Were you injured due to someone’s negligence or misconduct in Charleston, WV? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC can hold the at-fault party fully accountable for your medical expenses, pain, and other damages.
Our Charleston personal injury lawyers have over seven decades of combined experience, and we provide unparalleled client services. Our track record speaks for itself: we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars for injured victims since our founding in 2007.
Defense teams and insurance companies know us and our reputation. That’s why we’re able to obtain winning results in the cases we handle. You’ll want our fierce advocates in your corner to fight for a fair financial recovery.
Contact us at (304) 720-1000 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Charleston, West Virginia.
Why Should I Hire Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC To Handle My Charleston Personal Injury Case?
It’s rarely easy to file a personal injury claim and achieve a fair outcome – especially if you represent yourself while injured. It takes considerable resources, time, and experience to prove crucial legal elements. Additionally, most cases involve an insurance adjuster who will downplay your injuries and lowball your losses.
However, you can alleviate some of these hurdles by enlisting the help of our skilled Charleston personal injury attorneys. We’ve dedicated our legal careers to assisting injured victims by standing up to large insurance companies, multinational companies, and other opponents.
We also pride ourselves on building meaningful relationships with our clients. We’ll prioritize your needs and consistently communicate with you, ensuring that you’re fully updated.
If you hire Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC after an accident in Charleston, WV, we’ll:
- Explain your rights and keep you fully informed on the progress of your case
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident and injuries
- Gather evidence proving liability and the value of your damages
- Handle all communications and filings
- Negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement
- Be ready to litigate your case in Kanawha County and take it to trial if necessary
You will never feel alone with our top-notch West Virginia personal injury law firm by your side. We’ve been serving Charleston for decades. We’ll guide you throughout each phase of the process and handle all aspects of your case.
You can receive more information about our legal services by scheduling a free initial consultation.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury claim arises when someone’s negligent or wrongful act causes harm to another. By filing a case, you’re attempting to hold the at-fault individual financially liable for the damages they caused.
The following could give rise to a valid legal action:
- A distracted driver caused a rear-end collision, injuring you
- A nursing home employee neglected your loved one, leading to dehydration and other injuries (nursing home abuse and neglect)
- You lost a family member in a fatal pedestrian accident (wrongful death)
- You sustained on-the-job injuries (workplace accident)
- A negligent physician misdiagnosed your condition, leading to severe complications (medical malpractice)
These and numerous other scenarios can give you the right to file suit against another party. We can advise you on your rights during your initial consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Hiring an attorney is the best way to obtain full and fair compensation for your damages. Those with an attorney tend to receive more than those without.
Here’s why:
- Attorney representation levels the playing field. You will likely have an aggressive insurance company as an opponent. These entities prioritize profits over all else, and they routinely undervalue and deny claims. Your lawyer won’t let them get away with these tactics.
- The insurance adjuster or at-fault party might blame you for your injuries. They do this to try and limit their financial accountability. An attorney will push back against these assertions and protect your right to fair compensation.
- Your case may require an expert witness. For example, you may need an accident reconstructionist, medical specialist, or financial advisor to prove complex issues. A knowledgeable attorney will know who to contact.
- You should give yourself time to heal. Injury lawyers handle your type of case every day. They know what to do and how to navigate obstacles that may arise. You can focus on your recovery while they focus on legal matters.
We can explain more about the benefits of an attorney-client relationship when you call our law office for an appointment.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in West Virginia?
Most personal injury lawyers in Charleston and throughout West Virginia take cases on a contingency fee basis. It won’t cost you anything upfront for legal representation.
You will only owe attorney’s fees if you receive a favorable settlement or court verdict. They will be deducted directly from your award, so you never have to worry about paying out of pocket. The contingency fee is a percentage (typically 33-40%) of your recovery.
This payment structure benefits injury victims who may be financially struggling due to medical bills and other unexpected costs. We can explain it fully during your free case review.
We Handle All Personal Injury Cases in Charleston
Our experienced Charleston personal injury attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, have successfully handled various types of accident cases, including:
Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to devastating injuries and vehicle damage. The financial burden can be overwhelming as your medical expenses and property repair bills accumulate. Our Charleston car accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in significant property damage, severe injuries, and even fatalities. Navigating the complexities of these accidents can be especially challenging. Our Charleston truck accident lawyers can work with you to hold the at-fault truck driver and trucking company accountable.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists are often left less protected than other motorists on the road. When motorcycle accidents happen, riders need expert legal guidance and support. Contact our Charleston motorcycle accident attorneys today to learn how we can help you recover damages for your medical bills and other losses.
Medical Malpractice
Experiencing medical malpractice is traumatic for the victim and their loved ones. These cases can be complicated and often require a skilled legal team and the assistance of experts. Our Charleston medical malpractice attorneys can gather and analyze the evidence you need to build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one tragically due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing is unbearable. Your family should not have to go through this unimaginable time alone. Reach out to our Charleston wrongful death lawyers to get much-needed guidance and support in pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Construction Accidents
As Charleston, WV, continues to grow and develop, the number of construction sites increases. As the amount of projects continues to rise, so do construction accidents. Whether you were struck by falling debris or injured in a forklift accident, you may be entitled to recover damages. Contact our Charleston construction accident lawyers to learn about your legal options.
Other Practice Areas
Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC has extensive experience handling all types of injury cases, such as
- Workplace accidents
- Slip and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Dog bites
- Product defects
- Premises liability
- And more
Call us today or visit our website to learn more about our practice areas or for needed legal advice.
What Damages Are Available to Charleston Accident Victims?
Accident victims in Charleston are often eligible to receive economic and non-economic damages from at-fault parties.
You may be able to pursue economic damages for your financial losses, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
You may also be able to recover the following non-economic damages for the emotional harm you endure:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Loss of consortium
In rare instances, accident victims can also receive punitive damages if it is established by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with malice or indifference.
How Much Is My Charleston Personal Injury Case Worth?
The value of accident cases in West Virginia varies. However, the money you can recover from your case will depend on a few crucial factors, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The type of accident
- Available insurance policies
- Comparative fault
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- Medical treatment required
- Time missed from work
- Ability to return to work
- The impact of the injury on your quality of life
A skilled Charleston personal injury lawyer can work with you to assess the full extent of your damages and ensure you don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For the Accident?
West Virginia is a modified comparative negligence state. If you were less at fault for the accident than the other party, you can still recover compensation. However, your damages will be reduced in proportion to the amount of your fault. If you were more at fault than the opposing party, you are barred from recovering damages entirely.
After being involved in an accident, the opposing party may claim that you’re partially or solely to blame. Allegations of fault can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. A seasoned attorney can help you combat unfair claims of comparative fault and pursue the full damages you’re owed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Accident in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you lose a loved one in an accident, the personal representative also has two years to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you fail to bring your case before the statute of limitations expires, you will likely be barred from recovering damages.
Keeping track of vital deadlines in your case can be challenging as you focus on resting and healing from your injuries. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ensure you comply with all applicable deadlines and don’t lose the ability to pursue recovering compensation.
What Is Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
Negligence, which means something like “carelessness,” is the legal basis for most personal injury claims. A person is negligent when they violate a duty of care, causing someone else to suffer damages.
As the injured victim, you must prove your negligence claim “by a preponderance of the evidence.” That means you’ll need to demonstrate that it’s at least 51% likely that your contentions are true.
Forms of evidence you can bring include the following:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photographs and videos
- Expert analysis
- And much more
When you hire our personal injury attorneys in Charleston, we’ll work hard to make your negligence claim as strong as possible. Contact our law offices today to learn more.
Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?
Only a very small percentage of accident cases make it to trial. The most common outcome is an out-of-court settlement agreement. However, there are advantages to filing a lawsuit and bringing a case to court in some circumstances.
For instance, it may be in your best interest to file a lawsuit if the defendant refuses to offer a fair amount of compensation. Once we file a lawsuit, our experienced litigation attorneys will undertake the pretrial discovery process. Through discovery, we may be able to uncover important evidence to help your case.
In addition, litigation takes substantial time and resources. Insurance companies and other at-fault parties often don’t want to make those efforts. As a result, they might increase their settlement offer to avoid defending the case at trial.
How Long Will My Injury Case Take?
Ultimately, the unique facts and circumstances of your Charleston personal injury case will determine how long it will take. Although some cases are finalized in just a few weeks, others can take much longer.
Some injury cases require a significant investigation to establish liability. It can also take time to fully evaluate how much a case is worth, sometimes involving expert assistance. However, these are critical steps in the process to make sure you recover as much compensation as possible.
Your case may also take longer to resolve if a lawsuit is filed. Nonetheless, keep in mind that most personal injury cases don’t reach that stage.
Get in touch with our legal team today for insight into how long your injury case might take to reach a final outcome.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
Take note of the following so that you can protect yourself and your legal interests after an accident:
- Call 911 to notify the police of the crash. This is required by state law for many accidents, and a police report at the scene can help your case.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver or drivers at the scene.
- If you can safely do so, collect evidence. This could mean taking photos and videos of the accident, getting information from eyewitnesses, and more.
- Do not apologize or accept blame for the accident, as you could hurt your case if you do.
- Receive medical care, even if you aren’t obviously injured. Many kinds of injuries only have symptoms after the fact, and medical records can serve as vital evidence.
It’s also recommended that you contact an experienced accident attorney in Charleston for help as soon as you can. During your free consultation, you can receive some initial advice about what to do next.
Contact Our Experienced Charleston Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you were involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault in Charleston, WV, you may be due compensation. However, you’ll have the burden of proof to establish your claim – and the opposing party won’t make it easy.
Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC is a top-rated personal injury law firm that can help you from start to finish. With 71 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions collected for our clients, we’re qualified to handle any type of accident case.
Contact our trusted Charleston personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to help as soon as you’re ready.
