According to 2013 Census Bureau data, the city of Salem is home to 25,299 people, all classified as urban residents. The area has a long history, documented by archaeological evidence, of settlement by Native American Tribes (particularly the Siouan-speaking Totero people) dating from as early as 8000 B.C. to the mid-eighteenth century. By 1960 the town had a population of 16,058 and was the largest town in Virginia. Salem became a city in 1967 to remove the possibility of annexation into the City of Roanoke.

A Happy City

Salem ranks fifth among Virginia’s happiest cities. It is one of the most inexpensive places to live in Virginia, known for affordable housing, low crime, and good education. The City earned an A+ from Area Vibes for overall cost of living.

One factor in the ranking criteria was proximity to Roanoke City’s amenities. However, Salem has much to offer residents and visitors. Some of the most popular amenities in Salem are the annual Salem Fair each summer, the Salem Historical Museum, Olde Salem Days, and the local Farmer’s Market with its Chef’s Circle (cooking demonstrations by local chefs). The Salem Civic Center hosts a range of concerts, events, shows (home and Garden), and competitions.

Unfortunately, accidents happen in public places, often especially amidst crowds of people. If you are injured due to a slip and fall accident, by jostling, or by the direct action of another, you may be entitled to seek damages for your injury. If a public place fails to protect the safety of visitors within reason, you may be able to seek compensation from their insurance company. If you are injured, call Altizer Law, P.C., two of the area’s top personal injury attorneys. We will help you and represent you.

Education and Sports

The people of Salem have a great interest in both education and sports. In addition to excellent public schools, the City is home to Roanoke College and to American National University and ITT Technical Institute. The city is home to about 4,000 college students.

Salem High School has a strong athletic program. Its state championship football team has won seven state titles in the last 20 years. The high school can also boast of its forensics team, winner of eight consecutive state titles.

Salem is the site of a number of significant athletic events, including:

• The Salem Red Sox, a High Class-A team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox.
• The NCAA Division III Football Championship game
• The NCAA Men’s Division III Basketball Championship
• The NCAA Division III Volleyball Championship
• The Women’s NCAA Division III Softball Championship
• The Southwest Virginia Educational Classic
• The Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl
• The Annual Rodeo
• Until last year, the National Horse Show

Spectators at sporting events can be injured just as they can be in any public place. Athletes can also be injured in a number of ways. Many sports injuries can end your athletic career. Some injuries can change your life forever. Head and spinal cord injuries can be devastating or even fatal. If you are injured playing sports and another player or team coaches have been negligent in the cause of your injury you may have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries, for pain and suffering, and for the long-term changes the injury might make in your life.  Should you be injured playing a sport, you may, like other athletes, choose the deep understanding and representation of Bettina Altizer, a five-time world champion athlete.

Residents of Salem and visitors have access to all of the amenities of adjacent Roanoke City, Roanoke County and other surrounding counties. From opera to symphony concerts to top performers in comedy, music (of every genre), drama and sports, entertainment opportunities abound. Opportunities to enjoy historic sites and outdoor sports and adventure are only a short drive away.

If you are involved in or a member of your family is injured in a traffic accident through no fault of your own, call the experienced personal injury team of Altizer Law, P.C., and put their successful experience, discipline, and perseverance on your side when you seek compensation.

Here is a breakdown of the traffic accidents that occurred in 2015 in the City of Salem:

Economy

While a number of Salem residents work outside the city limits, employment opportunities are rich in Salem. The largest employment sector is government, with people working in Federal, State, and Local Government, and the services they provide, including education. A large number of government employees are associated with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Nursing Care facility.

The second largest industry segment is manufacturing. Among the top employers in manufacturing are General Electric Company, Carter Machinery Company, Graham White Manufacturing Company, GE Toshiba Automation Systems, Novozymes Biologicals, and Oak Hall Industries.

Accidents happen in all types of manufacturing operations. Some accidents cannot be avoided. However, if you are injured while working in manufacturing due to defective or poorly maintained equipment, improper safety measures, or the negligence of the company or another employee, you have recourse under Virginia law to adequate compensation for your injuries. If you should be injured, call the experienced team of Altizer Law, P.C., to help you and to represent you in obtaining that just compensation.

The third largest sector is Health Care and Social Assistance. In addition to services provided by the City of Salem, top employers in Health Care and services are Hospital Corporation of America, operating Lewis Gale Medical Center, Gretna Health Care Center, The Virginia Baptist Children’s Home, Adventa Hospice, and Hospital Housekeeping Systems.

In addition, like many other areas in the region, Salem is home to a number of Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation facilities. These include Medshares Home Care, Camelot Hall, McVitty House, Richfield Recovery and Care Center, the Snyder Nursing Home, Salem Health and Rehabilitation, and Salem Terrace.

Unfortunately, no matter how confident we are in choosing medical, rehabilitation, or nursing care, mistakes can be made by health care providers. Most facilities and professionals are quick to take care of you and compensate you fairly for any harm or injury you might sustain. Sometimes, however, that is not the case, and you must seek reparation through legal channels. This is the time to call Bettina Altizer. She and her team have the knowledge and experience, as well as the negotiation and trial skill, to represent you relentlessly until your case is resolved with the best possible end under Virginia law.

Other large employers are in the retail and wholesale trade industry, accommodation and food services, finance and insurance and construction. People are injured every day in their work in any environment. Whether you work construction, where an injury could obviously be very serious, or you work in an office or restaurant where a severe injury seems less likely, you should remember that any injury that results from the negligence or illegal activity of another, may entitle you to just compensation under the law. Call Altizer Law, P.C., and let us go to bat for you.