge of my case and put me completely at ease. A great, friendly, professional attorney. I strongly recommend her services."
- Jessica | Slip and Fall, Jan. 2021
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"The River Run Law Firm team is truly professional, and a pleasure to work with! Casey is full of knowledge, very responsive, and brings a sense of ease to an intimidating circumstance. He is a trustful guide, whom you can rely on through the entire process. I cannot imagine going through this experience without him, and I would highly recommend to all!"
- Robin | Workers Compensation, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"I was working with another law firm prior to Brooke taking over my case. Brooke made me comfortable through out the whole process. Brooke did not know deep down inside I was a little worried with me not knowing too much about her. I’m going to be the first to say. Sometime you have to leap in on faith like I did. Brooke performed Outstanding work, she made me feel very comfortable and most of all she didn’t leave me feeling uncertain about any decision made. You guys are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! If I can give more than 5 stars I would have done it with NO hesitation."
- Christine | Car Accident, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Responsiveness
"Casey, and the team at River Run Law handled my case with the upmost professionalism. From start to finish they kept me up to date with where we were and what the next steps would be. I was never blindsided by anything. Couldn’t recommend them more highly!"
- Rodes | General Practice, Dec. 2020
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
"I wish it were more words to describe River Run Law & Attorney Casey Ariail ! Hands down ABSOLUTELY the best ! You feel like you’ve known him your whole life & he’s very easy to speak with . It wasn’t a time I felt in the dark about my case & any questions at any time I could call & actually get a response most of the time I call & if Mr. Casey Ariail didn’t answer the first time I always receive a return call within 15 to 30 minutes . I haven’t had a better experience with a Law Firm ! I’ll DEFINITELY be working with them for the years to come !"
- Chelse | Car Accident, Nov. 2020
River Run Law Blog
Learn more about the laws in the state of Virginia.
Five Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Dash Camera
Apr 10, 2023 | By Brooke Alexander | Read Time: 3minutes
If you are wondering, What is a dash cam used for? And should I get one? You have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss five reasons you should invest in a dash cam for your vehicle. However, before understanding why dashcams are a good idea, let the Richmond personal injury lawyers at River Run Law address some basics. If you have questions, please contact us online. What Is a Dash Cam? A dashboard camera, or dash cam as it is called for short, is a device that is mounted in your vehicle to allow you to record everything that occurs while you drive. Where Do You Mount a Dash Cam? As the name implies, a dash cam is typically mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard. However, it can be attached to almost anywhere in the interior or exterior of your car. Usually, the camera is mounted to the inside of your windshield or dashboard with a suction cup. How Does a Dash Cam Work? Dash cams work similarly to any camera or video recording device. Dashcams typically start recording once you start your car and will record on a loop. They are designed to continuously record, for the simple reason you generally do not have advanced warning of when something may occur and when to turn the camera on. Dash Cam Footage Saves Client THE CASE: Car Accident Settled Out of Court THE FACTS: Our client was in the right straight through lane of a major intersection. Her light was a green ball, as she continued out into the middle of the intersection, a van came from her right at a high rate of speed and t-boned her car. The other driver claimed she had the green light. This case would have spent months in litigation but not for a kind person who happened to have a Go-Pro/Dash Cam in his vehicle. He was stopped at the light when the other driver flew past him, ignored the red light and hit my client. He stayed at the scene and provided a copy of the video footage to the police and to my client. Despite being ticketed, the other driver continued to fight the charge and maintained to her insurance company she had the light. CASE RESULT: We may have even lost with the jury. But because there was actual video footage of the other driver, her red light and the crash, my client was able to resolve the matter out of court. Why Should I Get a Dash Cam? You might be wondering, I don’t drive for a living (e.g., I’m not an Uber driver, etc.), so why get a dash cam? Is it necessary? Here are five reasons you should invest in a dash camera. A dash cam is a silent witness to events that may unfold while driving. Because of its ability to capture what is happening in real-time, there are several benefits to investing in one. 1. Provide Evidence in the Event of a Car Accident Dashcams offer solid non-biased evidence of what occurred in real time before, during, and after an accident. Dashcams help eliminate accusatory points of view. The recordings can be used as evidence of injuries and damage during a wreck. 2. Protect Against Insurance Fraud Unfortunately, insurance fraud is prevalent in the United States and costs consumers over $300 billion annually. Sometimes it is as simple as an at-fault driver trying to shift blame to the victim to avoid liability. Other times, criminals engage in insurance fraud schemes intending to defraud. Dash cam footage can quickly quash their plan. 3. Prevent Theft or Vandalism of Your Car Many dash cams begin recording motion. A dash cam can catch thieves and vandals on camera should they approach your unattended vehicle. The mere sight of a camera may even deter them altogether. 4. Avoid Traffic Tickets Dashcams can do more than record what they see. Some are also equipped with night vision, speedometers, and GPS tracking. The information can be helpful if you are pulled over and believe the police officer may have made a mistake. Using dash cam footage can help your defense in traffic court. 5. Supervise Your Younger Driver Although this reason may not apply to everyone, if you are a parent to a new or young driver, a dash cam can allow you to see how your child is doing behind the wheel and give you peace of mind. Injured in an Accident? Contact a Richmond Personal Injury Lawyer Today If you were recently in an accident, contact River Run Law to schedule a consultation to review your dash cam footage. We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations. Where to find our Richmond office:
Contributory Negligence Law in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Feb 16, 2025 | By Casey Ariail | Read Time: 3minutes
When making a personal injury claim, many Virginia residents get surprised by the state’s contributory negligence rule. In most cases, this rule often prevents deserving victims from getting compensation for their injuries. Here is what you need to know about Virginia contributory negligence laws and how they work. If you have any questions, please contact the Richmond, Virginia personal injury lawyers at River Run Law online or call (804) 889-0500. What Is Contributory Negligence? Virginia follows a “pure” contributory negligence rule, meaning a plaintiff cannot recover damages if they are even 1% at fault for an accident. This strict rule bars any compensation if the plaintiff shares any responsibility, unlike comparative negligence states that allow partial recovery. Virginia’s contributory negligence law requires a defendant to be 100% at fault for an accident to be liable for damages. If the victim is even slightly at fault, they lose the right to compensation. Most states follow some form of either contributory or comparative negligence. However, these two doctrines differ significantly when it comes to personal injury cases. Based on the 1947 court case Baskett v. Banks, Virginia is a pure contributory negligence state. In that case, the Supreme Court of Virginia stated, “No person is entitled to recover from another for damages which have been occasioned by his [or her] own act or his own neglect.” This means that if the court finds the plaintiff even 1% responsible for their injuries, they may not receive compensation. So even the slightest bit of fault on the part of the injured party bars recovery of damages. Pure contributory negligence is a relatively rare and distinct doctrine found in only a handful of states. Unfortunately, this rule makes it incredibly difficult to win a personal injury case in Virginia without the help of a personal injury attorney. In contrast, other states follow a comparative negligence doctrine. This rule allows plaintiffs to recover compensation even if they share some fault in their injury. Instead of completely barring the plaintiff, most states just reduce their award by a percentage of the injured party’s fault. Examples of Contributory Negligence There are a few different ways that the Virginia contributory negligence law may play out depending on the circumstances. Here are a few situations where contributory negligence in Virginia may bar compensation: While the defendant may be mostly responsible in these above scenarios, Virginia contributory negligence law still applies. This means that any of these victims may be barred from compensation due to their small share of negligence. A good example of Virginia’s negligence laws in action is the 1962 case, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. v. Rosenberger. In this case, a woman slipped on a puddle of blue liquid starch on the floor in a grocery store. While this may seem like the store’s fault, the Supreme Court of Virginia decided to hold the woman responsible since she didn’t see the starch against the white floor; the store was “not required to warn” the customer of a “dangerous condition that was open and plainly visible to a person reasonably alert for [their] own safety.” While this may seem harsh, it’s the reality of personal injury cases in Virginia. Understand how Virginia contributory negligence law impacts your case. Call (804) 889-0500 for a free consultation. Questions About Virginia Negligence Law? Contact Us Today If you sustained an injury in Virginia, don’t count on the defendant’s insurance company to be empathetic. At River Run Law, our Richmond, Virginia personal injury lawyers know that fighting a personal injury claim on your own may be taxing, especially during recovery. Our goal is to advocate for your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We manage every aspect of your case—from gathering evidence to negotiations—so you can focus on recovery. To schedule a 100% free initial case consultation, give us a call at (804) 889-0500 or contact us online. We welcome clients throughout the state of Virginia to our office in Richmond.
Dog Bite Settlements Explained: What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement?
Feb 16, 2025 | By Brooke Alexander | Read Time: 7minutes
Dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but it may be hard to think of a dog the same way after suffering a dog bite. Dog attacks happen more often than you may think and can cause significant physical injuries and emotional trauma. If you sustained injuries from a dog bite, you might be able to recover compensation from the dog owner. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), in 2022 the average payout for a dog bite lawsuit in Virginia was $64,555 While there is no “average” dog bite settlement, a personal injury attorney reviews the facts of your case to determine typical dog bite settlement amounts for your situation. If you or a loved one has sustained a dog bite injury in the Richmond area, a Virginia dog bite lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact the team at River Run Law to get started today. What Laws Govern Dog Bite Settlements in Virginia? Virginia follows the “one-bite rule” for dog bite injury settlements. Different from strict liability cases, the one-bite rule requires a victim to show the following: The one-bite rule does not require a victim to prove that the dog had a history of violence. Instead, the one-bite rule requires a victim to show the dog possessed a propensity for violent behavior, which created a duty for the owner to use ordinary care to protect others from their animal. After suffering a traumatic dog bite, obtaining favorable dog bite settlements requires the professional legal knowledge of a personal injury attorney. What Are the Legal Responsibilities of an Owner of a Dangerous Dog? Virginia law places requirements on people who own dangerous dogs. If the owner of a dangerous dog fails to implement these requirements and their dog attacks someone, an attorney uses this information to negotiate for larger dog bite injury settlements. An owner of a dangerous dog in Virginia must undertake the following actions: In Virginia, the meaning of a “dangerous dog” is a dog that has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury upon a person or another pet. If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Virginia, we invite you to call our attorneys at (804) 889-0500. What Defenses May Affect Dog Bite Settlement? Both insurance companies and the dog owner will attempt to assert a defense to your dog bite lawsuit. While one may claim many defenses, the most common defenses asserted include provocation, assumption of risk, contributory negligence, and lack of knowledge. Provocation A dog owner might claim that you teased, taunted, or threw objects at the dog, thereby provoking the attack. Whether or not evidence of provocation exists, your attorney will work to counter these defenses with proof of the dog’s dangerous disposition. Assumption of Risk The dog owner may assert that the victim knew of the dog’s violent tendencies and voluntarily chose to be around the animal. Contributory Negligence Virginia law follows a contributory negligence rule for recovery in personal injury lawsuits. Contributory negligence provides that even if a person is found to be 1% to blame for their own injuries, they are barred from recovering any damages in their personal injury lawsuit. Therefore, if dog owners claim that the victim was partly responsible for the attack, it can substantially affect personal injury dog bite settlements. Dangers Not Known to Owner A dog owner might assert this defense if a dog acted in a manner unusual for the dog. For example, let’s presume a dog owner knows that their dog is only dangerous when not at home. However, the dog bite occurred on the dog owner’s property, an area where the dog had never been dangerous or territorial before. In this situation, the dog owner may assert that they did not know the dog’s dangerous behavior when on their private property. These defenses may affect the outcome of personal injury dog bite settlements. However, a good personal injury attorney anticipates possible defenses to avoid any delays in reaching dog bite case settlements. How is Compensation Determined in a Typical Dog Bite Settlement? Personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite cases, can award economic damages and non-economic damages as compensation to victims. Economic damages represent tangible and quantifiable losses. These damages may be calculated with certainty and include the following: Evidence supporting your claim for economic damages may be shown through receipts, invoices, pay stubs, and tax returns. Non-economic damages represent intangible and subjective losses. Because these damages vary significantly from one case to the next, non-economic damages may be the biggest factor affecting dog bite lawsuit settlements. Non-economic damages include things like: In certain situations, it may also be possible to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded when a defendant’s conduct shows reckless disregard for the well-being of others. A court may award punitive damages to deter similar behavior in the future. Virginia caps punitive damages at $350,000. Because circumstances vary so much from case to case, average dog bite settlement amounts don’t exist. However, a personal injury attorney evaluates the facts of each case to determine a range for dog bite injury settlements accurately. Level 1 dog bite settlement Compensation for dog bites varies depending on factors like severity. Generally, level 1 dog bites may not result in compensation, whereas more severe bites, such as level 4 or 5, could lead to settlements ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars. What does a level 4 dog bite settlement look like? Level 4 dog bite settlements typically range from $125,000 to $512,000, based on case specifics. The average settlement is approximately $65,000, varying with injury severity and jurisdictional laws. What does a level 5 dog bite settlement look like? In level 5 dog bite settlements, compensation typically ranges from $1,500,000 to $7,250,000. However, each case varies based on individual circumstances, making precise averages challenging to determine. Injured by a Dog? Pursue Your Dog Bite Settlement with River Run Law If you suffered a dog bite due to a neglectful dog owner in the Richmond, […]
Virginia Car Insurance Laws: Do You Need Car Insurance?
Feb 16, 2025 | By Brooke Alexander | Read Time: 5minutes
Do you need car insurance in Virginia? Yes, Virginia requires car insurance to register a vehicle. This is mandated by Virginia’s Financial Responsibility Law, Virginia Code § 46.2-706. If there is a termination or cancellation of the policy, the driver must either reinsure the vehicle, deactivate the license plates, or surrender their license plates to the DMV. Any uninsured driver faces severe penalties and you will be personally liable if you are involved in an accident. If you get hurt in a car accident, the bigger concern will be who is the at-fault party. You could recover compensation for your injuries, lost income, pain and suffering, and more through an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. An experienced Virginia car accident lawyer from River Run Law can help you get the justice you deserve and maximize your financial compensation. Contact us online or call us at (804) 889-0500 today to get started. We offer free consultations. DO YOU HAVE TO COMPLY WITH VIRGINIA’S CAR INSURANCE LAWS? Virginia car insurance laws dictate that drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. Before you can purchase license plates or register the vehicle, you must show proof that the vehicle meets the Virginia auto insurance requirements. WHAT IS SENATE BILL 951? Historically, Virginia was unique in its approach to auto liability insurance. Previously, drivers in Virginia were not mandated to carry auto liability insurance but had the option to pay an annual uninsured motor vehicle fee (UMV) of $500. This fee allowed drivers to legally operate a vehicle without traditional insurance, though it provided no financial protection in case of an accident. Senate Bill 951, effective July 1, 2024, mandates that all drivers carry a minimum level of auto liability insurance, eliminating the option to pay the UMV fee alone. WHAT ARE THE PRE-2025 MINIMUM CAR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS IN VIRGINIA? Virginia’s minimum car insurance requirements offer basic protection on the road. Here’s a quick overview of the minimum car insurance requirements in Virginia until the new law goes into effect: While these minimums meet legal requirements, carrying more than the minimum coverage offers additional protection. Higher coverage limits help cover more substantial medical expenses and property damage, reducing out-of-pocket costs if you’re at fault in a serious accident. For a free confidential review of your personal injury case, fill out the form below or call (804) 889-0500. CHANGES TO CAR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS IN 2025 Starting January 1, 2025, Virginia will update its car insurance requirements in an effort to enhance road safety and better protect drivers. The following new minimum insurance standards include the following: These changes aim to address the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs, ensuring that all Virginia drivers possess sufficient coverage in case of serious accidents. Raising the minimum coverage limits may reduce the financial strain on individuals involved in accidents and promote greater financial responsibility among drivers. HOW WILL VIRGINIA STATUTE 46.2-706 AFFECT YOU? The newly revised Virginia Statute 46.2-706 affects car insurance requirements by requiring proof of insurance during vehicle registration and inspections. As a driver, you must prove that you carry at least the minimum liability coverage, ensuring financial protection in case of accidents. The statute also reinforces the importance of uninsured motorist coverage. If you suffer injuries or other damages in an accident with an uninsured driver, this coverage compensates you for these losses. While you may want to save on premiums, opting for adequate coverage is crucial. The revisions streamline the insurance company reporting process, making it easier for you to verify your insurance status. This transparency helps lower costs and reduces fraud. WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE SATISFIES THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW IN VIRGINIA? Virginia’s Financial Responsibility Law (Virginia Code § 46.2-706) requires that all vehicles registered in Virginia must have liability insurance. The policy must be issued by an insurance company licensed to operate in Virginia and must remain active as long as the vehicle is registered, even if it is not in use. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T HAVE CAR INSURANCE IN VIRGINIA? In Virginia, driving without insurance carries significant consequences. You face several penalties if you’re caught driving without valid auto liability insurance. Lacking insurance exposes you to financial and legal risks and jeopardizes your ability to drive legally and affordably. All uninsured drivers must pay a $600 non-compliance fee and may also be required to pay a reinstatement fee. Additionally, you must file the SR-22 Proof of Insurance and Financial Liability form for a three-year period to prove valid coverage. The SR-22 proof of insurance is a certification required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to serious traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or other repeated traffic offenses. The SR-22 form acts as proof that you carry the state’s minimum required auto liability insurance and is required by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a specified period. Failure to maintain SR-22 coverage can further suspend your license and result in additional penalties. If you cause or contribute to a motor vehicle collision while driving without insurance in Virginia, you are personally liable for any damages that result. The victims can sue you for damages, and if they prevail, you could face having a judgment entered against you. This judgment can significantly affect your credit score and lead to liens, wage garnishments, and bank levies. If you have been involved in a car accident in Virginia, we invite you to call our attorneys at (804) 889-0500. WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF CAR INSURANCE IN VIRGINIA Understanding car insurance costs in Virginia helps a driver budget and make informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of average costs: Investing in adequate coverage provides better financial protection and peace of mind than just meeting minimum requirements. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT VIRGINIA CAR ACCIDENT LAWS? CONTACT US If you suffered injuries in a Virginia car accident, reach out to the experienced Virginia auto accident attorneys of River Run Law as quickly as possible. We […]