By Attorneys Charles James Williams III & Kimberly Raab
Every Case Is Different
When someone is injured in an accident, the stress of medical bills, lost income, and pain can make the idea of a personal injury settlement feel like a lifeline. Understandably, many clients want certainty — they want to know exactly how much money they’ll receive and when. But here’s the truth: No attorney can ethically guarantee a specific dollar amount in a personal injury case.
Why? Because every case is unique. Factors like the accident’s location, severity of injuries, insurance policy limits, and the specific details of liability all influence the outcome. What worked for someone else won’t necessarily work for you.
Attorney Kimberly Raab explains, “The moment a lawyer tells you a guaranteed number, they’re putting their interests ahead of yours. It’s a red flag. Personal injury law is complex, and promising a set figure oversimplifies your case — and your potential risks.”
Meet Your Attorneys: Charles James Williams III & Kimberly Raab
At Burnett & Williams, P.C., you’re represented by two highly skilled attorneys with decades of experience in personal injury law:
- Charles James Williams III specializes in complex personal injury litigation, including auto accidents, workplace injuries, and wrongful death claims. Known for his thorough case preparation and aggressive negotiation style, Charles fights tirelessly to maximize his clients’ compensation.
- Kimberly Raab brings a compassionate, client-focused approach to every case. She specializes in injury claims involving soft tissue injuries, insurance disputes, and mediation. Kimberly is deeply committed to honest communication and ensuring her clients understand every step of the process.
Together, Charles and Kimberly combine their expertise to provide comprehensive legal support, backed by a dedicated team of paralegals who manage the details from intake to resolution.
What a Good Attorney Can Do
At Burnett & Williams, P.C., we never promise a specific dollar amount. Instead, we promise something far more valuable: honesty, dedication, and a clear strategy.
Here’s what we guarantee every client:
- Honest case assessments: We carefully evaluate your injury, medical records, liability, and insurance coverage to give you a realistic picture of your claim’s value.
- Strategic planning and negotiation: We build a strong case from day one, gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, and negotiating firmly with insurance companies.
- Transparent communication: You’ll always know what’s happening with your case, including strengths, challenges, and next steps.
- A full commitment: We fight hard on your behalf, whether settling or litigating, and never stop pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Charles James Williams III puts it this way: “What we guarantee is effort, strategy, and transparency. While we can’t guarantee money, we guarantee we’ll do everything possible to maximize your recovery.”
Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Law
One major reason why personal injury outcomes are so unpredictable in Virginia is the state’s contributory negligence rule. Under Virginia law, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for your injury, you may be completely barred from recovering any compensation.
This strict rule is very different from other states where fault may be shared and damages reduced proportionally. In Virginia, even a tiny percentage of fault can mean zero settlement — no matter how severe your injuries or losses.
This legal reality makes any guarantee of settlement amounts risky and irresponsible. It also emphasizes why honest, upfront legal advice is critical.
Warning Signs of Unethical Promises
Unfortunately, we see some attorneys — or even online advertisements — that make unrealistic or unethical promises. Be cautious if you encounter any lawyer who:
- Gives you a dollar figure at the first meeting without reviewing your case in detail
- Ignores fault or defense issues and paints an overly rosy picture
- Claims “we always get big checks” without explaining the context or exceptions
- Pushes you to sign quickly with inflated expectations or high-pressure tactics
Such promises often lead to disappointment, lost time, or even financial harm if you accept a low settlement without fully understanding your rights.
What We Tell Our Clients Instead
At Burnett & Williams, P.C., we believe in empowering you with knowledge so you can make the best decisions for your future.
We’ll always explain:
- What cases like yours have settled for — and why: We review recent, relevant cases to help you understand typical settlement ranges, but emphasize each case is different.
- How insurance policies, medical treatment, and evidence affect your claim’s value: The insurance limits, the quality and consistency of your medical records, and the strength of liability all matter.
- What you can do to help strengthen your case: Following medical advice, documenting your injury, and communicating honestly with your legal team all improve your chances of success.
We want you to be informed — not misled.
Transparency Builds Trust — and Better Outcomes
Our law firm has been proudly serving injured clients in Richmond, Chesterfield, Petersburg, and surrounding areas for decades. We’ve helped hundreds of people recover compensation through hard work, clear communication, and honest advice.
At Burnett & Williams, P.C., we assign every case to a dedicated paralegal — like Alexa, David, or Kristina — who manages your file from start to finish. This structure means you have a consistent point of contact who keeps you updated and handles all the details, so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
Meanwhile, Attorneys Charles James Williams III and Kimberly Raab oversee every case personally, bringing their extensive trial experience and negotiation skills to bear on your behalf.
Our team approach ensures:
- You get a full, detailed evaluation of your case’s value
- You receive timely updates and clear answers
- Your claim is aggressively and ethically pursued
- You avoid common mistakes that online “legal advice” can lead to
The Importance of Legal Guidance Over Google Searches
After an injury, many people first turn to Google for answers. While the internet can be a helpful resource, it can also be a trap.
Searching phrases like:
- “Do I really need a lawyer?”
- “Average settlement for car accident in Virginia”
- “How to handle my own injury claim”
can lead to misinformation. Generic national advice often doesn’t apply to Virginia’s unique laws, such as contributory negligence, and online forums rarely capture the complexities of medical evidence or negotiation tactics.
Attorneys Charles James Williams III and Kimberly Raab emphasize: “Google is NOT your lawyer. What you need is personalized advice tailored to your situation — from a legal team that understands Virginia law inside and out.”
What You Should Do Next
If you’ve been injured in Richmond, Chesterfield, or nearby areas, your best next step isn’t to search online endlessly — it’s to talk to a trusted attorney and legal team who can evaluate your case honestly and help you make informed choices.
At Burnett & Williams, P.C., we offer:
- Free, no-pressure consultations to assess your claim
- Experienced guidance through Virginia’s strict legal environment
- A dedicated team working hard for your maximum recovery
Remember, no attorney can promise a guaranteed settlement — but you can count on us for honesty, strategy, and a relentless commitment to your case.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let misleading promises or internet myths cost you time or money. Call Burnett & Williams, P.C. today and get the honest legal help you deserve.
Call (804)-794-0080 for a FREE consultation
Visit us in Richmond or Chesterfield
Contact us online at www.burnettwilliams.com
By Attorneys Charles James Williams III & Kimberly Raab
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Committed to Richmond & Chesterfield Communities.
