Why Can’t I Find a Personal Injury Attorney to Take My Merited Case?

Do you feel strongly that your personal injury claim is valid, but you can’t seem to find a lawyer who will take your case? If so, the reason could be something other than your case being “unwinnable” or unmerited. In fact, there are many reasons why law firms choose to decline cases other than for reasons of validity. If this has happened to you, do not be concerned.

Continue reading to learn why this sometimes occurs, and what you can do to get your claim started on the right path.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys
317-881-2700

Your First Steps to Making an Injury Claim

Finding a seasoned and reputable personal injury law firm is certainly the first step to making a claim for compensation. However, if your case was recently declined by a lawyer, it is best to learn why before continuing your search for another law firm. This information can help provide some understanding to how law firms work, which in turn can help you make the best choice for your claim.

Here are some common reasons why law firms turn down cases, even when they have merit to them:

They are Too Busy.

A very common reason why law firms turn down valid cases is due to being busy. They simply do not have the time to take on another case, especially if the case is quite complex. It could be because they have several other lawsuits pending at one time, or they strictly work on a certain number of cases at a time. However, when this happens, they are usually prepared to provide inquirers with referrals to other respected or affiliate law firms.

There’s a Conflict of Interest.

Although rare, from time to time a lawyer will be forced to decline a personal injury case due to a conflict of interest. When there is someone on the other side of the case who the lawyer knows personally, such as another attorney or one of the parties, it is considered unethical for them to take the case; and out of obligation, they would have to decline. Again, this is rare, but it can easily happen in small towns. In this situation, the lawyer would likely provide referrals.

They are Small.

Sometimes, law firms must turn down cases because they are simply too small of a firm and do not have the level of resources needed to sufficiently take on a case. When a law firm’s current case load and resources are not enough to represent your claim, they may turn down your case. This is more likely for large or complex personal injury claims.

Your Case is in the Wrong Category.

If your claim does not fit under the personal injury or tort law category, it will usually be turned down by a personal injury law firm. Additionally, if your claim is a civil tort, but it is very complex and requires specialized representation, such as medical malpractice cases, you may be turned down by a lawyer who does not specialize in such cases but should get referred to another law firm that does specialize in such cases.

Seasoned Accident Attorneys Who Can Help

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were negligently injured in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis accident attorneys are well-versed in various areas of tort law and can help you obtain the full settlement you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.

Why Choose Us to Represent Your Personal Injury Claim?

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys each have more than two to three decades of experience providing steadfast, personalized, and responsive legal services for injured victims here in Indiana. Continue reading to learn more about our law firm, including why you should choose us to represent you for your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

☑ Professional.
☑ Adept.
☑ Motivated to Obtain Your Settlement.

Our seasoned accident attorneys have enjoyed distinguished careers practicing in the field of personal injury law for more than 20-30 years, each. We provide personalized and responsive legal assistance for a wide range of accidents and injuries. From slip and falls, to car and trucking accidents, to burn injuries, product defects, workplace injuries, wrongful death cases, and everything in between, our seasoned personal injury attorneys know exactly how to recover the full and fair compensation a victim deserves.

No matter which type of accident you have experienced, you can rest assure your claim is in the hands of truly skilled and qualified professionals. And over the past 2-3 decades, we have earned a solid reputation for providing an aggressive, all-inclusive legal team for injured victims in Indiana. Furthermore, we are we proud members of The Trial Lawyers of America, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and active in several other notable administrations and organizations as well.

Our Clients Come First, From Start to Finish.

Our Indianapolis personal injury law firm is strictly dedicated to the well-being of our clients in more ways than one. Since the start of our practice, we have represented hundreds of accident victims, and continue to put our clients first at every step of the way. Our teams are always nearby and easily reachable to clients. That is because we work with our clients, side by side, throughout the entire legal process, from the initial consultation to the final judgment or settlement.

If you have questions about your recent accident or injury, all you have to do is contact our office to schedule a meeting with one of our distinguished attorneys. There is no upfront obligation either! We offer free initial consultations to discuss your potential claim, and provide advice on the best course of action for your particular case. Best of all, there are no preliminary attorney fees, so you don’t pay us unless we get a settlement or judgment for you!

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for personal injury case assistance you can trust. Not only do we represent clients with personal injuries throughout the state, we also represent residents of other states who suffered injuries in Indiana. Our seasoned accident lawyers will be aggressive with your claim, and do everything in our power to recover the compensation you deserve.

Common Fee Arrangements for Legal Representation

Understanding the framework for lawyer fees is an important part of preparing for legal representation. Learn how many lawyers charge for their services, and what to expect in terms of total out-of-pocket costs.

Personal Injury Law Firm  317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

There are several different areas of law, both on state and federal levels. Accordingly, there are several different types of legal counselors who specialize in a particular type of practice. For instance, there are personal injury lawyers, divorce lawyers, criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, bankruptcy lawyers, immigration lawyers, and much more. Depending on the industry and the private preferences of the law firm, the type of fee arrangement they offer clients will vary.

Continue reading to learn some of the most common fee arrangements for lawyers, and how much your case will likely cost you.

Lawyers’ Fees

Contingency Fees. This is a common fee arrangement used among personal injury law firms. Under a contingency-fee basis, a client does not pay anything upfront in terms of lawyers’ fees. They may, however, have to pay for court and lawsuit related fees, such as court costs, witness testimonies, expert panelists, filing fees, and more. As for paying the lawyers, clients only have to pay if a settlement is recovered for them. If a settlement is recovered, the personal injury lawyers will collect a set percentage (usually 1/3 of total amount) that was previously agreed upon in the contract signed by the client. The larger the settlement, the more money the law firm makes.

Hourly Fees. This is the most common fee arrangement used among lawyers in most other fields of law. Under an hourly fee arrangement, clients agree upon an hourly rate presented by the lawyer at their initial consultation. From there, any time and work that the lawyer puts into the case is billed to the client. This can include phone calls, emails, document filing, and more. This is a very expensive fee arrangement, with common rates ranging between $200 and $300 per hour.

Flat Fees. Flat rate fees are generally used by law firms that deal with simple and direct cases. This may include divorce lawyers, bankruptcy lawyers, and lawyers who deal in wills, notaries, and similar legal services. In addition to the flat fee charged by the lawyer, clients may also be responsible for paying filing fees, court costs, and any other related fees surrounding their claim.

Retainers. Retainers are not necessarily a fee arrangement, but more so an additional fee responsibility to a fee arrangement. Many lawyers who charge hourly or flat rate fees may ask clients to pay a retainer as well. This is an upfront payment made to the lawyer as a sign of good faith that the clients are capable and willing to pay. They are also used to help jump start the financing of the case, including witnesses, investigations, and more. Lawyers often put retainers in a special trust account, and deduct their costs from them as they work on the case. Retainers are nonrefundable unless a court finds a retainer “unreasonable.”

Free Legal Representation

If a person is charged with a misdemeanor crime punishable by jail time, or a felony offense, the 6th Amendment in the United States Constitution guarantees the right to legal assistance. So if a defendant cannot afford to hire a lawyer, a court will provide one for them, free of charge. These lawyers are licensed and certified counselors referred to as public defenders. The state pays for the public defense, but defendants will still be responsible for paying additional court costs and legal fees, especially of they are convicted.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a time with a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney, today.

What is a Class Action Lawsuit?

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

When a group of people who suffer the same or similar injuries as a result of a product or particular action come together as a whole to sue the party responsible, it is called a class action lawsuit. It is a basically a multi-party lawsuit brought on against the at-fault party, whether that’s a person or entity. Additional terms used for class action lawsuits include “mass tort litigation” and “multi-district litigation” (“MDL”).

The most common causes for class action lawsuits include:

▬ Product Defects – Vehicles, drugs, toys, exercise equipment, etc.
▬ Medical Malpractice – Surgeries, birth injuries, negligence counseling, etc.
▬ Defective Drugs – Contaminated medicines, prescription drugs, etc.
▬ Toxic/Oil Spills

The most common types of conduct that lead to class action lawsuits include:

▬ Corporate Misconduct
▬ Consumer Fraud
▬ Securities Fraud
▬ Employer Misconduct
▬ Discrimination

Mass Tort Litigation

Another form of class action lawsuit is called “mass tort litigation” or “mass tort action”, and it is used when a massive accident injures a large group of people, such as a plane crash or building fire. It can also be used when a massive group of people are injured by the same product, such as a defective medical device or surgical implant.

Lawsuit Consolidation

When a group of injured victims become a part of a class action lawsuit, all aspects of litigation are consolidated into one lawsuit. This includes claims, attorneys, evidence, witnesses, and the total amount of losses and damages suffered by all victims. Class action lawsuits are important because when a product or action causes a large group of people injuries, it is too difficult (sometimes impossible) pursuing individual lawsuits. When this happens, the group of victims have to come together and file a lawsuit with a plaintiff representative, which is a professional who will represent all claims as one. These professionals are called named plaintiff or lead plaintiff.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a time with a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney, today.

Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Sometimes a person can feel just fine after an accident, but then later on, experience an onset of injuries. This is a common occurrence among victims of serious accidents, primarily car collisions. Directly after an accident, a person can still be in shock, and not realize they are hurt. While other times, they can feel unaffected after an accident, but then days or weeks later they can start to feel sore or have limited mobility. And in more serious cases, an onset of injuries can be the beginning indications of a
serious, underlying injury.

Onset of Injuries

But if a person affirms that they are “okay” or “not hurt” after an accident, their statement could impair their eligibility to recover compensation for any damages and losses incurred as a result of being injured. This may include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, prolonged physical therapy, and more. So if you are ever involved in an accident, keep in mind that an onset of injuries could occur later. Even if you feel fine initially, never tell witnesses, police officers, or insurance adjusters at the scene of an accident that you are not hurt. This could damage your opportunity to recover the amount of compensation you need to recuperate and get back to your normal way of life.

If you find out that you are later hurt, and wish to seek compensation for your injuries, you may face a challenge if you claimed that you were not initially hurt. It is possible for insurance companies to raise questions regarding any statements you make about the accident. You will still be able to file a claim against the negligent party or insurance company either way, but it is better to avoid raising any questions to begin with. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for help filing an accident claim. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to support your claim and recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys

Personal Injury Law Firm Indiana

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help filing an accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to help you get your life back on track after being injured in a serious accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with our Indianapolis accident attorneys, today.

Tips for Motorcycle Safety and Awareness

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts all across the state are not worried to see the nicer weather coming to an end this year. Even though summer is behind us, bikers can still enjoy their favorite pastime. Although motorcycles are known for their thrills and exciting adventures, they can also be very dangerous. They can pose a potential threat to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. Continue reading to learn more about biker safety, what to do after a motorcycle accident, and how to handle an injury claim.

Biker Safety

It’s highly recommended to always wear a helmet along with protective gear before writing or driving a motorcycle. Although you cannot stop somebody from colliding into you while on a motorcycle, you can take certain steps to prevent serious injuries, like wearing protective gear. If a person is injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of anothers negligence, they can be entitled to compensation for their damages. If you or recently injured in motorcycle accident, it is strongly encouraged to contact an Indianapolis personal injury attorney immediately.

Indiana Motorcycle Claims

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

In Indiana, there is a statutes of limitations law that restricts the amount of time a motorcycle accident victim can file a claim against the negligent party that caused their injuries. This is why it is important to outsource professional legal counsel that specializes in personal injury law. The law firms typically retain the proper knowledge and resources required to execute an effective and successful personal injury motorcycle accident claim.

They are familiar with all of the laws surrounding motorcycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, cyclists’ rights, and more. They have experience and training in courtroom litigation and negotiations as well. It’s important to choose an accomplished, experienced, and reputable personal injury law firm before deciding to hire them as your professional legal counsel. Insufficient legal services can make or break your injury claim.

What to Do if You are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

After being involved in a motorcycle accident that result in injuries, immediately contact emergency medical services. It is important to get medical attention immediately after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident or collision. Once you are stable, the next step is to take pictures of the accident scene and of your own injuries. If it’s not possible for you to do this yourself, ask someone else to assist you; such as a police officer, the person with you, witnesses, that a personal, and so on.

Once this is done, the next step is to immediately contact an Indianapolis personal injury motorcycle accident attorney. You can do this while in the hospital, on your way to the hospital, and even at the scene of the accident. Some lawyers will even provide hospital visits for consultations in meetings. Using this advice, a motorcycle accident victim is on the right path to successfully recovering full and fair compensation for their damages.

Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for more information regarding motorcycle accident injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, all specialize in motorcycle accident lawsuits and litigation. If you are looking for compassionate, experienced, and hardworking Indianapolis accident attorneys to represent your motorcycle accident claim, call our office at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.

Things to Consider Before Suing a Relative for a Personal Injury

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Accidents can happen anywhere, and when they happen as a result of another’s negligence, someone should be held accountable for a victim’s damages and losses. But what if you or someone you love ends up seriously injured at a relative’s house? The lines between right and wrong can seem blurred when it comes to suing a family member for injuries sustained by you or your children, however, many families feel like they are left with no other choice. So before jumping right into a lawsuit, you need to think about a few things first.

Turning Family Matters into Legal Matters

From swimming pool accidents to fireworks injuries and more, several types of personal injuries can take place at a private residence. And the likelihood of injuries only increases as families grow and get together more often. For this reason, many people have chosen to sue family members in order to cover compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. So if you are in the same predicament, and you are leaning toward filing a claim against a relative, you are not alone. But before you do, it is strongly encouraged to go over the practical and emotional considerations involved in suing family.

Practical Considerations

The first question you want to ask yourself is whether or not you can actually recover anything if you do decide to sue your uncle, sister, cousin, father-in-law, etcetera. You want to think about whether or not they have the financial means for remuneration, including cash, insurance, or liquid assets. If they have very little of these, or none at all, there is little-to-no chance of collecting any money. Under circumstances like these, pursuing a lawsuit would only cause friction within the family. And if they do have some financial means, the second question you need to ask yourself is whether or not they have enough that would make the settlement worth it?

Emotional Considerations

Aside from the practical aspects of suing a relative, there are some important emotional considerations that can influence your decision to move forward with a lawsuit. For instance, if you were to collect compensation from your family member, will there be a consequential domino-affect for the family as a whole? Will their children or other “innocent bystanders” of the family be negatively affected by the lawsuit and eventual settlement? This could not only cause you to have guilt and remorse, it could lead to several uncomfortable and difficult conversations for the entire family, and for many years to come. It could also turn out to be a conflict that changes the dynamic of the family, and never forgotten for the rest of their lives.

The Reality of Injuries

Regardless of practical and emotional issues, sometimes it is necessary to go forward with a personal injury claim, especially when injuries are very serious. For this reason, it is important for family members to understand the realities of injuries, and that a claim for compensation is nothing personal. You can even have a discussion with family to strategize ways to avoid a claim, lawsuit, and legal fees. For example, your relative can pay medical expenses and hospital bills, and everyone can move forward happy and conflict-free. Talk to your personal injury lawyer for professional advice and guidance after being seriously injured in an accident at a family member’s house.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are here to help. They have extensive trial and litigation experience, and can guide you in the right direction for your personal injury claim. They offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless they recover for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with an
Indianapolis accident attorney today.

Information about Elevator Accidents and Injuries

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers

Injured in an Elevator? Call 317-881-2700

You may be surprised to learn that elevator accidents are often caused by improper maintenance and safety training rather than faulty installation or manufacturing. Building owners, property managers, and elevator maintenance companies are required to provide routine maintenance for their elevators, as well as, on-going safety training regarding all the proper procedures that go along with elevator service, repair, and emergencies.

When these duties are neglected, and they are more than you would think, the liability for damages and injuries falls onto these parties under premise liability law.

Poor Property Management

One of the most common root-causes behind elevator accidents is poor property management. Often times, building owners or maintenance teams may choose to implement unsafe, temporary fixes in place of spending the extra money for professional service and repair. There have even been cases of elevator parts being held together with nothing more than simple household items. Accordingly, they tend to neglect their responsibility to provide proper elevator safety training for property managers and in-house maintenance staffs. This lack of knowledge, training, and attention can make an elevator and its surroundings extremely dangerous.

Without proper maintenance, an elevator is a risky means of transportation. Even the smallest issue can cause a serious or life-threatening accident. But regular maintenance is just the start to commercial elevator safety. Without proper safety training, property managers may not know how to react to an elevator emergency, which can also put a person’s life in danger. Elevators are manufactured with a series of built-in protective safety measures that kick in when an elevator mechanism fails.

Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

For example, if an elevator suddenly stops at an improper place, there are set safety procedures that help prevent it from falling several stories. One of these safety features keeps the inner and outer elevator doors closed if it does not line up to a floor. Safety regulations instruct management to NOT open the doors in this case, and instead, wait for rescue or maintenance teams to repair the problem. But if property managers are unfamiliar with the correct safety procedures, they may choose to manually pry open the
doors, jeopardizing the safety of those inside.

Elevator accidents can also take place under several other conditions. Dim lighting, abrupt stops, quickly closing doors, slippery flooring, unleveled floor stops, frequent unnecessary stops, and much more. All of these issues can be managed and prevented with regular elevator maintenance. If you or someone you love was recently injured or killed in an elevator accident, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights to compensation. If your elevator accident was a result of improper maintenance or manager negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. You can then use your awarded compensation to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and much more. Choose an experienced Indianapolis accident attorney that has your best interests at heart.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file an elevator injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience in personal injury law. They work hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully hurt. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 when you need Indianapolis accident attorneys you can trust.