Personal injury law is a body of statutes and case decisions that determine legal liability for physical and mental injuries received in an accident. It covers injuries received in car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall premises liability cases, injuries from defective products, and other types of accidents.
Each state establishes its own personal injury rules. In Virginia, personal injury liability generally is based on fault. A person who negligently injures another individual is legally responsible for compensating the injured victim. In practice, compensation is usually paid by an insurance company representing the at-fault person.
