Workplace accidents in Morgantown can leave employees facing serious injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty about their legal options. Luckily, a Morgantown work accident lawyer can offer legal support and help manage the challenging legal processes to seek justice. At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, we boast over 30 years of experience obtaining fair client settlements. We have inside knowledge of how insurance companies work, and we can apply West Virginia law to your advantage. Call us today so we can begin building your case as you focus on recovery.
Why Choose Us for Your Work Injury Case
When it comes to handling personal injury claims, our experience sets us apart. Our Morgantown-based team has successfully secured millions in settlements for clients injured at work, including multi-million-dollar recoveries for catastrophic injuries. This means that when you bring your case to us, we can leverage our experience to seek adequate compensation.
Also, the lead counsel at our firm, Jeff Robinette, is a National Board Certified Trial Attorney and former U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division veteran. With only 4 percent of attorneys achieving this prestigious certification, Jeff’s skill has been sharpened through the years while defending insurance companies before advocating for injury victims. It equips us to anticipate and overcome challenges, ensuring negligent parties are held accountable.
Importantly, we give personalized attention as we work with you as part of our family. From the moment you visit our offices, we analyze your case and craft a unique legal strategy to maximize your compensation. Remember that our contingency fee plan allows you to pay nothing upfront, and we cover all case expenses until we win for you.
When we take on your case, you will receive direct access to your attorney’s personal cell phone for real-time updates and any questions you may have. It ensures that you stay informed about every development in your case, from initial filings to court dates and beyond. You can enjoy a more collaborative relationship and prompt responses to your concerns throughout the legal process.
Morgantown Work Injury Compensation
In Morgantown, West Virginia, workers injured on the job may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Compensation aims to address the financial, physical, and emotional toll of a workplace injury, helping you move forward. The work injury compensation you secure will mainly comprise the following damages:
- Medical Expenses: This compensation addresses the costs related to treating your injury, such as surgeries, medications, hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. We also consider future medical expenses such as ongoing care, chronic pain, or permanent impairments. For example, a severe injury like a spinal cord injury can result in substantial medical costs over time.
- Lost Income: Compensates for income lost due to time off work during recovery. It includes income missed from the date of the injury until you can return to work. If the injury affects your ability to work long-term, you may also claim loss of future earning capacity to account for reduced income potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This non-economic damage accounts for the impact on your quality of life, such as chronic pain, anxiety, or depression resulting from the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This involves recovery for the inability to participate in hobbies, family activities, or other aspects of life you enjoyed before the injury. It is particularly relevant for severe injuries that limit mobility or social engagement, such as traumatic brain injuries.
The value of these damages varies widely. Several factors shape the amount of compensation you’re likely to get. These include the following:
Severity and Nature of the Injury
Severe injuries usually involve greater medical costs, longer recovery times, and more significant impacts on your life. Permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or loss of a limb, may result in higher payouts compared to minor injuries like sprains.
For example, a construction worker with a spinal injury will likely secure more than someone with a temporary back injury. This is because severe injuries increase medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Current and Future Health Care Costs
Your compensation should include all documented medical costs. It also includes future medical needs, such as additional surgeries and assistive devices. The value of healthcare costs is usually estimated based on medical expert testimony. Higher medical costs directly increase economic damages, and thorough documentation can strengthen your claim.
Degree of Disability or Impairment
If you suffer disabilities that limit your ability to work or perform daily tasks, this may increase compensation. For example, a worker with a permanent foot injury may receive high compensation for retraining and lifestyle changes due to limited mobility. This is because the greater degree of disability leads to higher damages for both economic and non-economic losses. A Morgantown work accident attorney can use the medical professional’s assessment reports to determine the extent of impairment, which informs them of the value of your injury claim.
Strength of Evidence
In a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove that a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or your employer, was negligent. The strength of evidence can greatly affect your ability to secure compensation. For example, if a third-party contractor’s negligence caused a scaffolding collapse, you can pursue a third-party lawsuit for damages beyond workers’ compensation. With clear evidence of liability, you have better chances of securing a favorable settlement or verdict.
Comparative Negligence
In case you bear some responsibility for a work accident injury, the law allows you to secure damages. However, the final payout would reflect your level of fault. West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. It means you may recover nothing if you’re more than 50 percent at fault. Therefore, your degree of fault can significantly lower or eliminate compensation. It is advisable to work with an attorney from our firm to ensure your degree of fault is properly allocated so you are not disadvantaged.
Employer or Third-Party Conduct
If an employer acted with deliberate intent, such as knowingly exposing workers to extreme hazards, you may pursue additional damages, known as punitive damages. For example, a lawsuit against a manufacturer for defective equipment causing a hand injury can yield higher compensation than a standard claim. If you can adequately prove such egregious conduct, your product liability claim can lead to a larger payout.
Quality of Legal Representation
If you work with an attorney who focuses on similar cases, you will likely receive a better payout. They have the experience to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, litigate in court. The legal team at Morgantown has local knowledge and is better equipped to counter the unique challenges of your case.
Where Do Work Accidents Occur in Morgantown
Work accidents commonly occur in Morgantown, West Virginia, in industries like construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and education, given the city’s economic landscape and the presence of West Virginia University. High-risk locations include construction sites along major development areas like the University Town Centre and industrial zones near the Monongahela River. In these areas, the presence of heavy machinery and ongoing projects may increase injury risks.
Some streets in Morgantown, such as Don Knotts Boulevard, a hub for commercial and industrial activity, and Greenbag Road, where construction projects are frequent, are notable for workplace incidents. This is mainly because of the traffic and equipment-related hazards.
Also, local insights suggest that healthcare facilities, like those on Van Voorhis Road, see incidents such as slips or patient-handling injuries. Campus areas near University Avenue also report accidents involving maintenance or service workers. Morgantown’s mix of urban and industrial zones may heighten the risk of sustaining injuries while at work. The personal injury team at Robinette Legal Group notes that most accidents in this area often come from unsafe equipment or negligence. This calls for legal representation, which provides strong support when managing a work-related case.
Fighting Insurance Companies for Fair Compensation
Pursuing a work accident claim against an insurance company and handling pain and financial pressure can feel like an overwhelming struggle. Insurance companies that represent your employer or a third party are profit-driven and employ skilled adjusters and attorneys to reduce payouts. They may use tactics to deny your claim or reduce the potential payout. Common tactics insurers use include:
- Offering low initial settlement offers
- Delaying responses to drain your resources
- Challenging the severity of your injuries to devalue your claim
Therefore, if you are an injured worker in Morgantown and seeking recovery, taking on these entities alone can lead to inadequate compensation that fails to cover your damages. Luckily, a Morgantown work accident lawyer at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can protect your rights and interests. They are familiar with such tactics and counter their moves to ensure you are safeguarded.
Sometimes, we may consider going to court if your insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement. Your attorney will present compelling evidence before the jury to ensure you receive the full compensation. Instead of facing the fight alone, you’d better contact our reputable law firm to help protect your rights and future.
What to Do After a Work Accident
After a workplace accident in Morgantown, you need to take steps that can strengthen your personal injury case. Taking the right steps enables your lawyer to build a compelling case tailored to your situation. Here is what to do following a work injury in Morgantown:
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Stick to your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, including medications, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or other recommended care. Consistent adherence demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and your commitment to recovery. If you deviate from the plan, it can allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries are less severe, potentially reducing your compensation.
Keep Receipts and Financial Records
Collect and organize receipts for all accident-related expenses, such as prescriptions, medical equipment, or travel costs to medical appointments. These records provide concrete evidence of your economic damages to ensure you’re compensated for all your out-of-pocket costs. Thorough documentation helps quantify the financial impact of your injury and makes it harder for insurers to undervalue your claim.
Record Your Challenges
Maintain a journal to record your pain levels, emotional challenges, and how the injury affects your work, family, and personal life. A detailed account of your daily experiences offers a personal perspective on your suffering and can support your claims for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. A journal can vividly illustrate the ongoing impact of your injury, such as difficulty performing hobbies or daily tasks, which strengthens your case.
Obtain Copies of Police or OSHA Reports
If the accident prompted a police report or an OSHA investigation, secure copies of these documents. Official reports can establish key details about the incident, such as unsafe conditions or third-party negligence, providing critical evidence to support liability. These records are especially valuable in construction site cases, which are common in Morgantown’s industrial areas.
Bring All Information to Robinette Legal Group
Share your treatment records, receipts, journal, and police or OSHA reports with Robinette Legal Group, PLLC. Our attorneys will use these materials to counter insurance company tactics and maximize your compensation. For example, armed with your medical receipts and a journal, we can better demonstrate the lasting effects of your permanent injury. Early submission allows us to review evidence, consult experts, and pursue every avenue for justice.
Work Accident Deaths in West Virginia and United States Statistics
Contact a Morgantown Work Accident Lawyer Now
Work accident injuries can greatly disrupt your life and make you unsure of what to do next. While you can take a legal step, filing a personal injury claim can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from a serious injury. At Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, our Morgantown work accident attorneys are prepared to handle the legal details, build a winning case, and fight for your rightful compensation. We’ve helped thousands of injured workers across West Virginia get the support they need during the toughest times in their lives.
Call us today at (304) 594-1800 for a free consultation.
Robinette Legal Group, PLLC – Morgantown Office Location
211 Everhart Dr Ste 200,
Morgantown, WV 26508,
United States
Contact Number – (304) 403-7504
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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