Candler, FL Personal Injury Law Firms & Lawyers

IN VIRGINIA you can only sue the driver who caused the accident unless you can prove that the owner was negligent in allowing the operator to use his vehicle. For example the owner was aware that the operator was intoxicated when he borrowed the vehicle.

Anonymous:  You, more than likely have 2 claims if you were in the course and scope of your job and your employer was not the at-fault driver.  You would have a worker's compensation claim and a claim against the at-fault driver and his employer.  Additionally, since this case involved automobiles, you will more likely be able to make a claim against your own car insurance company for no-fault (Personal Injury Protection) benefits.  You may have 2 different insurance companies that will immediately start to pay your medical bills- Your employer's worker's compensation and your personal injury protection benefits.  If you utilize your employer's benefits, they will send you to "their" doctor and he will examine and treat you.  However, they are usually very conservative and the doctor's may put you back to work when you feel you are not ready to go back.  If you utilize your own PIP insurance, you can see the doctor of your choice and they are a little more independent to correctly diagnose and treat you.  If you maintain both claims, your employer's work comp insurance will probably seek repayment of what they have paid from the recovery you receive from the third party.  It is critical that you consult a lawyer who is familiar with dealing with these issues to help you navigate these waters. Your case may require a lawyer to handle the worker's compensation issues and a lawyer to handle the claim against the at-fault party.   

As long as the individual was not tormenting or teasing the dog the owner or keeper of the dog can be held liable under CT's "dog bite" statute. In many instances these claims are covered under a homeowner's insurance policy. Call if you have further questions.