Personal Injury Lawyer Morgantown, WV

Personal injury cases can be complicated. This is why it is so important to have an experienced Morgantown, WV personal injury lawyer from Hayhurst Law PLLC on your side every step of the way. We will do our best to not only win your case for you, but also get the maximum amount of compensation possible. There are many different techniques that our lawyers will use to do so. Even if you feel that your case is simple and straightforward, it is always a good idea to have someone who is experienced in personal injury law there to help.

Gaining Maximum Compensation

You may realize that you have extensive hospital bills that need to be paid, but have you ever thought about what the future holds because of the accident that you were involved in? You may have many future medical bills ahead of you to pay. You should also seek compensation for any property damages that occurred in the accident. For example, if you were in a car accident, repairs to your vehicle will likely be needed. The at-fault party should pay for your car to be fixed to the condition that it was in before the accident occurred. If this cannot be done, the at-fault party needs to replace your vehicle altogether. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to argue this.

Finally, you may need to miss work in order to heal. You may not be able to physically perform the duties that are required at your workplace. If this is the case, you may be able to file for lost wages due to missed work. This will include your past wages, but a good personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, WV from Hayhurst Law will know how to calculate future potential damages you may miss out on. If you are unable to ever go back to your same job, there may be compensation you can get from that.

Winning Your Case

An experienced personal injury lawyer knows that it will take work to win your case. He or she will be with you every step of the way and know whether or not a settlement that is offered to you is fair. Your lawyer will be able to come up with good arguments to use in court and may even know the judge who is presiding over your case to determine what the best points to make will be.

West Virginia Personal Injury Laws

Navigating The Intricacies Of West Virginia Personal Injury Law

Navigating through the complex web of personal injury law can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with the pain and stress following an injury. In West Virginia, understanding the particular statutes and provisions that govern personal injury claims is pivotal for anyone seeking justice and compensation. The legal framework establishes clear guidelines on how victims can pursue their claims and what they should expect throughout the process.

Crucial Timeframes In Filing A Claim

One of the pivotal aspects of personal injury law in West Virginia revolves around the statute of limitations. Generally, the law affords victims two years from the date of the injury to initiate a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The significance of this timeframe cannot be overstated, as failure to adhere to it may permanently foreclose the opportunity to seek legal redress. As such, promptly consulting a West Virginia personal injury lawyer immediately following an injury ensures that your claim is filed within the permissible window and enhances the chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Delving Into Comparative Fault

The concept of comparative fault plays a significant role within the realm of personal injury law in West Virginia. Essentially, this principle takes into account the extent to which each party is at fault for the injury and adjusts compensation accordingly. In a scenario where the injured party is found to be partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced by a percentage equivalent to their level of responsibility. For instance, if you are deemed 20% responsible for an accident, your potential compensation will be reduced by 20%. This underscores the need for adept legal representation to meticulously argue the case and minimize any assertions of contributory negligence.

Strict Liability And Product Defects

In instances involving defective products that cause injury, West Virginia adheres to a strict liability framework. This essentially means that manufacturers can be held liable for injuries resulting from their products, even in the absence of negligence on their part. A West Virginia personal injury lawyer is instrumental in navigating these complex cases, ensuring that the liability is appropriately established and that victims are adequately compensated for their pain, suffering, and related damages.

5 Frequently Asked Questions for a Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer deals with an assortment of clients and situations, so it’s only natural that he or she often fields the same questions over and over again. Here are the five most frequently asked questions in this field, along with explanations of why you should hire a personal injury lawyer instead of going it alone or dealing with the insurance company directly.

• What happens if my injuries turn out to be minor?

Many people worry about running up legal fees when their injuries turn out to be minor. A good personal injury lawyer will set his or her rates based on how complicated your case is, which means that if your injuries are minor, you won’t have to pay an arm and a leg for services (no pun intended!). However, if your injuries turn out to be severe, you may end up paying more. Regardless of whether or not your injuries are serious in nature, however, it’s important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible so that they can make sure that other parties involved in causing your injury or damages are held responsible financially.

• Should I still hire a lawyer?

While any injury lawyer should be able to provide you with information about your legal rights and options, there are lots of things that can only be discovered during a personal consultation. Getting in touch with an experienced attorney who will listen to your situation without prejudice is important. If he or she can’t give you all of the facts in person, they should have someone on staff (or recommended) who can help walk you through it over the phone or via email. You shouldn’t rely on web-based FAQs alone — it’s not enough just to know what law says; you need someone who knows how judges and juries think as well.

• How much will this cost me?

You may be wondering how much it will cost to hire an attorney. That’s one of the most common questions people ask after being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick answer to your question because every injury case is different The only way to get a reliable estimate is by talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer and explaining your case in detail. You should set up a consultation for both sides to understand what your case will entail.

• Can I get my lawyer to call insurance companies on my behalf?

When you hire an attorney, your attorney is legally bound to represent your interests. While you may be accustomed to negotiating directly with insurance companies after an accident or injury, that’s not how it works when you have legal representation. If anything, hiring a lawyer can make it more difficult to work directly with insurance companies because they will likely direct their questions and concerns to your lawyer rather than you. That said, if there are certain things that require immediate attention — such as medical care — then a lawyer may be able to step in on your behalf until other issues are sorted out. It might also be helpful for you and your attorney to negotiate certain aspects of your claim together while he or she is still available should questions arise down the road.

• What should I expect from my case evaluation with an attorney?

An attorney evaluation is one of many steps in filing a personal injury claim. When you choose to take legal action, it’s in your best interest to get answers to any questions or concerns that arise as quickly as possible. The process may seem daunting at first, but an attorney evaluation can help you learn more about how filing a claim works and give you time to think about what you want out of your case. For example, some potential clients are surprised when they see just how many hours are put into cases like theirs. If you aren’t sure if you have a valid case, ask your lawyer about discovery: discovery is another important part of personal injury cases and occurs before trial when both sides exchange evidence with each other.

Morgantown Personal Injury Infographic

Morgantown Personal Injury Law Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, just under 95 percent of personal injury lawsuits settle before they go to trial. This statistic shows that most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement rather than through a trial. There are several reasons for this, including the high cost of litigation, the uncertainty of trial outcomes, and the desire to avoid the emotional toll of a trial.

This is just one more reason why you should have a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer representing you. Call our office to find out what type of legal options you may have for the injuries you have suffered. We will negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair and just settlement, but will not hesitate to pursue litigation if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith.

Morgantown Personal Injury FAQs

What Is a Personal Injury Case?

A personal injury case can result when you’ve been physically or psychologically injured from someone else’s negligence. For example, if another driver was speeding and hit your vehicle and you suffered injuries because of it, you have a personal injury case. Other types of personal injury cases include slip and fall accidents, defective products, medical malpractice and dog bites.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case?

In West Virginia, the statute of limitations to pursue a personal injury claim is two years. Once that deadline is up, you no longer have the right to compensation. As such, you should discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer in Morgantown, WV as soon as possible.

What is a Premises Liability Claim?

A premises liability claim is a catch-all term for a certain type of personal injury case. Specifically, a premises liability claim refers to any kind of injury you sustained while on (or interacting with) someone else’s property. A property owner is responsible for any injuries that occurred when you were on their property, and a premises liability claim holds them accountable for their negligence and/or failure to keep you safe.

Can I Really File a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite?

Yes, definitely. However, it’s worth noting that you’re suing the dog owner and not the dog itself. A dog is someone’s property, and if that dog bites you, it means you were injured because of their property as well. Their failure to keep their dog on a leash (or their failure to inform you that their dog was aggressive) can be argued as negligence, and it’s in your best interest to get in touch with a Morgantown personal injury lawyer to make things right.

What is a Slip and Fall?

Pretty much exactly what it sounds like, slip and falls are any time you experience an injury because of a slip, trip, tumble, or fall. Slip and falls aren’t spectacular, gory accidents, but they can cause plenty of health problems over time – and they’re oftentimes unreported until it’s too late because they’re a bit embarrassing. However, slip and fall injuries are oftentimes traced back to a certain party’s negligence (for example, failing to put up a “wet floor” sign). All the more reason to lawyer up so you can be properly compensated.

What Should I Do About Workplace Accidents?

Workplace accidents happen. But they’re not all grounds for a lawsuit. If you were injured in a workplace accident, chances are you can rely on workers’ comp to get the money you need to keep yourself afloat during medical treatment, but if your employer is refusing you workers’ compensation, you could have a lawsuit on your hands.

What Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer?

When you experience a personal injury, you deserve compensation and justice. The right personal injury lawyer can help you get that much-needed financial payout, but not all lawyers are created equal. You should get in touch with a lawyer with a strong track record, a serious commitment to clients, and dedicated case management. Fortunately, the legal professionals at Hayhurst Law PLLC are exactly that.

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Have a Preexisting Condition?

Yes. If you can prove that your preexisting condition was aggravated from an accident, you may still be able to claim compensation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Case?

Although you’re not required to hire a personal injury lawyer, it may be in your best interest to do so. Personal injury cases can involve many complexities, especially if you have significant injuries or if the at-fault party is denying liability. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather all the necessary evidence to prove your case, handle negotiations with the insurance company and protect your legal rights.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?

Personal injury cases can take as little as a few weeks to settle if there are no complications. If there are more complexities, these cases can take more than a year to settle.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Some people are reluctant to hire a personal injury lawyer after an accident because they assume they can’t afford the fees. However, you’ll be happy to know that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid if you win your case. If you lose your case, you won’t owe your lawyer money.

What Documents Do I Need to Bring to My First Meeting with a Lawyer?

It’s wise to bring every document that pertains to your case to your first consultation with your personal injury lawyer. This may include a police report, witness information, photos of the accident scene and medical records. The more information your lawyer has to go from, the more he or she can assist you.

Hayhurst Law PLLC, Morgantown Personal Injury Lawyer

34 Commerce Dr Suite 203 Morgantown, WV 26501

Contact Our Morgantown Personal Injury Lawyer Today

We at Hayhurst Law PLLC are committed to standing by the side of Morgantown residents facing personal injury challenges. Our team is ready to offer the legal support, and guidance you need. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s work together to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.