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What Happens When You Fall Due to a Spill at a Hotel

Published on Jan 9, 2019 at 11:00 am in Premises Liability.

Staying at a hotel should be an enjoyable experience. You expect the management to keep the place clean and safe. If there is a spill, staff members should clean it up as soon as possible, and if they can’t, then place a sign to warn possible hotel guests and staff that the area isn’t safe. When they don’t do these things, people can suffer from falls.

In the legal world, falling accidents that are caused by property or venue owners or workers who don’t prioritize the safety of visitors are referred to as “slip and fall” accidents. If you were a victim of a slip and fall accident in a hotel, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. First, let’s go over some basic information about falling accidents in hotels:

How Are Medical Liens Handled in West Virginia Personal Injury Claims?

Published on Nov 28, 2018 at 9:51 am in Car Accidents.

Personal injury claims are supposed to help those who were wrongfully injured and suffered financial losses because of someone else’s negligence. However, the process can be difficult and take a long time.

For example, let’s say a distracted driver hit you in an auto accident. You had to go to the hospital, will need treatment, and can’t return to work until you’ve recovered. Before your settlement, you may be dealing with hefty medical bills depending on the extent of your injuries. In these moments, you need someone by your side. A dependable West Virginia car accident lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will stand up for your rights.

How Do You Prove Discrimination in the Workplace?

Published on Nov 21, 2018 at 3:55 pm in Employment Law.

As an employee, you have legal rights that outlaw discrimination in the workplace and prohibit unfavorable or unfair treatment based on a variety of established categories. Even with those rights in place, there were 84,254 individual charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2017.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, our West Virginia employment lawyers will fight for you. We understand how difficult it can be to pursue justice against your employer. We will do whatever it takes to get you the justice you deserve while making the process as easy for you as possible.

5 Signs of a Drunk Driver to Watch for on the Road

Published on Oct 31, 2018 at 2:59 pm in Car Accidents.

Responsible drivers understand that drinking and driver should never mix; however, there are individuals out there that choose to disregard this knowledge. When they drive drunk, they’re putting their lives and the lives of others at risk. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an intoxicated driver, our Charleston drunk driving accident lawyers are prepared to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to aid in your recovery.

While the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 percent, alcohol begins to affect the brain at 0.02 percent. At this point, visual functions and judgment abilities begin to decline. As a person drinks more, their coordination worsens and their reaction times slow. When a person hits the legal limit and decides to get behind the wheel, their ability to concentrate declines, they experience short-term memory loss, they are unable to control their speeds, and their self-control is impaired.

Common Causes of Fatality-Causing Car Accidents

Published on Oct 17, 2018 at 1:06 pm in Car Accidents.

Losing a loved one is never easy; however, the loss can be even harder to cope with if the death was unexpected and preventable. Car accidents injure thousands and take the lives of hundreds in West Virginia each year. In order to deal with the grief and pain associated with the wrongful death, you may benefit from understanding why the accident occurred.

In 2016, there were 250 fatal crashes in West Virginia. As a result, 269 individuals lost their lives. Many of these accidents could have been prevented. As a responsible citizen and driver, it’s important to recognize why these fatal accidents happen, so you can take steps to aid in the prevention of these occurrences.

What Happens When There’s No Police Report Filed After a Car Crash?

Published on Sep 26, 2018 at 5:23 pm in Car Accidents.

What happens if a police report isn't filed

Whether an accident happens in a parking lot, an intersection, or on a highway, many people get in car collisions every day. While there are situations where it’s clear that you need to call 911, accidents where everyone seems fine may be a bit more confusing. There can be an instance where the collision doesn’t seem that bad, none of the parties involved believe to have any major injuries and are willing to exchange important information so everyone can report back to the insurance companies.

But this decision may make your claims process slower or more difficult to prove that you’re not at fault for the accident. In these cases, you may not know what to do next. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are people who can help you with your claim. A West Virginia car accident injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will fight for your rights and hold the correct party responsible for their actions.

Why Are Medical Malpractice Claims Considered Civil Cases?

Published on Sep 20, 2018 at 1:29 pm in Medical Malpractice.

If you or a loved one have been injured while under the care of a healthcare professional, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice case. While medical errors happen for a variety of reasons, there is never an excuse.

If you find yourself seeking legal guidance after a medical malpractice event, it’s likely you’ll realize just how complex these cases can be. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we’ll make these complicated legal matters easy to understand. Let’s start by going over the why most medical malpractice claims are considered civil cases.

How Common Are Dog Bite Claims in West Virginia?

Published on Aug 15, 2018 at 12:18 pm in Personal Injury.

While we normally think of our dogs as loyal companions always ready for tummy rubs and treats, there are unfortunate instances where they can become aggressive. While getting bit by a dog is always a dangerous and scary event, children and the elderly are at risk for even more injuries. In the event you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, it’s important to know the laws surrounding the issue and your rights.

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that more than 4.5 million dog bites happen in the United States each year. Nearly one million of those bites end up requiring medical attention for severe lacerations bruising, and concerns of rabies, capnocytophaga bacteria, Pasteurella, MRSA, and tetanus. Individuals often need antibiotics, stitches, rabies shots, or even plastic surgery. Of those 4.5 million bites, approximately 2,500 occur in West Virginia.

5 Symptoms of Shock After Being in an Accident

Published on Aug 8, 2018 at 12:56 pm in Car Accidents.


After a car accident, you’ll most likely be assessed by an on-scene medical response team before heading to the hospital. You or your loved ones may be worried about head trauma, broken bones, or other lacerations and bruising. While those injuries are definitely causes for concern, not every severe injury is visible.

If you’re in a traumatic accident, there’s a chance your body will go into shock if it isn’t getting enough blood flow. Shock can manifest in emotional and physical types. Emotional shock is often linked to the type of physical shock you are experiencing.

While there are five different types of shock, three of them are associated with car accidents. Cardiogenic shock happens when your heart is damaged to the point it cannot supply a sufficient amount of blood to your body. Hypovolemic shock happens when you experience severe fluid or blood loss, which renders you heart unable to pump enough blood throughout your body. Neurogenic shock is caused by damage to your nervous system.

Common Back Injuries After a Car Accident

Published on Jul 5, 2018 at 1:24 pm in Car Accidents.

Recovery from your car accident injuries can be a long and difficult process, especially if the accident was traumatic. Back injuries, in particular, often require extensive and expensive medical treatment. A knowledgeable West Virginia car accident injury lawyer may be able to help you seek a financial award for your damages.

The human spine is delicate and complex. It is not meant to withstand the force of a car collision, which is why so many individuals in car accidents end up with back pain and injuries. The type of back injuries varies depending on the severity of the car accident and the age and health of the victim.  Here you’ll find a list of the most common back injuries experiences after a car accident and how they’re treated.