Support & Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Support & Resources

Cranston & Edwards — Morgantown, WV

The past few years have brought a lot of turmoil and emotional upheaval to homes in Morgantown and throughout West Virginia. From the COVID-19 pandemic, political issues, drug overdose and suicide epidemics to many other stressful situations, we have witnessed an intense level of suffering across our region. Unfortunately, these and other stresses have contributed to an increase in domestic violence throughout our region. At Cranston & Edwards PLLC, we sincerely care about our clients and the communities we serve. If you or a loved one are experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, please reach out for help.

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Should You Sue a Faulty Product Manufacturer? 3 Things to Consider First

Should I Sue a Faulty Product Manufacturer?

3 Things to Consider Before Filing a Civil Lawsuit

Defective products are quite common. Chances are, you have encountered many faulty products in your life. In most cases, when a product fails to perform as advertised you can simply return it to the place of purchase for exchange or a refund. When a faulty product causes serious personal injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses under various laws that govern the safety of consumer goods, mechanical equipment, medical devices, and medications. Before you make the call to pursue a civil lawsuit against the individuals and/or companies you believe to be at fault, there are 3 things to consider first.
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If You Were Seriously Injured by Toxin Exposure at Work, You Need to Act Fast

Seriously Injured by Toxins, Poisons, or Hazardous Materials at Work In WV?

You Must Act Fast

Chemical manufacturing is the top industrial sector in West Virginia, followed closely by motor vehicles and parts, metals, petroleum and coal, aerospace and transportation equipment, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco products – all of which pose a distinct threat to manufacturing industry employees statewide. If you were exposed to hazardous chemicals toxins, or poisonous materials at work and suffered serious harm, it is important to obtain first aid and emergency medical treatment right away, then contact a West Virginia personal injury attorney skilled at protecting your rights.
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5 Habits to Avoid Sedentary Workplace Injuries

5 Habits to Avoid Sedentary Workplace Injuries

Lower Your Risk of Pain and Injury

Most people would not list working in a climate-controlled office all day as one of the most dangerous jobs. They would be wrong. Although full-time sedentary workers aren’t likely to suffer sudden and violent fatalities on the job, the damage to the body can be significant – and may contribute to an earlier death.

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Are You a Victim of Corporate Greed? Holding the Trucking Industry Accountable

Seriously Injured by a Commercial Truck?

When Corporate Greed and Negligence Cause Tragic Accidents

Accidents caused by trucking company negligence represent a systemic failure. These types of crashes – and the serious injuries they cause – should never happen. When corporate negligence results in serious harm it creates profound legal liabilities – and it is just wrong. Reckless acts on the part of commercial trucking companies, in particular, can cause significant and catastrophic damage to life and property when they prioritize profit over safety. These careless companies endanger their drivers and everyone else on the roadways of West Virginia.

Dangerous Trucking Practices

Due to the potential of large commercial trucks to cause severe injuries and death, the trucking industry is strictly regulated. Trucking companies have an important duty to ensure their drivers operate these massive, heavy vehicles operate responsibly. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most common dangerous trucking industry practices that can cause harm to others on the highways of West Virginia.

Speeding & Reckless Driving

Failure to Pay Fair Wages or Offering Unethical Bonuses

In some cases, commercial trucking companies may fail to pay their drivers fair wages as a standard business practice. Instead, commercial truck drivers are awarded financial bonuses for making deliveries in the shortest possible time, by any means necessary. This may include encouraging drivers to exceed speed limits and commit reckless driving practices involving violations of the laws and regulations of the roadways. Speeding is a risky practice for all drivers; It is even more dangerous when operating a vehicle that may weigh up to 40 tons. Traveling at a high rate of speed limits reaction time. It dramatically increases the amount of damage caused in collisions, as well.

Overloading, Insecure Cargo, HAZMAT & Equipment Noncompliance

Failure to Abide by DOT, NHTSA, FMCSA and Other Regulations

Weight limits and regulations related to how commercial trucks can be loaded exist for good reason. Despite this and in an effort to save time and money, some trucking companies may encourage drivers to exceed the weight limit of the vehicle in order to transport more material per trip – or look the other way when they are aware this is happening. They also may disregard radiological and HAZMAT regulations, crash indicator, logging, recording, and equipment mandates, and other important regulations.

Unfit, Impaired & Dangerous Drivers

Failure to Properly Train, Supervise and Hire Qualified Drivers

Negligent trucking companies may fail to properly train and supervise their drivers. They may hire drivers that are not qualified to operate the equipment. These dangerous drivers can pose a significant risk to other motorists. Failure to load a truck evenly, properly secure cargo, or otherwise compromise safety standards can lead to horrific accidents and devastating injuries. Drivers may fail to negotiate a turn and topple the truck, discharge materials onto the highway, or handle the truck in such a way that their actions cause an accident to occur.

  • Unfit Drivers
  • Unverified Medical Cards and Exams
  • Invalid CDLs and Credentials
  • Untested for Controlled Substances & Alcohol
  • ELD Sheet Noncompliance
  • Records of Duty Status Noncompliance
  • Inspection Report Noncompliance

Dangerous Trucks

Failure to Properly Inspect, Maintain, and Repair Equipment

Commercial trucking companies are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles in proper working condition. When the focus is on delivering loads as fast as possible to maximize profit, critical inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs may be rushed – or ignored altogether. This bad practice can create a dangerous operating situation that directly causes an accident.

  • Safety Inspection Noncompliance
  • Negligent Maintenance
  • Repair Negligence
  • Mechanical Failure
  • Worn / Defective / Malfunctioning Tires, Brakes, Pads, Discs, or Brake Lines
  • Blown Out, Overinflated and Underinflated Tires
  • Inadequate Oil, Windshield, Brake, and Transmission Fluid
  • Worn / Defective / Malfunctioning Lights, Wipers, Horns, Reflectors, Mirrors, and Safety Accessories
  • Failing Engine and Transmission System
  • Failing Steering and Suspension System
  • Improperly Installed or Broken Guards, Hitches, and Coupling Devices

Fatigued Drivers

Failure to Properly Schedule & Allow Break, Rest, and Sleep Periods

Fatigued driving is a major cause of crashes. Trucking company incentives can be massive to encourage drivers to continue operating vehicles when they should not be anywhere near a steering wheel. A trucking company might send drivers on the road even while experiencing significant fatigue, illness, emotional distress, and other problematic conditions. Commercial trucking companies who choose to ignore required rest periods and place drivers behind the wheel while extremely tired, ill, or under the influence of drugs and medications risk having the operator fall asleep while driving. This practice can potentially allow a vehicle weighing in at 35-80,000 pounds to travel out-of-control at high speed on a highway filled with smaller passenger vehicles averaging only 3,500 pounds. It is a recipe for disaster.

Contact Our Morgantown Personal Injury Lawyers

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a commercial truck accident caused by an unsafe trucking company practice, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses. Cranston & Edwards PLLC is a law firm focusing solely on recovering fair financial compensation for our clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our AV® Rated law firm works on a contingency basis for those who have been seriously injured or lost a family member from the negligence or fault of another. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers for effective legal representation, more than 55 years of collective litigation experience, proven skills, and a track record of success. There are absolutely no legal fees until we win your claim. For a free evaluation of your case, call us at 304-296-3500.

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Catastrophic Accidents – How to Fight for Your Loved One

Catastrophic Accidents

How to Fight for Your Loved One

Catastrophic injuries are costly – and not just financially. The loss of all of the hopes and dreams you had for your loved one, being unable to enjoy life together as you had hoped, and having your entire future ripped from reality can be utterly devastating for the victim, as well as you and your entire family. Learn how to fight to get financial justice and the compensation you will need to provide a lifetime of care for your family member who was catastrophically injured through no fault of their own in West Virginia.

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3 Facts About Texting and Driving That Will Shock You

3 Shocking Facts About Texting and Driving

Using a handheld electronic device while driving is strictly banned in West Virginia. Yet, we continue to witness lives being destroyed throughout the state as a result of cellphone use and texting while driving. In our office, we see this pain and anguish every day. It never gets easier.

The use of cellphones behind the wheel contributes to an estimated 1.5 million traffic accidents each year and the loss of more than 500 lives. If someone you know continues to text and drive, we hope you’ll join us in giving a thumbs down to this extremely dangerous practice. Perhaps hearing these three worrisome facts from you will help them understand that it’s just not worth it. If the message is truly that important, just pull over.

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Purpose and Objectives of the Civil Justice System

What is the Purpose of the Civil Justice System?

Cranston & Edwards PLLC — Morgantown, WV

The overarching goal of our legal system is to protect our communities. As attorneys, we make our communities safer places to live, work, and raise our families.

In the United States, we have a criminal and civil justice system. While the criminal justice system determines innocence or guilt and addresses legal offenses on behalf of governmental entities, our civil justice system determines liability and provides a means to settle legal disputes between citizens and other people or corporations.

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Why Injured Pedestrians Need Legal Representation

Why Do Injured Pedestrians Need Legal Representation?

Cranston & Edwards PLLC Protects Your Rights

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Shockingly, 17 pedestrians are killed and more than 200 pedestrians are injured every day in motor vehicle accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If you or a family member were seriously injured as a pedestrian, you might believe the case will be straightforward. Unfortunately, this is rarely true.

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5 Truths About Nursing Home Neglect That Every Family Should Know

5 Truths About Nursing Home Neglect

What Every Family Should Know

Many very fine long-term personal care facilities are available, offering skilled, compassionate, and attentive care. Yet, there is no guarantee that your loved one is receiving the level of care you were promised in shiny brochures and carefully executed facility tours. Similar to medical facilities, nursing homes are businesses. As such, they are prone to the pitfalls and consequences of cost-saving measures that can affect the care your family member receives.

If your loved one resides in a nursing home or personal care facility, it is crucial to be aware of certain uncomfortable truths. Again, while these certainly do not apply to all care homes, you should take steps to ensure they do not apply to the facility where YOUR loved one resides.

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