Injured man sitting on the edge of a bed holding his back.

Were You Injured in an Accident in Charleston, WV?

If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and experienced legal support. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we are committed to standing up for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Schedule your free consultation with a trusted personal injury lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia.

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Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Charleston, WV

If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need more than just legal advice. You need a team that truly understands what you’re going through and knows how to win. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our experienced attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured West Virginians for over 30 years. We help clients in Charleston and across the state recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives after devastating injuries, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Trust a personal injury lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia to handle the legal complexities of your case while you focus on your recovery.

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Help Is at Your Fingertips

Getting help with your case is as easy as a call or a click. We take it from there!

We Fight for Justice

You’ve suffered enough, and we work hard to bring you the full settlement you’re owed.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hidden fees — you don’t pay unless we win for you!

Why Stewart Bell, PLLC Is the Right Choice for Your Injury Case

Choosing the right attorney for your injury cases matters. You need someone who understands West Virginia law and will treat your case like it’s personal, because it is. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we are proud to be a personal injury law firm in Charleston that puts people first. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Local knowledge, proven results: We’ve helped thousands of West Virginians get justice.
  • You don’t pay unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs.
  • We fight insurance companies for you: We know their tactics and how to beat them.
  • Compassionate legal team: We treat every client like family and every case like our own.

We’re not just lawyers for your personal injury, we’re your partners in recovery. From the moment you contact us, we focus on lifting the weight off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Charleston, WV

Our firm handles a variety of personal injury cases in Charleston, Huntington, Dunbar, and throughout West Virginia. Common cases we handle include:

No matter how you were hurt, our Charleston personal injury claim lawyers are ready to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

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How Our Charleston Injury Attorneys Can Help Maximize Your Recovery

You shouldn’t have to deal with insurance companies or complex legal forms while trying to heal after an accident. Having a personal injury attorney in Charleston can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Our legal team fights for every dollar you may be entitled to by:

  • Investigating your accident thoroughly: We collect evidence, speak with witnesses, and work with experts to uncover what really happened.
  • Building a strong legal case: We handle all the legal paperwork, deadlines, and court requirements under West Virginia law.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies: We don’t let them lowball you. We push for a full and fair settlement.
  • Representing you in court if needed: If they won’t offer what you deserve, we’re ready to fight for you in court.

With Stewart Bell, PLLC by your side, you’re never alone in this process.

Compensation Available for Charleston Personal Injury Victims

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s carelessness or wrongdoing, you may be legally entitled to recover financial compensation. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we work hard to help our clients seek full damages for the many ways their injuries have impacted their lives physically, emotionally, and financially. For a personal injury case in Charleston, you may be able to recover:

These damages cover the out-of-pocket costs you’ve had to pay or will have to pay because of your injuries, such as:

  • Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost income: If you missed work because of your injuries, you can recover lost wages.
  • Loss of earning potential: If your injury affects your ability to return to your previous job or earn the same income in the future, we’ll fight to recover that lost earning capacity.
  • Property damage: If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you may be compensated for repairs or replacements.

Not all harm is physical or financial. You may also pursue compensation for the personal and emotional impact of your injuries. This includes:

  • Physical pain and suffering: This covers the pain caused by your injuries and any chronic issues or long-term disability.
  • Emotional distress: Many injury victims deal with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or sleep problems after an accident.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or time with family like you used to, you may be compensated for that loss.

Note: In West Virginia, non-economic damages are generally capped at $500,000 in cases involving serious injuries like permanent disfigurement, loss of a limb, or wrongful death.

In situations where the person who caused your injury acted with gross negligence or intentional harm, West Virginia law allows for punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and send a strong message that reckless behavior—like drunk driving or intentional abuse—won’t be tolerated.

Note: West Virginia law limits the amount of punitive damages to either 4 times the amount of compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater.

 

Understanding the full scope of compensation available can be complex, but with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can seek all the damages you may be entitled to. Our legal team will review the details of your case to determine what your claim may be worth and help ensure that no money is left on the table. We’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case, so reach out to us today.

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How Fault Is Determined in Personal Injury Cases

To win a personal injury case in Charleston, you must prove that someone else was legally at fault. Under West Virginia law, this means demonstrating:

  1. Duty of Care: The person had a duty to act safely.
  2. Breach of Duty: They failed that duty.
  3. Causation: That failure caused your injuries.
  4. Damages: You suffered damages as a result.

We use evidence, expert opinions, and legal strategies to prove fault and build the strongest possible case.

What If You Were Partly Responsible for Your Accident?

West Virginia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

  • You can still receive damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.

Even if you are partly to blame, you could still have a valid case. Our team can review your case and explain your options.

What Evidence Helps Prove Fault?

Strong evidence is key to a successful personal injury claim. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we gather every piece of information needed to build your case, including:

  • Accident reports: Police reports or incident documentation from the scene.
  • Photographs and videos: Visual proof of injuries, property damage, or dangerous conditions.
  • Witness statements: Testimony from people who saw what happened.
  • Medical records: Proof of the extent and cause of your injuries.
  • Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts who support your claim.

Our attorneys know how to collect, preserve, and present this evidence to help prove fault and hold the responsible parties accountable under West Virginia law. Get in touch with a Charleston injury lawyer today for assistance with your claim.

What to Do After an Injury in Charleston, WV

If you’ve been hurt, taking the right steps can protect your health and your ability to file a strong personal injury claim. After an accident:

  1. Get medical help immediately: Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor right away to check for hidden injuries and create a medical record that can link your injuries to the accident.
  2. Report the accident: Tell the police, property owner, or employer right away, depending on where the injury happened. This creates an official report that can serve as important evidence later. If possible, ask for a written copy of the report.
  3. Take photos of the scene: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, and anything that might show how the injury happened.
  4. Collect witness information: Get the names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened. Witness statements can support your version of events and help prove who was at fault.
  5. Don’t talk to insurance companies alone: Insurance adjusters might try to get you to say something that hurts your case. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a settlement without talking to a lawyer first.
  6. Contact Stewart Bell, PLLC for a free case review: We’re here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and fight for the compensation you may deserve. Speak with our Charleston personal injury lawyers before you make any decisions.

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How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?

West Virginia law gives you 2 years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover any compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Charleston personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Charleston, WV, Personal Injury FAQs

Settlement amounts in Charleston vary depending on the details of each case, such as the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and how clearly the other party is at fault. Minor injury cases may settle for a few thousand dollars, while more serious cases involving long-term disability or wrongful death can result in settlements of hundreds of thousands or even millions. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we work to make sure your settlement reflects the full value of what you’ve lost.

The duration of a personal injury case varies depending on the complexity and specifics of your situation. Some cases settle quickly, while others may take longer if they go to trial. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to handling your case as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Before accepting any insurance settlement, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to minimize their payout. An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer, ensure it covers all your damages, and negotiate for a fair amount that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.

Winning a personal injury case depends on proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. While straightforward cases can be easier to resolve, more complex cases require strong evidence and legal experience. With the right legal team, your chances of a successful outcome increase significantly.

Most personal injury cases in Charleston settle out of court and are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our team is experienced in the courtroom and ready to fight for you every step of the way.

In West Virginia, you have 2 years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case could be dismissed, and you may lose your right to recover compensation. This is why it’s so important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.

Yes, hiring an experienced injury lawyer can make a big difference in your case. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A skilled attorney can protect your rights, gather the evidence needed to prove fault, calculate the full value of your losses, and handle negotiations or trial if necessary.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, hiring a lawyer won’t cost you anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, and you’ll never owe us anything out of pocket. This allows you to get high-quality legal help without financial stress.

Our Charleston Personal Injury Attorneys

Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Jeff David Stewart

Attorney Jeff David Stewart

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Katherine H. Arritt

Attorney Katherine H. Arritt

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Personal Injury Lawyer Andrew Paternostro

Attorney Andrew L. Paternostro

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Get the Legal Help You Deserve From a Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer

When life takes an unexpected turn, you deserve someone who’ll fight fiercely for your future. At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our trusted personal injury lawyers in Charleston are ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for every dollar you may be owed. We know how much is at stake, and we’re here to make sure you’re not taken advantage of. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s start building your case together. Your recovery is our priority.

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For more than 30 years, the lawyers of Stewart Bell, PLLC have helped the people and businesses of West Virginia protect their interests and rights. We understand the issues that injured people and their families face after an accident and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount of compensation for every case we handle.

We have recovered MILLIONS of dollars for clients injured because of nursing home abuse, motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

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