If you recently suffered serious injuries in an accident in West Virginia, you may wonder if you have grounds for a claim. While filing a lawsuit against a person or entity for your injuries may seem like a hassle, the results can be well worth the effort – especially if you hire a personal injury lawyer to handle the claims process for you.

A successful negligence claim could lead to compensation for your past and future losses, giving you the financial stability you need for peace of mind while you heal. Your attorney can help you meet the burden of proof in a negligence claim in West Virginia, which involves four main elements.

The Defendant’s Duty of Care to the Plaintiff

As the injured party or plaintiff, you or your lawyer will need to prove that the at-fault party (defendant) owed you a legal duty of care at the time of the accident. In a medical malpractice claim, for example, a doctor would owe you strict duties of care as a patient. It will be up to your side of the case to prove that a special relationship between you and the defendant existed at the time of your injuries and that the defendant owed you a duty to exercise reasonable care because of this relationship.

Different defendants will owe different duties of care depending on the circumstances. A driver owes a duty of care to reasonably prevent car accidents, for example. An employer has a duty to maintain a safe workplace. A property owner must inspect for and repair dangerous property defects. Product manufacturers must ensure the reasonable safety of their products. The defendant’s duties of care to you in your case will depend on the circumstances of the accident. A lawyer can help you understand and prove duties of care.

The Defendant’s Breach of Duty of Care

The second element in a negligence claim is a breach of duty of care. A breach of duty can refer to any act, failure to act, misconduct, wrongdoing, carelessness or intentional tort that goes against the defendant’s duties of care to the plaintiff. It is a breach of a driver’s duty, for example, to drive under the influence of alcohol. A breach could be negligent or intentional. Proving that a breach of duty occurred by the defendant may take assistance from an experienced attorney. Proof of a breach could come in the form of statements from eyewitnesses, testimony from subject-matter experts, video surveillance footage, photographs and other forms of evidence.

The Plaintiff’s Compensable Damages

To have grounds for a negligence claim, you must have suffered real, specific and compensable damages. It is not enough to have proof of someone else’s negligence or intent to harm. Without damages suffered, you will not have a reason to bring a claim. Compensable damages in West Virginia can refer to both economic and non-economic injuries.

  • Medical expenses
  • Past and future pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish or trauma
  • Property damages
  • Legal fees and court costs
  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earning capacity
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Punitive damages
  • Wrongful death damages

To be eligible for a compensatory award, your accident lawyer will need to provide proof that you incurred actual damages from the incident or act of negligence in question. Proof may come in the form of hospital bills, receipts, bank statements, paystubs, hired experts, and testimony from friends and family.

Causal Link Between Breach of Duty and the Victim’s Damages

The final element necessary for a negligence claim is causation. Your attorney must show through a preponderance of evidence that it was the defendant’s breach of duty of care that caused or at least contributed to the damages you are claiming. If an unrelated factor caused your damages, the defendant may not be liable. The defendant’s negligent or malicious act in question must be the reason you suffered your losses. With these four elements, you can bring a personal injury claim against a negligent party in West Virginia.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

  • Efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly.

    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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