When you’re injured because of another person’s negligence, justice may be the first thing on your mind. With a personal injury attorney in Parkersburg, you can seek full and fair compensation for everything you’ve lost, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Having the right attorney matters. Call Powell & Majestro at 304-346-2889 to set up a consultation now.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Represent

We are deeply committed to serving the members of our community who have been harmed by the negligence or recklessness of others. A personal injury is more than just a legal claim; it is a life-altering event that impacts your health, your family’s financial stability, and your peace of mind. Our expertise and experience put us in the ideal position to handle various types of claims, ensuring that the residents of Wood County and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley receive the high-caliber representation they deserve.

Below is a detailed look at the core areas of personal injury law where we provide expert advocacy.

Car Accidents: Navigating the Aftermath of the Road

In Parkersburg, from the busy corridors of I-77 to the local traffic on Murdoch Avenue, car accidents are a leading cause of injury. Whether it is a minor “fender bender” or a high-speed collision, the physical and emotional toll can be immense.

Car accident claims often involve complex negotiations with insurance companies that are motivated to protect their bottom line rather than your well-being. We represent victims of:

• Rear-end collisions caused by distracted driving or tailgating.
• T-bone and intersection accidents resulting from failure to yield.
• Drunk driving (DUI) accidents, where we seek to hold reckless individuals fully accountable.
• Commercial truck accidents, which often involve catastrophic injuries and specific federal regulations.

Our goal is to secure the compensation you need for immediate medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, lost income from missed work, and the “pain and suffering” that follows a traumatic crash.

Slip and Fall: Premises Liability and Property Safety

Injuries from slipping or tripping often occur when property owners fail to maintain safe environments. In West Virginia, premises liability law dictates that residential and commercial property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

• Icy or snowy sidewalks that haven’t been treated.
• Wet floors in grocery stores or restaurants without warning signs.
• Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots.
• Uneven pavement or torn carpeting.

Many people feel embarrassed after a fall, blaming themselves for being “clumsy.” However, we often find that the accident was entirely preventable had the property owner acted with due care. We help you hold these owners accountable for their negligence, ensuring that your medical expenses are covered.

Medical Malpractice: Holding Healthcare Professionals Accountable

We trust healthcare professionals with our lives. When a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member fails to meet the accepted standard of care, the consequences are often permanent and devastating. Medical malpractice is one of the most complex areas of personal injury law, requiring a firm with the resources to consult with medical experts and analyze intricate records.

Our team handles claims involving:

• Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments behind.
• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, particularly in cases of cancer or cardiac events.
• Birth injuries that result in long-term disabilities like cerebral palsy.
• Medication errors, including incorrect dosages or dangerous drug interactions.

In Parkersburg and across the state, we fight to ensure that medical institutions prioritize patient safety over convenience or profit.

Product Liability: Seeking Justice for Defective Goods

When you purchase a product, you have a reasonable expectation that it will be safe for use. Unfortunately, defective products reach the market every day, causing serious harm to unsuspecting consumers. Product liability claims can be filed against manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers.

We represent clients in cases involving:

• Design defects, where the product is inherently dangerous regardless of how well it was manufactured.
• Manufacturing defects, where an error occurred during the assembly process.
• Marketing defects (Failure to Warn), where the product lacks adequate instructions or warnings regarding potential risks.

From faulty household appliances and defective auto parts to dangerous pharmaceuticals and medical devices, we assist you in pursuing the corporations responsible for putting unsafe products in your hands.

Workplace Injuries: Protection for West Virginia’s Workforce

Parkersburg’s economy is built on the hard work of its citizens, many of whom work in high-risk industries. Job-related injuries are complicated by the intersection of workers’ compensation laws and potential third-party personal injury claims.

Our firm has deep roots in the region, and we are particularly experienced in helping victims of:

• Coal mining accidents: We understand the specific dangers of the mining industry and the heavy regulations governing mine safety.
• Chemical plant and industrial accidents: Given our proximity to various industrial facilities, we are well-versed in handling exposure cases and machinery accidents.
• Construction site mishaps: Falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, and equipment malfunctions.

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be a bureaucratic nightmare. We ensure your rights are upheld, your benefits are paid, and we investigate whether a third party (such as an equipment manufacturer) might also be liable for your injuries.

Wrongful Death: Compassionate Support in Your Darkest Hour

The most tragic cases we handle are those where negligence results in the loss of life. We understand that no amount of money can replace a loved one, but a wrongful death claim can provide the financial security necessary for a grieving family to move forward.

In West Virginia, wrongful death claims can seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Loss of the deceased’s income and future earnings.
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support.
• Medical expenses incurred prior to the loved one’s passing.

We offer compassionate legal support to families during this difficult time. We take on the burden of the legal process so that you can focus on healing and honoring the memory of your family member.

Key Personal Injury Laws in West Virginia

Understanding West Virginia’s personal injury laws can be critical to your case. First, the statute of limitations indicates that you must file your personal injury claim within two years of the injury in question. Failing to file by this deadline means giving up your right to seek compensation.

West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you share some blame for the accident, your total compensation may decrease relative to your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for any compensation.

Non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, such as pain and suffering, have a cap that adjusts annually for inflation. This cap can significantly impact the compensation you can recover in such cases. The cap is higher when the practitioner’s error leads to catastrophic damages.

 

Are You Eligible for Compensation?

Determining your eligibility for compensation in a personal injury case can feel daunting. At our firm, we simplify this process, guiding you through each critical factor that influences your potential recovery:

• Proving Negligence: Most personal injury claims hinge on negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries. For instance, in a car accident case, it’s essential to establish that the other driver was at fault. This foundational element connects their actions (or inaction) to your damages.
• Injury Severity: The severity of your injuries greatly affects the compensation you might receive. This includes costs for immediate medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and the broader impact on your quality of life. Severe injuries typically justify higher compensation due to the prolonged recovery, extensive medical care, and lasting effects they impose.
• Insurance Coverage Limits: The amount and type of insurance coverage available can directly impact your compensation. Navigating policies and negotiating with insurers is often challenging. Our firm is adept at handling these complexities, ensuring you pursue the maximum amount you deserve.
• Importance of Strong Evidence: Solid evidence is critical for any personal injury claim. Insurance companies are unlikely to settle generously unless the evidence overwhelmingly supports your case. Important evidence may include photographs of injuries or accident scenes, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and time-sensitive documentation collected immediately after the incident.
• Challenges of Insurance Resistance: Insurers may avoid paying claims unless a lawsuit appears more costly for them. Without proof that highlights their client’s liability, they might ignore your demands entirely. Acting promptly to gather time-sensitive evidence, such as photos and witness testimonies, strengthens your case against these tactics.

By addressing these factors methodically and with professional guidance, you can confidently pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Our experienced team is here to advocate for your rights and maximize your recovery.

 

Ways Powell & Majestro Can Assist You

Navigating a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but the team at Powell & Majestro in  Parkersburg is here to support you every step of the way. Your journey starts with a free consultation, during which we’ll learn more about your accident and the injuries you’ve sustained. We’ll provide professional guidance on your next steps, including whether or not you have a viable claim and if we think you’re likely to receive compensation.

Once we begin working on your case, we’ll gather important evidence and start building a case against the liable party. This allows us to start negotiations by demanding payment from their insurance company. Our initial demand begins negotiations. Most personal injury claims end with a settlement, but if the other party’s insurance company does not negotiate fairly, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you there.

Throughout this entire process, you can lean on our team for the support you need. We’re here to answer questions, provide reassurance, and ensure that you have the updates you need to stay informed.

While you focus on your physical and mental recovery, we’ll take care of the legal side of your claim. By taking over communication with the insurance company and figuring out the value of your claim, we aim to alleviate your stress and help you get the compensation you deserve.

 

Contact Us Today to Start Your Personal Injury Claim

If you’re ready to learn more about your legal options and find out if you have a strong case, the team at Powell & Majestro is here to help you. Call us at 304-346-2889 or send us a message online to set up a consultation today.