WV Serious Injury Lawyer
When Do You Need a WV Serious Injury Lawyer?
Any time a person is injured because of someone else’s actions or negligence, the impacts on that person and his or her family can be significant. Severe or catastrophic injuries often completely change the course of a person’s life. If this has happened to you or a loved one in West Virginia (WV), a WV serious injury lawyer with experience in these kinds of cases can provide the legal counsel and representation needed to properly compensate you for your losses and help you prepare for what comes next.
Cases a WV Serious Injury Lawyer May Handle
Serious injuries threaten a person’s life and/or cause permanent or extended impairment, disfigurement, or loss of function. These injuries can have various causes, like car crashes, construction site accidents, faulty products or equipment, and medical mistakes, among others.
The following are usually considered serious injuries in WV:
- Amputation injuries;
- Severe burns;
- Spinal cord injuries and/or paralysis; and
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Broken bones and internal injuries can also cause permanent or prolonged impairment when they are severe. Because serious injuries require long-term, intensive treatment, securing appropriate compensation to cover these extensive costs is critical. An attorney who has successfully handled these cases knows how to gather and present evidence that supports a serious injury claim, ensuring the needs of the injured party are met in the years to come.
Compensation for Serious Injuries in WV
When someone is injured in WV and another person or entity is at fault, WV law allows the injured party to file a civil action seeking money damages from the responsible party or parties.
Compensation for serious injuries in WV can cover the costs of current and future medical expenses, property damage, loss of wages and ability to work, and necessary modifications to the injured person’s living environment. These are called economic damages.
A plaintiff may also be entitled to noneconomic damages—often referred to as pain and suffering. These damages can include mental anguish, psychological distress, and loss of an established way of life.
In some cases, a claimant can also seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish a responsible party who acted with malice or extreme indifference to the well-being of others.
Securing appropriate compensation for serious injuries in WV requires careful gathering and presentation of evidence and supporting testimony. For example, your personal injury attorney can have medical experts testify regarding the extent and nature of your injuries and their likely impact on your future quality of life.
West Virginia Personal Injury Settlements vs. Lawsuits
In many personal injury cases, agreeing on an appropriate West Virginia personal injury settlement is an effective and efficient way to resolve a claim. However, if the responsible party or their insurer makes a low-ball offer and is unwilling to pay what is needed to cover your true losses, filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking the case to trial may be necessary—and could be essential to get the compensation you need and deserve.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, as well as any offers made by the responsible party or parties, and advise you on whether a settlement is best for your case or you should pursue additional compensation through the courts.
Contact a WV Serious Injury Lawyer without Delay
The attorneys at Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson have many years of experience helping injury victims recover the damages they are entitled to under WV law. We understand the impacts serious injuries have on the lives of West Virginians and their families, and we want to help you recover in every way possible.
Contact Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson by calling 304-263-0900 or filling out this online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a WV serious injury lawyer today.