Grafton, WV, February 14, 2025 — Bailey Javins & Carter, LC (BJC) has secured a $1 million verdict for Ronald Adams, a worker who suffered severe spinal injuries in a 2016 fall from the roof of the Taylor County Courthouse in Grafton, WV. A Taylor County jury delivered the verdict, holding Storm Service Solutions (SSS) and Joshua Wolfe, doing business as WC Construction, liable for negligence.
Adams, then 54, was injured while working on the courthouse roof as an employee of WC Construction, a subcontractor hired by SSS to repair hail damage. SSS was responsible for providing safety equipment, including fall protection. The incident occurred on November 21, 2016, when Adams was asked to retrieve a bundle of shingles located near the edge of the roof by the gutter. The shingles were frozen to the roof, causing Adams to lose his footing and fall 12.5 feet onto the annex building below. The fall resulted in three fractures in his lumbar spine, requiring fusion surgery.
Adams’ legal counsel, car accident attorney J. Ryan Stewart of BJC, along with associate attorney Jayson Hamrick, successfully argued that both SSS, as the general contractor and controlling employer, and Wolfe, Adams’ employer, failed to provide adequate fall protection and training, directly contributing to the accident.
The case faced significant delays due to unrelated insurance issues, but Stewart and his team persevered, ultimately securing a substantial victory for their client. The jury’s award included $118,000 for past medical expenses and $882,000 in non-economic damages, covering past and future pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
“This verdict sends a clear message that worker safety must be a priority,” said Stewart. “Companies cannot cut corners when it comes to protecting the lives and well-being of their employees. Mr. Adams’ life was drastically altered by this preventable accident, and we are pleased that the jury recognized the gravity of the situation and held the responsible parties accountable.”
The case highlighted critical safety concerns within the construction industry, particularly regarding fall protection. The construction site injury attorney emphasized the importance of adhering to OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy, which holds general contractors responsible for safety on multi-employer worksites. The jury’s decision underscores the legal and ethical obligations of general contractors and subcontractors to ensure a safe working environment for all personnel.
“This case was about more than just an accident; it was about accountability,” added Stewart. “Mr. Adams was simply trying to do his job when a lack of proper safety measures put his life at risk. We fought hard to ensure that he received the justice he deserves, and this verdict represents a significant step towards that goal.”
The $1 million verdict serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from contractor negligence in workplace safety. It underscores the need for continuous training, proper safety equipment, and a commitment from all parties involved in construction projects to prioritize the well-being of workers.
About Bailey Javins & Carter, LC:
Bailey Javins & Carter, LC is a West Virginia law firm dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals and businesses. With a focus on personal injury, workplace accidents, and other areas of civil litigation, the firm has a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for its clients. The attorneys at Bailey Javins & Carter, LC are committed to advocating for justice and protecting the rights of those who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
For more information about truck crash lawyer Bailey Javins & Carter and their advocacy on behalf of injured workers, visit their website at www.baileyjavinscarter.com or call 800-497-0234.
Media Contact:
Ryan Stewart
Bailey Javins & Carter, LC
213 Hale Street, Charleston, WV, 25301
(304) 345-0346
