A simple trip to the store or a visit to a friend shouldn’t end with you lying on the ground in pain. When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, their negligence can cause serious slip and fall accidents that leave victims with broken bones, head injuries, and medical bills they never expected to face.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident in Morgantown, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical pain. Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, Morgantown slip and fall lawyers understand the challenges these accidents create and have the experience needed to hold negligent property owners accountable for their actions.
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Why Choose Robinette Legal Group?
Slip and fall cases require attorneys who understand the unique legal challenges these accidents present and know how to prove that property owners failed in their duty to maintain safe conditions. We bring years of experience handling slip and fall cases throughout Morgantown and West Virginia.
Proven Experience in Premises Liability Cases
Our slip and fall lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of cases involving dangerous property conditions, from wet floors in grocery stores to icy sidewalks outside businesses.
We understand the specific legal requirements for proving premises liability cases and know how to gather the evidence needed to demonstrate that property owners knew or should have known about dangerous conditions but failed to address them properly.
Thorough Investigation Capabilities
Slip and fall cases often come down to proving exactly what caused your accident and whether the property owner was negligent in maintaining their premises. Our firm has the resources to conduct comprehensive investigations, including reviewing security camera footage, examining maintenance records, interviewing witnesses, and working with safety experts to reconstruct how your accident occurred.
Understanding of Property Owner Responsibilities
Different types of properties have different safety obligations, and we understand the legal duties that apply to retail stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, office buildings, and other locations where slip and fall accidents occur. This knowledge allows us to identify when property owners have violated their legal obligations and hold them accountable for the consequences.
Experience with Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies defending slip and fall cases often try to blame victims for their own accidents or argue that dangerous conditions were “open and obvious” and should have been avoided.
Our slip and fall attorneys effectively counter these arguments and present compelling evidence demonstrating property owner negligence while protecting you from unfair blame.
No Financial Risk for Injured Victims
We handle slip and fall cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs while you’re already dealing with medical bills and lost income from your accident.
Convenient Morgantown Office Locations
We have two accessible office locations in Morgantown to serve slip and fall victims throughout the area. Our office at 211 Everhart Dr, Ste 200, Morgantown, WV 26508, provides convenient parking and easy access from most parts of the city.
Our downtown location at 256 High St. Ste 100, Morgantown, WV 26508, is centrally located near many of the businesses and properties where slip and fall accidents commonly occur.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC today at (304) 594-1800 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Morgantown slip and fall attorneys.
Slip and Fall Compensation
Slip and fall accidents can result in significant compensation for victims, but the amount depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, how the accident occurred, and the impact on your life. Understanding what types of compensation might be available can help make informed decisions about pursuing legal action.
Medical Expenses and Future Treatment
Slip and fall compensation includes all medical costs related to your injuries, from emergency room visits and hospital stays to surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. Many slip and fall injuries require ongoing treatment; compensation should also account for future medical needs. It might include additional surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, or medical equipment needed for recovery.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
When slip and fall injuries prevent you from working, compensation should include income you’ve already lost as well as future lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. This calculation considers not just your current salary but also potential promotions, raises, and career advancement you might miss due to your injury.
Pain and Suffering
Slip and fall accidents often cause significant physical pain and emotional distress that goes beyond medical bills and lost income. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the impact your injury has had on your quality of life, your ability to enjoy activities you once loved, and the emotional toll of dealing with a serious injury and its aftermath.
Property Damage
If your personal property, such as clothing, jewelry, or electronic devices, was damaged in your slip and fall accident, compensation should include the cost of repairing or replacing these items.
The value of your slip and fall case depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of your accident, the degree of property owner negligence, and how your injuries affect your daily life and future prospects. Our Morgantown slip and fall lawyers carefully evaluate all these factors to pursue maximum compensation for every client.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur in Morgantown?
Slip and fall accidents happen throughout Morgantown in various types of properties and locations. Understanding where these accidents commonly occur helps illustrate the wide range of cases our attorneys handle and the importance of proper property maintenance.
Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
Morgantown’s numerous retail establishments, from large chain stores to local shops, see thousands of customers daily. Slip and fall accidents often occur due to spilled liquids that aren’t cleaned promptly, wet floors from cleaning or leaks, worn or damaged flooring, and inadequate lighting in parking lots or store aisles. Shopping centers and malls present additional risks with their common areas, food courts, and high-traffic walkways.
Restaurants and Entertainment Venues
The city’s restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues create unique slip and fall risks due to food and drink spills, grease accumulation in kitchen and dining areas, and wet floors from cleaning or weather tracking. These businesses have high customer turnover and often deal with spills and messes that must be addressed quickly to prevent accidents.
University and Campus Areas
West Virginia University’s presence in Morgantown creates numerous locations where slip and fall accidents can occur, including academic buildings, dormitories, dining facilities, and campus walkways. While the university has its own liability considerations, many businesses near campus also see high foot traffic from students, faculty, and visitors, creating additional slip and fall risks.
Apartment Complexes and Residential Properties
Morgantown’s numerous apartment complexes and rental properties must maintain safe conditions for residents and visitors. Common slip and fall locations include entrance areas, stairwells, parking lots, and common areas like laundry facilities or mailbox areas. Property managers and landlords have specific obligations to maintain these areas safely.
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Types of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents in Morgantown take various forms, each presenting unique challenges for proving liability and recovering compensation.
- Wet Floor Accidents: Spilled liquids, tracked-in water from weather, leaking pipes, or recently mopped floors without proper warning signs can cause dangerous slipping conditions.
- Ice and Snow Accidents: Winter weather creates slip and fall risks on sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances when property owners fail to remove ice and snow or apply appropriate de-icing materials.
- Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, loose flooring, torn carpeting, or transitions between different flooring materials can cause people to trip and fall.
- Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, or walkways can prevent people from seeing hazards that can cause falls.
- Stairway Accidents: Broken handrails, uneven steps, worn stair treads, or debris on stairs can cause serious falls that often result in more severe injuries.
- Debris and Obstacles: Items left in walkways, construction materials, or merchandise that block safe passage can cause people to trip and fall.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-changing trauma. Common injuries include broken bones and fractures, particularly in older adults, affecting wrists, arms, legs, hips, and ribs.
Head and brain injuries can occur, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, that can impact cognitive function and quality of life. Back and spinal injuries, such as herniated discs and spinal compression, may require surgery and long-term treatment.
Cuts and lacerations can damage nerves, tendons, or blood vessels and leave permanent scarring. Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains, can be painful and require extended physical therapy. Hip injuries, including fractures, often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Insurance companies defending slip and fall cases often use tactics to avoid paying fair compensation. They may argue that victims should have seen and avoided the danger, claiming it was “open and obvious.” However, property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions regardless of visibility.
Insurance adjusters may also blame victims for their accidents, suggesting they were careless or wearing the wrong shoes. They might request detailed statements to find ways to shift blame. Another tactic is questioning the severity of injuries or suggesting excessive medical treatment.
Our Morgantown slip and fall attorneys understand these tactics and know how to counter them. We gather evidence to demonstrate property owner negligence and work with medical experts to clearly explain injuries and their connection to the accident, making it harder for insurance companies to minimize claims.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’ve received initial medical treatment for your slip and fall injuries, there are still important steps to take to protect your legal rights. Continue following medical treatment and keep detailed records of appointments, treatments, and how injuries affect your daily activities.
Document the accident scene, including photographs of the area where you fell. Gather contact information for witnesses and the property owner, and keep copies of incident reports. Preserve evidence, including clothing and shoes worn during the accident, and keep medical records and bills.
Report your accident to management if you fell at a business or commercial property, and get a copy of the incident report. Be cautious with insurance adjusters and avoid giving detailed recorded statements without legal representation.
In West Virginia, you have two years to file a lawsuit, but waiting can make it harder to gather evidence. Contact our Morgantown slip and fall lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Who Can File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
Injured individuals can seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and long-term consequences.
Spouses of injured individuals may also pursue claims for loss of consortium, compensating for the impact on their marriage relationship. In fatal accident cases, family members can file wrongful death claims for economic and emotional losses.
Property owners owe varying levels of duty to different visitors. Customers and invited guests receive the highest level of protection, with owners obligated to inspect for hazards and maintain safe conditions. To succeed in a slip and fall case, it’s essential to demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to address it.
Our Morgantown personal injury lawyers can evaluate your situation and explain your legal options based on your accident’s circumstances.
Call Our Morgantown Slip and Fall Lawyers at Robinette Legal Group
Jeff Robinette, Morgantown Slip and Fall Lawyer
Don’t let a slip and fall accident disrupt your life. If you’ve suffered an injury due to unsafe property conditions in Morgantown, our experienced lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can help you get the compensation you deserve. We understand that slip and fall injuries can be painful and embarrassing, but property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions.
During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, evaluate your accident, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options. Let us handle the legal hurdles while you focus on your recovery. Contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC today at (304) 594-1800. We fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Robinette Legal Group, PLLC – Morgantown Office Location
211 Everhart Dr Ste 200,
Morgantown, WV 26508
Ph: 304-509-3444
Call us today to find out how we can help you.
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