When someone enters your property, they have a reasonable expectation that it is being maintained as a relatively safe environment, and it is your duty as a property owner to ensure that it is. This theory is called premises liability. Premises liability holds property owners liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, if the mail man slips and falls on a patch of ice on your sidewalk, you may be responsible to pay for his injuries. However, this only applies if it can be proven that he did not act in any unsafe or negligent manner that could have contributed to or caused the incident.

If you have homeowner’s insurance, your policy will cover the costs if you or someone else is injured on your property up to the maximum amount of coverage. However, if the medical bills exceed the coverage, it is likely that you will be held personally responsible to pay the rest. Premises liability law in West Virginia is similar to that in many other states, although there are some differences. West Virginia businesses and private citizens have a legal duty to ensure the safety of visitors to their property to a reasonable degree. While no one can foresee every possibility, it is important for property owners to assess potential risks and address these problems before an accident occurs.

During the winter months especially, snow and ice buildup can dramatically increase the amount of slip and fall accidents and injuries. Here are some tips to help keep your home safe this winter:

· If you live in an area that you know receives a lot of foot traffic, be sure to clear your sidewalks as soon and as often as possible.

· Always have winter weather salt on hand and treat the sidewalks, walkways and driveways before too much snow accumulates.

· When a big storm hits, shovel and treat your driveway and sidewalks periodically. Don’t wait until the storm passes-it will be easier to remove the snow and ice a little at a time.

· Always keep an eye out for potential tripping hazards, and make sure the areas around sidewalks, driveways and walkways are well lit. Motion-activated lights are a good way to save electricity and ensure that anyone passing by will be able to see what’s ahead of them.

· If you’re planning to go out of town, designate a friend or neighbor to clear your walkways while you are gone. Just because you aren’t home does not mean you are not responsible for keeping your property safe.

· Don’t forget to use caution while shoveling the snow. US hospitals treat about 11, 500 injuries related to shoveling snow every year. Shoveling snow puts stress on the cardiovascular system, which can be dangerous for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you worry that you are not physically capable of shoveling the snow yourself, consider hiring someone else to do it.

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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