A personal injury lawsuit is just that—personal. As the victim, otherwise known as the plaintiff, you might be asked to present a lot of personal information when your attorney is putting together your claim. That could include W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, insurance policies, benefits, medical records, driver’s license number, or even your social security number. But is all that really necessary? Let’s discuss what information is essential when filing a personal injury lawsuit and what you need to know regarding your privacy rights and options.

If your personal injury claim involves complex evidence, you could benefit from having an expert witness speak at your trial. Depending on the circumstances surrounding you claim, you lawyer will be able to find the right witness to support your claim and help you prove negligence on behalf of the opposing party. If your lawyers suggests an expert witness, you’ll benefit from understanding the role and advantages of an expert witness, the types of witnesses that could support your case, and how the selection process works.

Why Are Expert Witnesses Important?

Even if the facts of your case seem straightforward to you, there could be complexities that make it difficult to receive full and fair compensation when your case is presented to a judge or jury. An expert witness can testify on your behalf to provide specific technical knowledge about you case. While, unlike a standard witness, the expert did not see the accident happen, they are allowed to testify because they have the ability to add important information to the claim based on their experience and knowledge. This can help cases resolve faster and ensure the proper amount of compensation is awarded.

In a nursing home facility, residents are supposed to be regularly monitored to ensure their health and wellbeing are maintained. Unfortunately, when nursing home employees are understaffed or undertrained, residents can sustain significant injuries. Physical abuse, poor dietary options, few social activities, and unsanitary conditions can all result in harm. While those situations all take place in the facility, a resident is put in even more danger when they unknowingly leave their nursing home.

What is Elopement?

Elopement occurs when a nursing home resident leaves their facility. This can be dangerous for a number of reasons – the most pressing related to the elements they’re walking into. It is likely they will not have the appropriate clothes on to be outside. They may be lacking shoes, which could contribute to any possible falls. If the person is disoriented, they may be unaware of how far they’ve gotten from their facility and may not know how to contact their loved ones.

Fires are often unexpected and can cause severe injuries. If you don’t have fire safety measures implemented, this could risk getting injured from the fire. How safe is your house or apartment in case of a major fire? Here are some ways you can check to see how prepared your home is and how you can make it better protected in case of a disaster you may not anticipate:

Thousands of train accidents occur each year in the United States. According to the Rail Safety Statistics Report, train accidents are caused by non-rail grade crossing collisions, rail grade crossing collisions, derailments, fires, and other miscellaneous events. Keep reading to learn the specifics of train derailments and why they happen.

From 2007-2013, the Federal Railroad Administration collected and evaluated train accident statistics. While train derailments fell near the bottom of the list for reasons why train accident happen, their impact is still significant. Approximately 61 derailments happen every year. Between 2007 and 2013, 114 people were injuries as a result of a train derailment. No deaths were reported.

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.

Brain injuries can be caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, and workplace accidents. But they can also occur in sports. Football is a major sport in America and many athletes can suffer from head trauma, mainly concussions. When someone suffers from brain trauma, their mental and physical health are both at risk.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. A West Virginia brain injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will help you with your claim and make sure you get the help you need. Brain injuries can lead to expensive medical bills and future rehabilitation. Knowing you have a financial cushion will allow you to focus on your recovery.

When you’re hurt in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim. You’ll hold the negligent person responsible for their actions and you may be able to get compensation for what you’ve had to experience. In these situations, a lawyer can help you get back on your feet.

A West Virginia personal injury lawyer from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC will stand up for your rights and get you the compensation you need. We’ve proudly served West Virginia citizens and will help fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

Concussions occur when your head is hit or shaken roughly. Traumatic brain injuries like concussions need immediate medical attention and treatment because they affect how your brain functions. People might have issues with cognitive functions and balance. Concussions have a few telling symptoms to look out for, like headaches, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

These injuries can be painful and it’s stressful to think about recovering when it wasn’t your fault. Paying for brain accident injuries shouldn’t fall on you. With the right legal help, you won’t have to worry about medical expenses. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we can pair you with a Charleston brain injury lawyer who has the experience and expertise your case needs. Our personal injury firm understand what you’re going through and want to help you get back on your feet.

The country is facing a serious opioid epidemic, and West Virginia is suffering the most. These drugs include heroin, oxycodone, codeine and morphine. West Virginia had the highest overdose death rate in the nation at 880 people. Anyone can get addicted to opioids, but West Virginia is losing a disproportionate amount of people, especially young ones.

Funeral directors report normally seeing two to three bodies a day, or usually about seven bodies in one week. They’re saddened at the amount of young people coming through their doors.

As opioid addiction is on the rise, so is the amount of people driving under the influence. Car accidents are sudden and take a huge emotional and physical toll on everyone involved. If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident where opioids were involved, you have a right to seek legal action.