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Medical Malpractice
The Garver Law Offices, P.C. concentrates a significant portion of its practice in the field of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is merely medical negligence, that is a health care provider acting below the standard of care when providing services to you or member of your family, or failing to act to provide that standard level of care.
Doctors and other health care providers that are negligent are normally honest, well meaning and hard working professionals who made a mistake in providing your care. That a physician acts negligently in a given case does not mean that the physician is a criminal or even a bad doctor. In fact, often malpractice is committed by good doctors that make a mistake, just like automobile collisions are often caused by good drivers who make a mistake. Our system of justice provides that when another person makes a mistake ... or is negligent and that negligence causes you harm, you as the victim are entitled to recover from the person at fault, the negligent health care professional.
If you have been injured by the fault of another, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Often, the full extent of your injuries from an automobile accident is not apparent for months. If you do not protect your interests at the outset, you may lose valuable evidence, waive rights, and hinder your ability to recover damages you have incurred.
With our experience, we will help you receive reimbursement of medical bills and lost income, and negotiate the best settlement possible for you. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we have extensive experience litigating cases in court.
The Garver Law Offices, P.C. will guide you from the start to the best result possible.
We provide an initial consultation free of charge.
You pay legal fees* only when you recover.*Legal fees are attorneys fees. Costs and expenses are the Client’s responsibility regardless of outcome of the case, though often they are paid from the settlement.
Death Cases
If a loved one has lost his or her life as a result of the negligent or intentional acts of another, or by their failure to act, you may be able to recover pursuant to the Virginia Wrongful Death Act.
Other states have similar means of recovery for wrongful death, though the statutes vary in each state.
At common law, that is our law which evolved from England, there was no claim for wrongful death. However, today all states have some statute which permits recovery. In most states, as in Virginia, a class of people (family) is identified as having the right to recover for the loss of a loved one.
If you are unfortunate enough to have had the life of a loved one taken by the negligent acts or omissions of others, be it from an automobile collision, medical malpractice or other tortuous conduct, the lawyers at Garver Law Offices, P.C. will try to help you obtain the maximum recovery possible under the appropriate wrongful death act.
When a family matter arises, it is important to understand the rights of all parties involved and to obtain competent representation in order to work toward the best resolution of the matter. We also offer mediation services to help you and your spouse reach an agreement fair to both of you under the circumstances and which best provides for your family members. Contact Garver Law Offices, P.C. for an appointment today. We provide half hour initial consultations free of charge.
Matters involving family issues are among the most difficult for Courts to handle, involve great emotion, and yet are among the most important functions provided by the Court system. When a spouse appears unfaithful or deserts the family, or when a husband and wife otherwise have reached the point they can no longer live together, many issues need to be resolved. Property needs to be divided, child support and spousal support are significant and long term issues, insurance, medical and dental care, taxes and debts are all in issue. Children cannot be split down the middle, but the Court needs to rule on custody and visitation. Both parents living separately can’t have the children for the same holidays when in different states or countries. Parents that cannot reconcile their differences with each other seldom reach full agreement on issues involving the children. Despite parents differences, studies show, children generally thrive best (when the parents are separated) when both parents take an active role in the children’s lives and participate in education, health, extra-curricular activities and other significant child rearing issues. Parents should try to work together for the best interests of the children.
Love and hate are both strange emotions and it often becomes difficult for one or both parties to act rationally for the best interests of the family when the family is broken apart. Mediation is a way you and your spouse may be able to resolve your differences in a manner less confrontational than litigation. The Court never knows as much about your circumstances and needs as you do. Parties who are able to mediate their family dispute are often more likely to be able to work together in the future for children’s best interest than those parties who take positions during litigation that are threatening to each other.
Other times you may be called to Court because of a "crime" by a juvenile, by intra-family violence or by crimes committed upon juveniles. Seldom do we feel threatened as much as when our family is threatened.
The firm has extensive experience representing individuals in criminal and traffic matters, including driving while intoxicated.
If stopped by a law enforcement officer for a traffic infraction you should be polite and speak with the officer. However, you are not required to admit to any infraction or crime. You need not offer any explanation; but you must provide your driver’s license or identification and, if operating a motor vehicle, your registration.
When arrested for any offense you have the right to an attorney and the right to be protected from self-incrimination. You should cooperate with your identification but not discuss anything further with law enforcement officers or others until you have an opportunity to consult with an attorney. A statement given orally or in writing may be used against you. There may be defenses to your criminal charges which you do not understand. Even statements which do not admit a crime may help prove the crime unbeknownst to you. When questioned by law enforcement you should merely indicate your desire to have the advice of counsel. Do not sign any waivers of your Miranda or other rights. Do not agree to searches otherwise requiring a search warrant without consulting an attorney.
If you are stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants you may be required to take a breath test, a blood test or both. Your refusal to take such tests may result in the loss of your license, though no other criminal penalty. The Supreme Court of Virginia has determined that you may not refuse to take the tests because you want to talk to an attorney first. However, you have no requirement to take dexterity tests such as walking a straight line, touching your nose, standing on one leg, counting or reciting the alphabet.
If you can’t afford an attorney and you qualify under guidelines established by the court you may be eligible for court appointed counsel.
11702 Bowman Green Drive, P.O. BOX 2430 Reston, Virginia 20195-2430 | toll free 800.440.8605 | tel 703.471.1090 | fax 703.471.1095
copyright, 2000 Garver Law Offices, P.C.
