Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers | February 23, 2026 | Personal Injury
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is a major part of downtown Charleston. Families, students, and visitors come for performances, exhibits, and community events throughout the year. Most visits are trouble-free, but injuries can happen — a slip on a wet surface, a fall on stairs, or an incident tied to poor lighting or maintenance.
If you were injured at the Clay Center, the steps you take next can protect your health and put you in a stronger position if questions come up later.
Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health comes first. If the injury is serious, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you. If it seems less urgent, still get checked out as soon as you can — at urgent care, your doctor’s office, or the emergency room.
Some injuries, including head injuries and soft-tissue damage, don’t always feel severe right away. Medical care also creates records that can be important later.
Report the Incident to Staff
Let a Clay Center employee know what happened and ask that an incident report be made. Keep your report simple and factual: where it happened, what you were doing, and what caused the injury.
If you can, ask how to get a copy of the report or confirmation that one was completed.
Document the Scene
If you are able, gather information before the area changes or gets cleaned up.
Helpful steps include:
- Take photos or a video of the exact area where you were hurt.
- Capture the hazard, such as a spill, uneven flooring, damaged steps, or poor lighting.
- Note the date and time.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and contact information. A witness can help confirm details if there is a dispute later.
Keep Track of Injuries and Costs
Save records related to your injury and how it has affected your day-to-day life.
This may include:
- Medical bills, discharge paperwork, and follow-up instructions
- Prescriptions, physical therapy, and other treatment costs
- Proof of missed work and lost income
It can also help to jot down short notes about pain levels, mobility issues, and activities you can’t do while you recover. Those details are easy to forget later.
Be Cautious With Insurance Calls
You may hear from an insurance company connected to the venue or another involved party. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement.
It’s OK to be polite — but be careful. You do not have to give a recorded statement on the spot, and you should understand what you are signing or accepting before you agree to anything.
Avoid Posting About the Incident on Social Media
After an injury at the Clay Center, it’s natural to update friends or family online. However, posts, photos, or comments on social media can sometimes be taken out of context and used against you later. Even a simple picture or status update could be misinterpreted as proof that you were not seriously hurt.
It’s usually best to limit what you share publicly while your situation is being resolved. Avoid discussing the details of the incident, your injuries, or any potential claim. Keeping information private can help protect your rights and prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Familiarize Yourself With the Basics of Premises Liability in West Virginia
In West Virginia, property owners and operators generally have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. That can include fixing hazards, inspecting areas open to the public, and warning people about dangers that are not obvious.
Whether someone is legally responsible often depends on details such as how long the hazard was present and whether reasonable safety measures were taken. No two situations are exactly the same.
Contact the Charleston Premises Liability Lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help
If you were injured at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston, you may have options — and you don’t have to sort through them alone. Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers can listen to what happened, explain the next steps, and help you understand whether a premises liability claim makes sense.
Call today to set up a free consultation with a Charleston premises liability lawyer.
For more information, please contact an experienced premises liability lawyer at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Charleston, Beckley, Morgantown, WV.
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Charleston
746 Myrtle Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 346-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Beckley
101 N Kanawha St, Suite 101
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5990
Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers – Morgantown
453 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive, Suite 300
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 225-5990
