Negligence in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is a nationwide problem. Unfortunately, cases of elder abuse are reported far less often than they should be. According to the National Council on Aging, up to five million elderly are abused every year in the United States, with only around 1 in 24 cases potentially reported. The reasons for not reporting abuse range from fear and the inability to communicate to lack of support and isolation. Read on to learn more about why fewer cases of elder abuse are reported.  1. Fear of Retaliation One of the primary reasons seniors hesitat ..read more

Navigating the complexities of elder abuse laws in Virginia, one frequently asked question arises: is there a statute of limitations on elder abuse? This question is crucial for families and individuals considering legal action against nursing home negligence. Yes, there is a nursing home negligence statute of limitations—typically two years from the date of injury. However, some exceptions exist, which can complicate knowing when to file.  With its unwavering commitment to elder rights, The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, PLLC, can help victims and their families understand the statute o ..read more

Virginia recorded 122,434 car accidents in 2022, a 3.3% increase from 2021. Someone suffered an injury in at least 37,550 of those collisions. Some accidents result in life-threatening injuries, while others cause minor injuries and property damage. In many cases, the injuries sustained in a car accident are visible and apparent immediately following the collision. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, an accident victim does not discover the extent of their injuries until some time has passed. If you do not realize you suffered an injury until several weeks after your car accident ..read more

If someone else is driving your car and is in a car accident, you may want to know if your losses will still be covered as if you were driving. In Virginia, the person who causes an accident is liable for the subsequent damages. If the person driving your car was at fault, your car insurance will likely pay for losses from that accident, subject to some exceptions. The driver’s insurance coverage can come into play if the losses exceed the limits of your insurance coverage. Lending your car to someone is always a risk, but sometimes it is unavoidable. If you want to understand the implications ..read more

Virginia Beach attracts millions of tourists yearly, and many utilize rental cars while enjoying the beaches, culinary scene, and tourist attractions. Rental cars provide freedom of mobility to many tourists while they travel, as well as residents whose car may be undergoing repair or is otherwise unavailable for some time. So what happens if you are injured in an accident while driving a rental car? Or who is responsible if you are hit by someone driving a retinal car? These are valid questions. The party ultimately accountable for reimbursing damages and injuries will depend on who is at fau ..read more

Smartphones have become essential to our everyday lives. These indispensable tools have revolutionized communication, work, and entertainment. However, though smartphones make our lives easier, they also present significant risks, particularly when driving. In fact, smartphone use on the road has proven deadly, leading to rising road accidents and deaths throughout the U.S.  The correlation between smartphones and distracted driving is among our nation’s weightiest concerns. Please keep reading to explore how smartphone use while driving can be distracting and to learn more about rules an ..read more

Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is a vital safety net for people in accidents involving a motorist who either lacks motor vehicle insurance or does not have enough coverage to address the resulting damages. Virginia has always exercised safeguards for people in accidents with uninsured drivers. However, a recent Virginia law abolishes UIM credit, further enhancing compensation opportunities for individuals sustaining injuries in car accidents. Keep reading to learn more about Virginia’s new uninsured motorist laws and the steps you can take to mitigate your financial burden in an uninsure ..read more

The consequences of texting while driving extend beyond legal penalties and into human suffering and emotional distress. The dangers of texting and driving are far-reaching. Severe and often life-changing legal penalties alone should be a strong disincentive. But factor in the human suffering, economic blowback, and emotional distress a crash can cause, and the consequences of texting while driving are too significant to ignore. The message should be clear: no text is worth the risk. Keeping Virginia’s streets safe is a shared responsibility. One that begins with putting the phone down, ignori ..read more

Social media platforms are now a part of society’s fabric. These networks—from Facebook and Instagram to X and TikTok—allow people to share updates about their lives. But what happens when legal matters blur the line between personal and public interest? Specifically, have you ever wondered, “Can social media affect my personal injury claim?”  The answer is unequivocally yes. While these platforms have merits, they also have downsides that can seriously jeopardize your case. Read on to learn more about how social media can be an asset and a liability in personal injury law. What Are the P ..read more

You try your best to be a responsible and cautious driver. You obey all the traffic laws and abstain from bad habits that would impair your driving ability. But sometimes accidents happen when you least expect it.  After reviewing the evidence, you may feel it was the other driver’s fault. You may be entitled to compensation if another party negligently caused you to be injured in a car accident. So, normally, you begin the process of getting compensated by filing a personal injury claim for the accident. But once you file a claim, the insurance company starts to investigate your driving ..read more