Wheeling Foot Injury Attorney

Seek Justice for the Foot Injury You Sustained in Wheeling, West Virginia

As your dedicated Wheeling foot injury attorney, Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC is committed to providing you with the legal guidance and support you need to maximize your compensation. We understand the devastating impact that a foot injury can have on your daily life, from walking and working to driving and beyond. Unfortunately, insurance companies often view these injuries as nothing more than medical expenses, which can leave you struggling to recover the full extent of your damages.

That’s where our experienced foot injury attorney in Wheeling, WV comes in. With a deep understanding of the law and a compassionate approach to client care, we can help you convey the true impact of your injury and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC today if you’ve suffered a foot injury due to the carelessness of a third party. We’re here to help.

Why Do I Need a Foot Injury Attorney in West Virginia?

If you’ve suffered a foot injury in West Virginia due to the carelessness of a third party, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney. Not only can they help you navigate the legal process, but they can also help you maximize your compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The following are reasons for having a foot injury attorney in West Virginia:

• A qualified personal injury attorney with knowledge of West Virginia laws can provide invaluable assistance in evaluating your case and helping you seek the compensation you deserve.
• They can help you understand your legal rights and options and provide advice on the best way to move forward with your case.
• An experienced Wheeling foot injury attorney can review your medical records and investigate the incident that caused your injury to determine if there is a case for negligence or liability.
• In addition to proving liability, they can help you negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
• If necessary, a foot injury attorney can represent you in court, assisting in preparing your case, filing motions, and questioning witnesses.
• An attorney can also provide you with advice on the best way to present your case in court and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
• Having a good foot injury attorney in West Virginia on your side can make a huge difference when it comes to seeking the compensation you deserve.

If you’re struggling with a foot injury caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC. We can provide you with the resources and guidance you need to navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our foot injury attorney.

What is the Anatomy of a Healthy Foot?

There are three parts to the foot: the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hindfoot. In addition to muscles, tendons, and ligaments that run the length of the foot, each section of the foot contains a set of bones. The tarsal bones are situated immediately beneath the ankle. The arches of the foot are formed beneath the tarsals by the angle of the bones and the support of the tendons. 

By absorbing shock, the arches facilitate walking and other types of movement. The tarsals attach to the metatarsals, which connect to the phalanges, or toes. The leg is supported by the heel and ankle bones, calcaneus, and talus, in the back of the foot. The ankle joint permits the foot to move up and down, whereas the subtalar joint between the ankle and heel permits the foot to move laterally. 

The Achilles tendon attaches the lower calf muscles to the foot. These leg muscles are primarily responsible for the movement of the foot.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Foot Injuries?

The feet are an essential component of the skeletal and muscular systems. Your feet provide you with balance and mobility, allowing you to function at home and at work. Due to the high number of bones and muscles in your feet, they are easily injured.

Foot injuries can be the result of daily wear and tear, as well as an accident or someone else’s negligence. Accidents that cause foot injuries include the following:

Car accidents 

Car accidents can cause severe foot injuries. These injuries can range from broken bones to severe lacerations. If a person is involved in a car accident, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure proper treatment of the injuries. 

Proper safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts and avoiding distracted driving, can help reduce the risk of serious foot injuries resulting from car accidents. 

Pedestrian Accidents

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they are most likely in an intersection or walking alongside the road. Typically, the impact causes injuries to the lower extremities, such as broken bones in the feet.

Motorcycle Collisions

As motorcyclists are more exposed than motorists, their injuries can be more severe in the event of an accident. During a collision, the feet can be crushed, resulting in broken bones and lacerations.

Sports Injuries 

Sports injuries are a common cause of foot injuries, especially among athletes. These injuries can include sprains, strains, and fractures of the foot and ankle. Proper stretching and conditioning can help reduce the risk of these types of injuries. 

Additionally, wearing the proper protective gear, such as cleats or shin guards, can help protect the foot and ankle from potential trauma. 

Falls 

Falls are another common cause of foot injuries. People of all ages are at risk for falls, which can cause bruising and fractures of the feet and ankles. The risk of falls can be reduced by making sure the area is free of tripping hazards and by wearing the appropriate footwear for the activity. 

Additionally, older adults should consider installing safety bars and other safety measures in their homes to reduce the risk of falls. 

Diseases or Medical Conditions 

Certain diseases or medical conditions can also lead to foot injuries. Conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and even high blood pressure can cause changes in the feet that can lead to pain, swelling, and even foot ulcers. It is important for those with these conditions to take proper care of their feet and to seek medical attention if they experience any changes or pain. 

Wearing the right shoes, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, and keeping feet clean and dry are all important steps to preventing foot injuries related to medical conditions. 

Direct Trauma or Impact 

Direct trauma or impact is another cause of foot injuries. This type of injury can occur from a variety of sources, such as a fall from a height, a direct hit from a blunt object, or an impact from a motor vehicle. These injuries can lead to fractures, lacerations, and other serious damage to the feet. 

To reduce the risk of direct trauma injuries, it is important to wear protective footwear and to be aware of potential hazards in the environment. 

Standing or Walking on Hard or Uneven Surfaces 

Standing or walking on hard or uneven surfaces can cause a variety of foot injuries, from sprains and strains to fractures. To reduce the risk of these types of injuries, it is important to wear proper footwear with adequate cushioning and support. Additionally, it is important to avoid walking on surfaces that are slippery, uneven, or have sharp or jagged edges. 

Taking time to stretch and warm up before engaging in physical activities can also help reduce the risk of foot injuries.

Occupational Accidents

Numerous foot injuries in the workplace are caused by malfunctioning equipment, inadequate safety measures, forklift accidents, falling objects, and crushing objects.

If you have suffered injuries to your feet in any of the aforementioned accidents, or any other accident involving personal injury, you may have a personal injury claim. Assuming another party is responsible for your injury, you can seek compensation to help pay for your medical expenses. Call us immediately for a free consultation.

What Are the Different Types of Foot Injuries?

The following are the different types of foot injuries caused by an accident.

Contusions

Gravity can also cause bruising, which can spread to your toes if you have an ankle injury.

Puncture Wounds

Vehicle crashes can occasionally result in puncture wounds due to flying debris. Sharp objects such as nails, tacks, ice picks, knives, teeth, and needles can cause them. Because puncture wounds are difficult to clean and provide a warm, moist environment for bacterial growth, they increase the risk of infection. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infection when an athlete sustains a puncture wound through the sole of their shoe.

Ligamentous Injuries That Support Your Joints

Strains, sprains, and fractures are the most frequent foot and ankle injuries in the United States, affecting over one million people annually. Ankle and foot injuries are common during sports and recreational activities, but they can also occur while walking or performing routine tasks at home or at work.

Muscle and tendon strains, stretches, and tears are frequently caused by a sudden twist or pull. Similar to stretches or tears, sprains affect the ligaments and are typically the result of a fall or trauma to the ankle or foot.

Ruptured Achilles tendon

A ruptured Achilles tendon is a complete or partial tear brought on by overstretching the tendon. Extreme jumping or pivoting, as well as sudden accelerations in running, can cause the tendon to overstretch and rupture. A tendon injury can also result from tripping or falling.

Joint Injuries

If the injury does not appear to be healing, you may be suffering from osteochondritis dissecans, a condition that causes injuries to persist.

Pulled Muscles

A strain on the muscles of the foot and ankle could cause an injury or cause the muscles to rupture.

Fractures

A broken toe or a broken bone in the foot can be caused by the trauma of an accident.

Dislocation

A dislocation, also known as a displaced bone, can be caused by accident-related trauma.

Compartment Syndrome

As a result of a crushing injury, compartment syndrome may develop. Compartment syndrome is a condition in which bleeding or edema develops in an area of the body that is surrounded by non-expandable bone and fascia structures. 

It can increase local pressure and disruption of circulation in that space. This can lead to ischemia and necrosis if not correctly diagnosed.

What Are the Different Symptoms of a Broken Foot?

A person with a broken foot will likely experience a number of the following symptoms:

• Extreme and immediate throbbing pain
• Discoloration or injury
• Problems walking or carrying weight
• Reduced discomfort while resting

What to Do Following a Foot Injury Accident in West Virginia? 

If you’ve been involved in a foot injury accident in West Virginia, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself legally and medically. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority, so seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you don’t feel any pain, you should still get evaluated by a medical professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any vehicles or objects involved in the accident. Also, take note of any witnesses and get their contact information.
• Report the Accident: Contact the police and report the accident. The police report can serve as evidence when pursuing legal action.
• Keep Track of Medical Records: Keep track of all medical records and expenses related to the injury, including doctor visits, hospital bills, and medication costs. This documentation can help your attorney in evaluating your case.
• Contact a Foot Injury Attorney: It’s essential to seek the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case, provide advice on the best way to move forward and help you maximize your compensation.

At Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC, we can provide you with the legal guidance you need to navigate the aftermath of a foot injury accident in West Virginia. Our experienced foot injury attorney in Wheeling WV can help you understand your legal rights and options and assist you in pursuing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Who Can Be Held Legally Liable for Your Foot Injury in West Virginia?

If you’ve suffered a foot injury in West Virginia due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are some parties that can be held legally liable for your foot injury in West Virginia:

• Property Owners: If you were injured on someone else’s property, such as in a slip and fall accident, the property owner may be held liable for your injuries.
• Employers: If you were injured on the job, your employer might be held liable for your injuries, especially if they failed to provide a safe working environment or proper safety equipment.
• Product Manufacturers: If your foot injury was caused by a defective product, such as faulty footwear, the manufacturer or seller of the product may be held liable for your injuries.
• Other Drivers: If you were injured in a car accident as a pedestrian, the driver of the vehicle that hit you might be held liable for your injuries.
• Government Entities: If your foot injury was caused by a dangerous condition on public property, such as a pothole or broken sidewalk, the government entity responsible for maintaining the property may be held liable for your injuries.

What is the Burden of Proof in a Foot Injury Claim?

The burden of proof in a foot injury claim is a critical aspect of the legal process. To ensure a successful outcome, it’s essential to understand the burden of proof and what it entails.

In a foot injury claim, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff. This means that the plaintiff must provide sufficient evidence to establish their case with a preponderance of the evidence. The preponderance of the evidence means that the evidence presented by the plaintiff is more convincing and has greater weight than the evidence presented by the defendant.

To prove their case, the plaintiff must establish three key elements: a breach of duty, causation, and damages. A breach of duty refers to the defendant’s failure to fulfill their duty of care towards the plaintiff, which led to the foot injury. Causation or proximate cause is the link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the plaintiff’s injury. Finally, the plaintiff must provide evidence of the damages they suffered as a result of the foot injury.

It’s important to note that if the evidence presented by both parties is equal, the burden of proof does not rest with the plaintiff. However, in most cases, the plaintiff must prove each of these elements by a preponderance of the evidence.

Violation of Duty of Reasonable Care

In a personal injury claim, the court’s initial determination is to establish the existence of a legal obligation or duty. If a duty is established, the burden falls on the plaintiff to prove that the defendant breached that duty by failing to exercise reasonable care. If there is no duty of reasonable care, the case cannot proceed.

Once the court has established a duty, the jury will determine if the defendant breached it. Breach of duty occurs when an individual does something that a reasonably careful person would not do, or fails to do something that a reasonably careful person would do. For instance, running a red light breaches a driver’s duty of reasonable care.

To prove a breach of duty, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant violated the law or acted negligently. After establishing the breach of duty, the plaintiff must also show proximate cause – that the defendant’s actions or inactions directly caused the plaintiff’s foot injury.

Proving Causation

A plaintiff must demonstrate proximate cause and a preponderance of the evidence. This is the burden of proof for the plaintiff in a foot injury case. Simply put, proximate cause means that the defendant’s wrongdoing caused the plaintiff’s foot injury. 

A wrongdoing is the proximate cause of injuries and damages if, in the natural progression of events, the conduct caused the injury and the injury would not have occurred in its absence.

Returning to the example in which the driver ran a red light if the driver or defendant ran a red light and collided with the side of the plaintiff’s car, it can be said that the defendant’s actions caused the plaintiff’s damages and injuries. 

If the defendant had not run the red light, the plaintiff’s vehicle would not have been destroyed. The plaintiff would not have sustained a foot injury and would have continued with his or her day had the defendant not run a red light.

Proving Damages

The plaintiff has the responsibility to establish damages by a preponderance of the evidence. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s conduct caused the damages. Damages are intended to compensate those who have been injured or harmed. Damages based on speculation cannot be recovered.

To recover compensation for foot injuries caused by the negligence of another party, it is often necessary to call the plaintiff’s physician to testify that the plaintiff’s physical injuries were caused by the wrongdoing of another. In the previous red-light scenario, the plaintiff would call his or her treating physician to testify that the foot injury was caused by the vehicle collision.

Damages for losses such as medical bills and auto repair costs can be demonstrated by submitting medical bills and repair costs as evidence. Similarly, lost wages can be established through the plaintiff’s testimony regarding work history and wages lost due to foot injuries caused by the defendant’s conduct.

There is no established formula for calculating damages for physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. These amounts are left to the jury’s discretion.

Proving Future Damages

A plaintiff is also eligible to recover for future damages. To recover damages for future medical expenses, a plaintiff must demonstrate the cost of the treatment he or she is likely to require in the future. To recover lost future earnings, the plaintiff must demonstrate that it is reasonably certain that future earnings will be lost due to his or her foot injury.

Lastly, let’s discuss pre-existing conditions. Consider, returning to the red-light example, that the plaintiff had a preexisting foot injury that the collision aggravated. In this situation, it would be up to the jury to determine whether the defendant’s conduct aggravated or worsened the preexisting condition. 

If the jury determines that the defendant’s conduct aggravated the preexisting condition, it may award reasonable compensation for the aggravation. Again, the plaintiff would be required to prove aggravation by a preponderance of the evidence.

What Are the Various Types of Compensation Available for Foot Injury Claims in West Virginia?

After breaking one or more bones in the foot, recovery could be difficult. The foot is perpetually in motion. For blue-collar workers who are always on their feet, a broken foot results in a significant loss of income. If you are the primary breadwinner for your family, your financial future can be impacted.

When calculating damages for a foot injury claim, we consider both short- and long-term financial needs. The careless individual responsible for the fracture must be held accountable. Maximizing compensation safeguards your financial future and communicates your intentions to the other party. You may receive compensation for:

• Bills for the ambulance and medical care
• Physical recuperation
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

What If My Foot Injury Happened at Work in West Virginia? 

If you have suffered a foot injury in West Virginia at work, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If you want your claim for a foot injury sustained on the job to be as strong as possible, then you must do the following after your accident:

See a Physician

First, you must prioritize your health. The sooner you receive medical care for your injuries, the quicker you will recover. Your physician will determine if you can work, supervise your treatment, and inform you of when you can return to work. Your injuries could worsen while you wait for medical treatment, preventing you from receiving full compensation. 

You must determine which healthcare providers are approved by the Workers’ Compensation Board or visit a healthcare provider who participates in your company’s Preferred Provider Organization.

Report the Accident

Inform your manager or supervisor in writing of the incident within thirty days of its occurrence. Describe what happened and the result. Waiting can prevent you from receiving complete compensation.

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact our Wheeling foot injury attorney for assistance with your claim. If your claim is denied, we can assist you in filing a lawsuit.

What Payments and Benefits Can You Recover for Your Work-Related Foot Injury?

You may wonder what benefits you are eligible for if you sustain a foot injury on the job. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive the following:

Disability Payments

Permanent and temporary disability payments exist. People who are recovering from an injury are eligible for temporary payments, but those with a permanent disability may be unable to return to work. A person qualifies for permanent disability if they lose their sight, use of their hands and feet, or have a severe illness.

Medical Benefits

You are eligible for medical benefits to cover the costs associated with recovering from your work-related foot injury. Benefits may cover hospital and physician visits, as well as treatment and medication. If your injury requires you to undergo rehabilitation to regain your strength, this is also covered by your health insurance.

Accidents at work can occur unexpectedly and leave you unsure of what to do next. Throughout the claims process, our talented foot injury attorney Wheeling WV will look out for your best interests and assist. We will ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation to which you are entitled and that you do not receive an unfavorable settlement.

What is West Virginia’s Statute of Limitations for Foot Injury Claims?

You have two years from the date of the incident that caused your injuries to file a lawsuit against the responsible individuals and companies, including insurance companies, to seek compensation for the damages (i.e., your injuries and losses). If you fail to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations period of two years, your claim will be permanently barred.

Two years may seem like a long time in the future, but when you consider everything that must be done to secure your legal rights against the responsible parties, it is not. Every day you wait to seek legal counsel is an opportunity lost to recover full compensation for your injuries.

If the statute of limitations has not expired, our qualified Wheeling foot injury attorney may be able to assist you in moving forward with your life by uncovering all the facts of your case, determining who should pay, and filing a lawsuit if necessary to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your damages and losses.

Legal Help for Foot Injury Victims From Our Seasoned Wheeling Foot Injury Attorney

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious foot injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is essential to seek legal help from our Wheeling foot injury attorney at Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC. With a track record of successful settlements and verdicts, our personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Don’t delay, contact us today for a free consultation. You can call us directly, send an email, or fill out our online contact form. Our legal team can also assist you with questions regarding Truck Accidents, Premises Liability, and Product Liability. Let us fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.