Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Charleston, WV

Accidents can be life-altering, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or any other incident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for accident victims in Charleston. With years of experience and a commitment to our clients, we work tirelessly to help ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Trust a personal injury lawyer in Charleston to handle the legal complexities of your case while you focus on your recovery.

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Help Is at Your Fingertips

Getting help with your case is as easy as a call or a click. We take it from there!

We Fight for Justice

You’ve suffered enough, and we work hard to bring you the full settlement you’re owed.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hidden fees — you don’t pay unless we win for you!

Table of Contents

• Personal Injury Cases We Handle
• Compensation Available for Charleston Personal Injury Victims
• Do I Have a Case?
  • Proving Negligence
  • West Virginia Statute of Limitations
• What’s Next?
• Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
• How Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
• Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Charleston, WV, For Free

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our firm handles a variety of personal injury cases in Charleston, Huntington, Dunbar, and throughout West Virginia. Common cases we handle include:

• Car accidents
• Elder abuse
• Elder neglect
• Employment law
• Funeral home abuse
• Medical malpractice
• Motorcycle accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Nursing home neglect
• Nursing home physical abuse
• Slip and fall
• Truck accidents
• Wrongful death

No matter the nature of your accident, our dedicated team at Stewart Bell, PLLC, is ready to provide you with the skilled legal representation you need to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Get Your Free Case Review

 

Compensation Available for Charleston Personal Injury Victims

As a personal injury victim, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help you recover from your accident. Understanding the different categories of compensation can ensure that you seek all the damages you are entitled to under the law.

Medical Expenses

You can recover costs for all medical treatments related to your injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care you may need in the future.

Lost Wages

If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you have lost during your recovery period. This includes not only wages but also bonuses and benefits.

Loss of Earning Capacity

In cases where your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for the reduction in your earning capacity. This takes into account your age, occupation, skills, and the extent of your injuries.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured due to your injury. This is a subjective measure and varies from case to case.

Emotional Distress

In addition to physical pain, you may also experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the accident. Compensation for emotional distress aims to address these psychological impacts.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injury has significantly affected your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies that you once loved, you can seek damages for loss of enjoyment of life. This considers how your quality of life has diminished due to the injury.

Property Damage

If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle, you can recover the costs to repair or replace it. This includes not only the direct damage but also any associated costs like rental vehicles.

Punitive Damages

In situations where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. While rare, punitive damages can significantly increase the total compensation you receive.

 

Understanding the full scope of compensation available can be complex, but with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that you seek all the damages you are entitled to. Our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case, so reach out to us today.

Do I Have a Case?

Determining whether you have a valid personal injury case involves several factors. Our attorneys will evaluate the specifics of your situation to determine the strength of your claim. This includes reviewing evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We will also consider the extent of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the potential for long-term consequences. By thoroughly assessing these factors, we can provide you with an informed opinion on the viability of your case and the best course of action to take. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your rights and have a clear path forward in seeking justice and compensation.

Proving Negligence

To succeed in a personal injury case, you must prove that the other party was negligent. This involves demonstrating:

1. Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty of care.
2. Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty.
3. Causation: The breach caused your injuries.
4. Damages: You suffered damages as a result.

West Virginia Statute of Limitations

In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. It is crucial to file your claim within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation.

What’s Next?

Free Case Review

Our firm offers a free case review to assess your situation and provide you with legal options. This initial consultation is an opportunity to ask questions and understand the legal process.

Building Your Case

Our personal injury attorneys will gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and build a compelling case to support your claim. We handle all aspects of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.

Negotiating Your Claim

We will negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Collecting Your Settlement

Once a settlement or verdict is reached, we will work diligently to ensure you receive your compensation promptly. Our goal is to help you recover and move forward with your life.

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Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Charleston?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

How long will my personal injury case take?

The duration of a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity and specifics of your situation. Some cases settle quickly, while others may take longer if they go to trial. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to handling your case as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule, allowing you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Should I accept an insurance settlement?

Before accepting any insurance settlement, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to minimize their payout. An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer, ensure it covers all your damages, and negotiate for a fair amount that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.

What is the average settlement for a personal injury claim in West Virginia?

The average settlement for a personal injury claim in West Virginia varies widely depending on the specifics of the case, including the severity of injuries, the degree of fault, and the available insurance coverage. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to several hundred thousand dollars or more for severe, life-altering injuries. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances.

When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?

You should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal intervention can help preserve crucial evidence, navigate interactions with insurance companies, and avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your claim. Prompt legal guidance ensures that your rights are protected from the outset and enhances your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorneys

Attorney Jeff David Stewart

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Attorney Allison R. Santer

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Attorney Katherine H. Arritt

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Attorney Andrew L. Paternostro

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How Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help

Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal services for personal injury victims, including:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering and preserving evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court
• Ensuring all legal documents are filed correctly and on time

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Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer in Charleston, WV, For Free

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Stewart Bell, PLLC. Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Charleston are here to provide the legal support you need after an accident. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.