About Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer – Damon Ellis
Damon L. Ellis is co-founder of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers, which he started with attorney Jon Mani in 2004. With 25 years of experience, he represents individuals and families throughout Ohio and West Virginia whose lives have been changed by serious injury, wrongful death, and negligence. He is licensed to practice in Ohio and West Virginia and represents clients from the firm’s offices in Charleston, WV and Columbus, OH.
BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS
Ellis was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. He earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, then returned to Charleston to begin his legal career. He was admitted to the West Virginia State Bar and the Ohio State Bar, becoming the first attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne to be licensed in Ohio, which paved the way for the firm’s expansion into Columbus.
APPROACH TO CASES
Ellis describes his approach as aggressive, methodical, and strategic, emphasizing preparation and a willingness to take cases to trial when fair compensation isn’t offered by insurers or opposing parties. He places particular focus on cases involving wrongful death, injured children, and vulnerable victims, and views strong advocacy as rooted in listening to the real impact an injury has had on a client’s life, not just the legal issues involved.
RECOGNITION & MEMBERSHIPS
- Co-founder, Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers (with Jon Mani, 2004; joined by Bernard Layne III in 2007)
- First attorney at the firm licensed to practice in Ohio
- Member, Ohio State Bar
- Member, West Virginia State Bar
CASE RESULTS
- Secured compensation for the mother of a 12-year-old girl who died from carbon monoxide exposure during a sleepover; the case involved multi-defendant, multi-state litigation against the homeowner, equipment manufacturers, a gas company, and the heater installer.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
OFFICE LOCATIONS
📍Charleston Office: 10 Hale St, #501, Charleston, WV 25301 — (304) 720-1000
📍Columbus Office: 20 E Broad St, Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215 — (614) 587-8423
Serving clients throughout Ohio and West Virginia.
Practice Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio generally allows two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. West Virginia also applies a two-year period, though certain circumstances can affect the deadline. An attorney can confirm the exact timeline based on your case.
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Ohio or West Virginia?
How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Ohio or West Virginia?
Yes. Ellis has represented families in cases involving injured and deceased children, including complex multi-defendant litigation, and considers these among the matters he’s most committed to handling.
Does Damon Ellis handle cases involving injured children?
Does Damon Ellis handle cases involving injured children?
West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation, reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovering anything.
What if I was partly at fault for my accident in West Virginia?
What if I was partly at fault for my accident in West Virginia?
He represents clients from the firm’s offices in Charleston,West Virginia, Columbus, Ohio and is licensed to practice in both states.
What areas does Damon Ellis serve?
What areas does Damon Ellis serve?
