Charleston Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, navigating the personal injury claims process alone can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a car accident on I-64, workplace injury at a manufacturing plant, or medical malpractice from one of our top hospitals, you deserve compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At this time, you need an experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer as your legal ally.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we have years of experience handling personal injury cases in West Virginia. When you schedule a consultation with our legal team, we will work to protect your rights and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

We Handle Personal Injury Cases in Charleston, WV

Unfortunately, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. In Charleston, everything from vehicle crashes to sexual abuse can occur. Under West Virginia law, you have the right to pursue legal action when misconduct or negligence plays a role in these cases. When you feel like you have nowhere to turn, reach out to Hendrickson & Long, PLLC.

We have experience handling a wide range of cases, such as:

We can assist with these cases. Find out why you need a legal professional on your side.

Do I Have a Legal Case?

You may have been injured, but do you have a case against the other party? While every situation is unique, you need to prove certain elements for a successful claim.

If you’re unsure whether you have a case, here are some questions to consider:

Was There Negligence Involved?

For most personal injury cases, negligence is a vital factor. This means someone else must have acted carelessly or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the accident or injury.

You may have a case if someone else’s negligence or wrongful action caused your injury.

Were You Injured?

If you want to pursue a personal injury claim, you must have suffered some form of injury. This could be a physical injury or emotional harm. Even injuries that seem minor can have long-term effects and still form the basis of a claim.

Medical documentation about your injury is important in these claims. If you believe you have been injured, seeking immediate medical attention after an accident can strengthen your case.

Is There a Link Between Negligence and Your Injury?

You’ll need to show that the negligent action directly caused your injury. There must be some causation between the incident and your injuries. If you can prove that your injury would not have occurred without the other party’s negligence, you have a better chance of building a successful claim.

Did the Injury Result in Damages?

Damages refer to the losses you suffered as a result of your injury, such as:

Medical bills (current and future)
Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

If you’ve incurred financial losses or experienced pain and suffering due to the accident, you are more likely to have a viable case. You will want to document all costs related to your injury, including medical bills, receipts, and evidence of lost work, since it can assist with calculating damages.

Is There an At-Fault Party with Insurance or Assets?

A personal injury case will be successful if the at-fault party has insurance or assets covering your damages. For example, vehicle accidents involve filing claims with the car insurance companies, while slip-and-fall accidents on commercial properties may need to work with the property insurance company.

Even if the at-fault party does not have insurance, you may still be able to pursue compensation if they have significant personal or business assets. A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is viable in your case.

Is Your Case Within the Statute of Limitations?

Each state has a statute of limitations. In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. If too much time passes, your claim may be barred from legal action.

Remember that these are general guidelines. Without consulting a personal injury lawyer in Charleston, you might not know if you have a valid claim.

If you’re still unsure whether you have a case, the best step is to consult with a personal injury lawyer.

An experienced attorney will evaluate your situation, review the evidence, and help you determine if you have grounds to pursue compensation.

Don’t Take on the Insurance Companies by Yourself

From motor vehicle accidents on I-64 to injuries caused by unsafe working conditions in Charleston’s industrial sectors, the legal process for recovering compensation can be complicated. You want a seasoned lawyer who knows insurance company tactics and state laws that impact your case.

Remember that insurance companies want to settle cases for less than you deserve. You need an experienced legal negotiator during this time. Insurers and their adjusters will use tactics to try to get you to accept a lowball offer or stop pursuing compensation. But we know how to get compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, and emotional suffering.

Suffering an injury might be one of the most stressful events in anyone’s life. Not only is recovering from an injury physically and emotionally exhausting, but you have to worry about the financial security of your family.

When a dedicated lawyer handles your case, you can focus on healing while they handle the entire legal process. We will be there every step, from filing the initial claim paperwork to working on negotiations for the compensation you need.

The Importance of Evidence Collection in Personal Injury Cases

In the aftermath of an injury, it can be overwhelming to think about gathering evidence. However, this is one of the most important steps toward winning your case.

At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we make this process as easy as possible because we know how stressful it can be. Right after your accident, capturing details like photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage can make a real difference. If there were witnesses, their accounts could also be invaluable to support your story.

Medical records are very important. Getting immediate treatment not only helps your recovery but also creates an official record of your injuries. We work closely with your healthcare providers to gather detailed reports that show how your injuries affect your life now and in the future.

Sometimes, cases require expert opinions, whether it’s reconstructing how the accident happened or explaining medical details. We bring in the right professionals to back up your claim.

By handling the evidence collection with care and thoroughness, we help ensure your case is strong and that you get the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Your Personal Injury Case

We have provided a few answers to these most common questions:

Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long does a typical personal injury case take to resolve in Charleston?

The timeline varies depending on the case complexity, evidence, and willingness of parties to settle. Some cases settle within months, while others may take over a year if litigation is required.

Will my personal injury case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorney is prepared to take your case to trial to pursue full compensation.

How do I prove pain and suffering in a personal injury claim?

Pain and suffering are shown through medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of how the injury has affected your daily life, emotional health, and ability to work.

What role does an expert witness play in a personal injury lawsuit?

Expert witnesses provide knowledge to clarify technical aspects, such as accident reconstruction or medical causation. This helps the court understand how the injury occurred and its impact on you.

A Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Is Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

Throughout the process, you can count on the Hendrickson & Long, PLLC legal team to provide compassionate support. We are here to answer your questions, keep you informed about your case’s progress, and ensure your rights are protected.

Our team is here to take the time to understand your unique circumstances and develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs. We know every situation and person is unique, and we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to your claim.

When dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury, you need an experienced law firm by your side.

Our Charleston personal injury lawyer is here to make sure you receive the compensation you need to move forward.

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