On July 1, 2021 Virginia’s jurisdictional limit for personal injury cases filed in General District Court will increase from $25,000 to $50,000.

The General Assembly’s amendment to Virginia Code Sections 8.01-195.4, 16.1-77, and 16.1-107 will create the option for personal injury victims with damages between $25,000 and $50,000 to file their case in either General District Court or Circuit Court. It is crucial for personal injury victims to understand the implications of filing in each court, as there are several important procedural differences that can impact the outcome of a personal injury case.

Plaintiffs will need to consider many factors before filing suit, including how quickly they want a trial, the type and extent of discovery that will be required, and whether demanding a jury trial will increase their likelihood of success. Experienced attorneys can help a personal injury victim consider all relevant factors when determining which court best suits their unique case and guide them to a decision that will set them up to recover the maximum amount possible.