Tag Archives: Indianapolis accident lawyer

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

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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.

What are the Two Types of Causation in the Law?

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According to Wikipedia.com, the legal concept of “causation” can be defined as “a means of connecting conduct with a resulting effect, typically an injury.” In the law, there are two separate types of causation: proximate cause and cause-in-fact. This concept is important in personal injury law since the top priority for every injury case is to prove that a defendant was negligent, and that their negligent actions caused a victim harm. However, a victim must be able to provide sufficient evident of both types of causation, as well as various other facts, in order to win their case.

Continue reading to learn more about proximate cause and cause-in-fact, and where to get free information regarding your potential injury claim.

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Cause-in-Fact

Also referred to as “actual cause”, cause-in-fact is the principle of showing evidence that proves a defendant’s actions “caused” a victim’s injuries, and ensuing damages and losses. For instance, if you were injured by a drunk driver while driving your vehicle, you would have to show evidence that proves their misconduct (operating a vehicle while intoxicated) was a direct cause of the accident, which subsequently caused your injuries.

To determine cause-in-fact, the “But-For” test is often used. Here is an example of how to apply the “But-For” test to the above scenario: “But for driving while intoxicated, the accident would not have taken place.”

Proximate Cause

Proximate cause is a complicated legal concept. Essentially, proximate cause exists if a victim’s injuries were foreseeable. It supports the notion that a defendant should have reasonably anticipated that their actions could cause a victim harm. Taking into consideration the above-mentioned example, a driver should have reasonably foreseen that operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated can cause an accident that injures another person.

Talk to an Accident Lawyer Today

If you were recently injured in an accident that was not your fault, it can help having a legal professional navigate your claim for you. To learn more about your potential injury claim, talk to a licensed Indianapolis accident lawyer as soon as possible, before the statutes of limitations runs out. They have the knowledge and resources to answer your questions about legal concepts and claim procedures, as well as, provide up-to-date information you can trust.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Representation

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 when you need to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here at our law firm, we are eager to help injured victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your claim. Contact us today to get started.

Common Carrier Accidents and Liability

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When we choose to fly or take a Greyhound bus, we place our trust in the pilots, engineers, drivers, and even manufacturers, to get us there safely and in a timely-manner. But sometimes, common carriers experience problems that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. The term “common carrier” refers to any entity that provides transportation services for the public. Examples of common carriers include commercial airlines, public buses, tour buses, cruise ships, and more. In the case of an accident, common carriers are held to a more stringent duty of care in comparison to private carriers. So when common carrier accidents do occur, such cases are taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Continue reading to learn more about common carrier liability, and who to contact for more information regarding the laws surrounding aviation and public transportation accidents.

Public Transportation Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700
Public Transportation Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Common Carrier Liability

Regulatory bodies that set standards for safety and other types of concerns are the authorities that govern common carriers. For example, the governing regulatory body for commercial airlines is the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA). In terms of safety, these standards obligate common carriers to utilize the highest degree of diligence and care for the sake of their passengers and cargoes. And when common carriers fail to adhere to such regulations, they can be held legally responsible for any damages and losses suffered by those affected by their negligence.

Proving Fault

There is a legal theory called “strict liability” that essentially holds people or entities responsible for injuries and subsequent damages regardless of fault. But when it comes to common carrier lawsuits, strict liability does not apply. When a victim chooses to file a common carrier injury lawsuit, they hold the burden of proving the common carrier’s fault in the accident.

In order to prove fault, victims must be able to prove that the common carrier had a duty of care and breached that duty of care, and that the breach of care directly caused their injuries, which caused other damages and losses. Using evidence to show a common carrier’s breach of duty is the strongest method for winning an injury settlement. Viable evidence can include pictures, videos, witness testimony, inspection records, maintenance logs, and more.

Hire a Lawyer

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims of common carrier accidents collect and organize all details and evidences pertaining to their case, and look for certain regulations that the common carrier may have directly neglected, which caused your injuries. This is called “negligence per se” and is a common legal strategy used by accident attorneys to prove injury cases. Be sure to trust only experienced personal injury law firm to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being injured in a common carrier accident.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your options after a public transportation injury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned litigators with extensive knowledge of personal injury law. They will stop at nothing to ensure your damages and losses are fairly compensated for. Out law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects attorney fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with a licensed Indianapolis accident lawyer, today.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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Where to Learn About Employers’ Responsibilities and Workers’ Rights

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Workers' Compensation Lawyers Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Every worker in the United States has the right to work in a safe environment. In fact, the law makes it the employer’s responsibility to ensure this right remains intact and properly met at all times. When a worker is injured on the job as a result of an employer neglecting to maintain a safe workplace, they could be eligible for compensation to cover their damages and losses.

Most often, companies are insured for employee accidents, and compensation is provided for the injured worker through workers’ compensation. But sometimes, a company refuses to pay out a full and fair recovery. When this happens, it is strongly encouraged to hire a personal injury lawyer that practices workers’ compensation law. They retain the proper resources and experience to get the just amount of compensation an injured worker deserves.

Accordingly, if you are looking for information about employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, a personal injury lawyer is one effective option to choose from. The other recommended source for such information is the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA. Continue reading for a closer look at each source, and how they can help you find out more about employer responsibilities and workers’ rights.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration

Workers' Compensation Lawyers Indianapolis 317-881-2700

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

The OSHA is a federal agency established under the United States Department of Labor in charge of regulating and enforcing safety and health legislation. Not only do they enforce the obligation of maintaining safe and healthy work environments, they protect workers’ rights. For example, OSHA makes it illegal for employers to strike back or retaliate against injured workers who choose to exercise their rights under law. This includes everything from seeking workers’ compensation to reporting a
safety hazard or injury.

Anyone can freely contact the OSHA about employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, and without fear of jeopardizing their jobs or being committed to filing a claim. They are happy to answer questions, whether an employer or employee. They even fund on-site consultation services for small businesses looking to improve or evaluate the condition of their workplace. If anyone thinks their workplace is unsafe and needs to file a complaint, they provide easy-to-use portals that make it convenient for workers to do so. Look below for contact information for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

OSHA Contact Info

#1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
eComplaint Form
Onsite Consultation Services
Indiana OSHA

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have already been injured at work as a result of an unsafe environment, you can choose to contact OSHA for information, but it is more efficient to your case to contact a personal injury lawyer that practices workers’ compensation law. Not only can an experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, they can help recover a full and fair amount of compensation for your damages and losses. Be careful of your state’s statute of limitations. Injured victims only have a set period of time to file a claim. If they don’t file in time, they lose their opportunity to recover forever.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorney Indianapolis

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being seriously injured at work. Recover for damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and more. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN.

Are Bed Rails a Safety Concern for the Elderly?

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Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers 317-881-2700

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers 317-881-2700

When we get to a certain age, our bones and muscles naturally weaken and atrophy. Elderly individuals have trouble navigating their ways into and out of bed each day, and can even have trouble remaining in bed as they sleep or rest. As a practical solution, bed rails were introduced to facilities that housed the elderly, as well as, the general market for private and public commerce. These rails were intended to protect the elderly from having bedside accidents, like falling out of bed as they sleep, or injuring themselves
as they try to step in and out of bed.

But there is a new buzz among nursing homes, hospitals, and homes about the potential dangers of bed rails. Are bed rails more of a hazard for the elderly, or are they perfectly safe and effective? Continue reading to learn more.

Improper Use or Manufacturing of Safety Rails

Defective products are far and few, but they do happen. In the case that bed rails are manufactured with defects, they cannot perform their intended purpose of protection and assistance. This leads to accidents resulting in cuts, scrapes, lesions, sprains, head injuries, orthopedic injuries, and more. Even when bed rails are in perfect condition, the same consequences can result from improper use of safety rails as well. In the case of improper use, a nursing home or hospital can be liable for a senior citizen’s injuries or wrongful death. In the case of a product defect causing injury or death, the manufacturer can be held legally accountable.

Bed Rail Injuries

It is scary to think there are enough bed rail accidents and injuries to have substantial statistics for them, but it’s true. More than 30,000 bed rail-related accidents were confirmed between the years of 2003 and 2011, and more than one hundred people died. And these were the incidents that were actually reported, as many were not. In 1995, the FDA issued safety warnings for bed rails, yet manufacturers were never legally required to provide safety labels on their devices. Since 2006, the FDA has introduced some proposed guidelines for hospitals and nursing homes to use when it comes to bed rail safety awareness.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If you suspect that an elderly loved one is being neglected or mistreated by their nursing home or residential caregiver, contact a nursing home neglect lawyer right away. You may be entitled to remuneration for your elderly loved ones’ damages or wrongful death. Stop nursing home neglect in its tracks by hiring a reputable attorney to prove your case and recover compensation that’s rightly deserved.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about nursing home neglect claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorney, Daniel Craven, has extensive litigation and trial experience. He is happy to discuss your concerns about nursing home neglect, residential care neglect, and more. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 for more information about nursing home neglect lawsuits in Indianapolis, IN.

Safety Tips Following Airbag Deployment in a Motor Vehicle Accident

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Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Modern vehicles have an airbag system meant to protect drivers and passengers from sudden impact or ejection. In older model cars and trucks, there is typically only one airbag, and it’s located in the steering wheel or driver’s side dash. Newer model vehicles are more likely to come equipped with driver-side and passenger-side airbags; and others even come with side-cabin airbags, headrest airbags, rear-seat airbags, and more.

There are several crash sensors located all throughout a vehicle that relay instantaneous messages to the airbag control unit when they sense the car’s physical well-being has been damaged. The airbag control unit then responds by initiating airbag deployment. From the moment a vehicle’s crash sensors detect a collision, to the moment the airbags deploy, only a fraction of a second passes by. This entire process from start to finish happens faster than a person can blink an eye.

Airbags are enormously advantageous and revolutionary assets to our society. This is because they provide a soft cushion in the case of a sudden impact or collision, preventing serious head and chest injuries, brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, ejection from vehicles, and more. Although airbags are meant to, and do, save lives, they can also cause minor to moderate injuries; especially if seat belts are not worn.

Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with a vehicle’s safety restraints. Failure to properly restrain oneself in a vehicle can result in more severe airbag injuries or more serious injuries. After being involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes your airbags to deploy, it is best to know what to do next for the safety of yourself and your passengers. Continue reading to learn the proper steps to take after an airbag system deploys in a vehicle.

Airbag Injuries

It is very common for a person to experience an airbag deployment at least once in their lives. For this reason, it is helpful to know how to handle this type of situation in order to reduce anxiety, stress, and shock if it does ever happen. Keep in mind that airbags don’t just deploy in serious car accidents, they can also deploy from minor ones as well. For example, in some vehicles, if the crash sensors detect abrupt and forceful braking, the airbags might deploy. In any case that airbags deploys, here are the steps to take to ensure your safety and security:

Assess Your Health

Car Accident Claims 317-881-2700

Car Accident Injury Claims 317-881-2700

Immediately after the airbags deploy and your vehicle has come to a complete stop, the first thing to do is assess your health and the health of any passengers that might be with you. Are you and your passengers conscious? Take a look at all extremities and skin, checking for burns, abrasions, or possible broken bones. Consider the head, neck, back, and spine; how do they feel and do you believe they’re injured? Can you walk? Can you talk? Can you see? Do you feel nauseous?

These are all important considerations for drivers and passengers after an airbag deploys. If you conclude that you are in good health, begin to offer help to other passengers, as well as, any other individuals that were involved in the accident.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you and your passengers feel as though everything is fine, sometimes adrenaline or shock can null pain and injury. Also, concussions and head traumas can lie dormant for days before becoming evident. This is why seeking immediate medical care is vital. In almost all cases, an emergency vehicle or EMT crew will arrive minutes after a car accident to do just this. They can offer medical care at the scene, or provide transportation to the hospital for more serious injuries.

For accidents that do not involve injury

Once the airbag deploys, and you are sure you are not injured, the first thing to do is turn the vehicle’s engine off and get out of the vehicle. Most of the time this happens automatically when airbags are deployed; but if for some reason the vehicle does not turn off, be sure to do it yourself. This prevents explosions or fires in the case of fuel leaks. So as soon as you are stable, turn the ignition off and give yourself some distance from the vehicle.

If you were recently involved in a motor vehicle accident in which you believe the airbag malfunctioned, or you were injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, contact a personal injury law firm right away. They have the proper knowledge and resources to recover compensation for victims of negligent car accidents and injuries.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and speak with licensed accident lawyer, Daniel Craven, about motor vehicle accident claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects legal fees unless we earn your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with a seasoned car accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN to learn your rights, today.