When you visit a property—whether it’s a grocery store, a neighbor’s home, or your favorite local café—you don’t expect to worry about safety hazards. But what happens when an unsafe condition leads to an injury? At Orndorff Mowen, a trusted civil litigation law firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that accidents on someone else’s property can cause.
Our experienced Charleston premises liability lawyers are here to help you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact our office today at 866-481-2765 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner or occupier’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment for those who lawfully visit the property. If someone is injured due to unsafe conditions that the property owner knew about—or should have known about—they may be held liable for the resulting harm.
Premises liability cases encompass a wide range of hazards, including but not limited to:
- Slip and Falls: Caused by spilled liquids, uneven flooring, or poorly maintained walkways.
- Poor Maintenance: Broken railings, staircases, or unsafe structural elements.
- Negligent Security: Assaults or thefts due to insufficient lighting, lack of security cameras, or negligent security personnel.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Injuries or drownings due to inadequate safety measures around pools.
- Dog Bites: Cases where property owners failed to restrain or control aggressive animals.
- Falling Objects: Such as merchandise falling from shelves in a store.
If you’ve been injured in any of these scenarios—or others where a property owner neglected their duty of care—you may have a premises liability case.
Why Choose Orndorff Mowen for Your Premises Liability Case?
At Orndorff Mowen, we believe that no one should suffer due to someone else’s negligence. With years of experience handling premises liability cases in Charleston, WV, our attorneys understand the complexities of the law and are dedicated to advocating for our clients’ rights. Here’s why you can trust us to represent you:
1. Proven Track Record of Success
We have successfully recovered compensation for countless clients injured on unsafe premises. Our team has the skills and resources to build a strong case, whether through negotiation or in court.
2. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation
We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to deal with an injury, medical bills, and lost wages. That’s why we prioritize clear communication and personalized attention for every client. You’re not just another case to us—you’re part of our community.
3. Comprehensive Legal Knowledge
Premises liability laws vary by state, and West Virginia has its own unique rules and requirements. Our attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of West Virginia premises liability law, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost precision.
4. No Fees Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to quality legal representation.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Accidents on another person’s property can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common injuries we see in premises liability cases include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Sprains and Strains
- Cuts and Lacerations
- Internal Injuries
- Burns
- Psychological Trauma (in cases of assault or negligent security)
No matter the severity of your injury, we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Understanding West Virginia Premises Liability Laws
West Virginia premises liability laws require property owners to take reasonable steps to ensure that their property is safe for visitors. However, the level of responsibility can depend on your legal status when entering the property. West Virginia recognizes three categories of visitors:
- Invitees – These are individuals who enter a property for a business purpose, like customers visiting a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, meaning they must actively inspect for hazards and promptly address them.
- Licensees – These are social guests or people who are invited onto the property for non-business purposes. Property owners must warn licensees of any known dangers that might not be obvious.
- Trespassers – Trespassers enter a property without permission. Property owners generally owe no duty of care to trespassers, but there are exceptions, such as for children in cases involving attractive nuisances like swimming pools.
Understanding your legal status at the time of the accident is critical for determining liability—and this is where the expertise of Orndorff Mowen’s attorneys makes a difference. We’ll evaluate your case thoroughly to determine the strongest path forward.
Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, taking the right steps can significantly impact the success of your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Documentation will also support your case.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager immediately. Get their contact information, and ask for a copy of the report, if applicable.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the hazard that caused your injury. Capture details like poor lighting, icy stairs, or spilled liquids.
- Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, obtain their contact details. Their testimony may be valuable later.
- Preserve Evidence: Don’t throw away clothing, shoes, or other items that may have been damaged or affected during the accident—they could serve as evidence.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting could hurt your chances of building a strong case.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you have a valid premises liability claim, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Property damage (e.g., personal items damaged in the accident)
Every case is unique, so the specific damages you can seek will depend on the details of your accident. Our attorneys will work diligently to maximize your compensation.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone – Call Orndorff Mowen Today
Being injured on someone else’s property is a frustrating and often confusing experience. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Orndorff Mowen, our premises liability lawyers in Charleston, WV, are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process. We’ll fight tirelessly to hold property owners accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to unsafe property conditions, contact Orndorff Mowen today. Remember, the clock on your claim is ticking—don’t wait to get started!
