4 Reasons Why You Should Not Represent Yourself in a Personal Injury Case

Posted on May 6, 2022 by admin

There is an old English proverb that is particularly relevant to this topic: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”

Although you certainly have the law-given right to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit, it is not the encouraged option for claimants. Continue below to learn 4 critical reasons why, plus what legal recourse you should take to ensure you are awarded the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

Personal Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Self-Representation is Not a Good Idea

It is understandable that some accident victims ponder the idea of self-representation since civil litigants do not have a constitutional right to legal representation like criminal defendants do. But most personal injury law firms work on contingency, which means accident victims needn’t worry about affording a lawyer. Under a contingency-fee arrangement, clients do not pay any upfront costs or fees. They only pay after the law firm has obtained a settlement or verdict for them. If the law firm is unable to obtain a settlement for a client, the client owes nothing.

Some people consider representing themselves because they think they can be successful. However, there are many elements and aspects of a personal injury case that require astute and knowledgeable understanding of the law in order to maximize an accident settlement. In fact, this is the first reason why you should not choose to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit.

4 Risks You Take When You Choose to Represent Yourself

Complexities of the Legal System

If you plan to represent yourself, understand that the courts will strictly hold you to all related duties. You will be expected to know and understand all rules regarding evidence and civil procedures, plus identify the principal legal matter and raise all arguments. They will also expect you to know about and file all necessary paperwork within their differentiating deadlines. Failure to do so can end a case.

These legal processes are complicated, even for someone with a basic understanding of the court system. A personal injury lawyer is the best resource for obtaining the most money possible for your damages because they are specialized in tort law and have an acute knowledge of the law and courts.

Instant Legal Expenses

As soon as you begin on your personal injury case, the legal expenses will immediately begin to accrue. Clients of personal injury lawyers who operate on contingency are often covered by the law firm in terms of any required upfront legal costs. Clients pay for all legal expenses when their attorneys obtain a settlement for them. Oppositely, anyone representing themselves will be forced to pay their own legal costs from start to finish, which may include court costs, filing fees, copying fees, serving pleadings, depositions, hearing transcribing, expert testimony costs, investigatory costs, and more.

Less Compensation

It is very difficult for the average personal injury claimant to gain the full value of their case when representing themselves. Attempting to do so would certainly pose all sorts of challenges. Not only do personal injury lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies, especially since they are acutely trained to dodge the common tactics used by insurance companies to lower the value of a claimant’s case, but they know how to accurately evaluate your claim’s full worth.

Complicated Lien Resolution

For most personal injury cases, an awarded settlement means that at least one healthcare lien must be resolved with a government healthcare program or private insurer, typically Medicaid or Medicare, but sometimes the Veterans’ Administration. This process of lien resolution for personal injury settlements requires seasoned legal knowledge and training. Self-representing personal injury claimants often find themselves stuck in regulatory traps and red-tape mazes.

Do you still need more convincing that a personal injury law firm is the right choice for your accident case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. You can speak directly with a trusted and experienced Indianapolis IN accident attorney over the phone, via online video, or in person at our office. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

What to Do if Your Child Was Injured Because Another Adult Was Negligent

Posted on June 21, 2021 by admin

Children are on a continuous learning curve, as they have new and curious experiences every day. For this reason, children of all ages require adequate supervision at all times; this is especially critical in younger stages of life when kids are at a much higher risk of being injured in accidents. When such injuries and accidents occur as a result of an adult’s negligence, it could very well be considered grounds for a negligent supervision claim under tort law.

If your child was recently injured because another adult was negligent, reckless, or otherwise careless, continue reading to learn your rights for pursuing legal action against them for the sake of recovering from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier the full and fair compensation they deserve for their damages and losses.

Indianapolis IN Child Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Negligent Supervision and Child Injury Claims

It is impossible for parents to be with their children all hours of the day, every single day, 365 days a year. For the sake of having a career and a social life, parents commonly entrust their children to the care of babysitters, daycare providers, schools, family and relatives, and similar sources of childcare. So, when accidents happen to children while in the custody of an entrusted caregiver, the question of negligence is a common occurrence; especially when a child’s injuries lead to significant damages and losses in the child’s and family’s life, including hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages for missing work, and much more.

Inadequately or not providing supervision for a child that is ultimately injured in their care places a person at fault in a negligent supervision lawsuit. Caregivers, whether professional or non-professional, take on a legal duty of care when they accept responsibility for watching a child. They must uphold this duty of care by ensuring that the child is safe and protected from any foreseeable hazards in their surrounding environment.

An example of negligent supervision would be if a child drowns in a swimming pool while being babysat. Another example of negligent supervision would be if a child suffocates from swallowing a toy at daycare. Both of these instances hypothetically occur because the child wasn’t being properly monitored and supervised while in the care of a sitter or daycare employee. In any case of negligent supervision, a caregiver breaches their duty of reasonable care for a child, thus resulting in a child sustaining serious injuries or even dying.

Most Common Types of Child Injury Cases:

▷ Swimming Pool/Drowning Accidents
▷ Falls From Heights
▷ Defective Toy/Playground Accidents
▷ Dog Bites/Attacks
▷ Household Poisoning Incidents
▷ Firearm/Gun Incident

Indiana Child Accident Lawyers

If your child was injured while in the care of another adult, and it occurred because that adult was careless or reckless in some way or another, it is important that you contact in Indiana Child accident lawyer right away. There is a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a claim against an at fault party in order to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Aside from the statutes of limitations for your personal injury claim, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible before evidence is lost for the case.

Not sure which personal injury law firm to trust with your child injury claim? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an expert child injury accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent the families of injured children, the child, and the families of children who are deceased as a result of the negligence of another throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents who are injured in other states.

You Might Also Like:

At What Age Can a Child Be Left Home Alone?
Is the School Liable for My Child’s Injuries?
Important Info About Daycare Child Injury Lawsuits in Indiana

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

The Best Advice for Interviewing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on January 17, 2020 by admin

After being seriously hurt in an accident, it is important to find reputable and aggressive personal injury representation at a trusted law firm. This will give you the best opportunity to recover the full and fair compensation you are owed in order to pay for hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. When it comes time to sit face to face with a potential accident attorney, it is helpful to know what questions to ask before choosing them to represent you in your claim.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for interviewing a personal injury lawyer.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Interview Questions for Tort Lawyers

The most effective method for choosing a group of law firms to interview is word of mouth. Personal recommendations and referrals are a great way to find law firms that have provided good service for people you know and trust. You can also do online searches using reputable web portals like Yelp and Google My Business.

These portals provide contact information, credentials, recent customer reviews, and company descriptions of practice areas and more. It is a comprehensive way to learn about a law firm before giving them a call. Credentials to look for include licensing, 10+ years of experience, history of successful cases, and customer reviews.

How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

Posted on September 20, 2019 by admin

Were you recently injured in a car accident while driving your company-appointed vehicle? If so, it is imperative that you discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you get on track to a full and fair financial recovery. After all, you are likely concerned about paying for your hospital bills and medical expenses, as well as, losing money out of your paycheck while in recovery. You might also be worried about your own liability for vehicular damages.

In this confusing time, your best course of action as a victim of a company car accident is to sit down with a legal professional to learn what you need to know about the potential workers’ compensation and car accident claims.

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Accident/Workers' Compensation Attorneys — Indiana Car Accident/Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700

At the Scene of the Accident

When you were at the scene of the accident, hopefully you exchanged all necessary insurance and contact information with all other drivers involved, and took pictures or video of the accident site. This information will likely be used as evidence to support your claim for compensation when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. If you received medical attention at the scene of the accident, this record can also be used to argue your case. Always, always, always call the police and wait at the scene for the police to show up and write a report.

After the Accident Scene

If your injuries were not evident at first, but are now beginning to appear, you are experiencing an onset of injury, which is common among car accident victims. See our blog, “Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?” to learn more about these types of claims. In this case, be sure to see a doctor immediately. Have them diagnose your injuries and treat them accordingly. And be sure to follow all doctors’ instructions during your recovery.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a company car accident, your only priority should be to heal. That is why you need a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation and car accident cases. They will handle all aspects of your claim, and ensure you obtain a full and fair settlement. All you have to do is rest and recover from your injuries. Be sure to hire a lawyer before discussing any details of the car accident with anyone.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

3 Easy Steps to Find a Reputable Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on June 7, 2019 by admin

When it comes to suffering a serious injury that you had no fault in, compensation should be at the top of your list of priorities, right beneath medical care. In order to recover full and fair compensation for your personal injury, you have to make a claim. There are thousands of lawyers to choose from in Indianapolis. First, you must start your search within the proper field of law; from there, you must implement the proper strategies to ensure you choose the right law firm to represent you in your case. Fortunately, the hunt for a good personal injury lawyer does not have to be a hassle.

Continue reading to learn how you can find a reputable and proficient personal injury representation in just 3 easy steps.

When searching for an accident lawyer, it is important to know what to look for in a law firm. Here are 3 simple steps to ensuring you hire the right legal team for your personal injury claim:

1. Interview Law Firms

Your first step to choosing a reputable personal injury lawyer to help you with your claim is to interview some potential candidates. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Accident Lawyer” for help with this stage of the process. When looking, keep in mind that a reputable law firm, as well as the injury attorneys that work for the law firm, all retain valid licensing. It is vital that you use an accident attorney that is actually licensed by the state and has passed the state bar exam. Be sure they are well-versed in personal injury cases as well. You do not want to retain a civil lawyer to represent your accident claim who has very little actual injury case experience; instead, you want to hire an accident attorney that specializes solely in personal injury law.

2. Schedule an Initial Consultation

Once you have chosen a law firm to work with, it is necessary to get your first consultation on the books. During this consult, you will not likely be required to pay a fee; most personal injury lawyers, including Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C., offer initial consultations for free in order to discuss your case and determine the best strategies for your claim. See our blog, “What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation” to learn how to prepare for this meeting with your accident lawyer.

3. Understand Your Case

After you have chosen a lawyer and had your first consultation, the remainder of the work is up to your lawyer. However, there are still some responsibilities of your own to keep in mind. First, it is wise to learn as much as you can about your case and the laws surrounding the circumstances of the accident. This understanding can help you prepare for the future, as well as, what to expect from your case. Second, you must be sure you are protecting yourself. See our blog, “Frequent Mistakes Victims Make in Personal Injury Claims” to learn what you need to know about avoiding mistakes when in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit.

Where to Find Trusted Legal Advice

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for trusted personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout the State of Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys work hard to ensure our clients’ rights to compensation. We offer free initial consultations to access your case and determine your eligibility for remuneration; and we never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you!

What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation

Posted on March 8, 2019 by admin

As your initial personal injury consultation approaches, it is wise to begin preparing. Although the majority of the responsibility regarding your claim lies in the hands of your trusted law firm, there are certain duties of your own that must come first in order to get your case started on a strong track. Part of this duty is to be prepared for your initial appointment by bring in documents, evidence, questions, and more.

Continue reading to learn what you should have ready to bring with you to your initial personal injury consultation.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 5 — Central Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Most personal injury law firms offer the first consultation for free to openly discuss your accident and related losses, determine how strong of a case you have, and similar preliminary topics. For this meeting, you, whether the actual accident victim or relative/spouse, will need to have certain items on hand. If you cannot come by these items or documents, there is no need to worry; you can still have an effective consultation so long as you have chosen a reputable and skilled Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your case.

Here are some items and information you should have ready:

✏ Medical Assistance Information – Admission and discharge papers, etc.

✏Medical Contact Information – names and phone numbers/addresses of all medical providers, ie. ambulance, emergency room, primary care physician, specialists.

✏ Medical Bills – Hospital stay, medications, treatments, tests, surgeries, physical therapy, etc.

✏ Missed Work Dates Due to Injury and Recovery – Including one month of pay stubs prior to accident date if available.

✏ Witness Contact Information-phone number, name, address…

✏ Insurance Adjuster’s Contact Information – name, address, phone number, claim number…

✏ Insurance Policy Documents – Car (if an automobile collision) and medical (health insurance information for the injured party)

✏ Copy of the Police Report – (if available)

✏ Tangible Evidence (for injuries and opposing party’s vehicle if applicable) – Photos of vehicles, scene and injured party, videos and objects from the scene.

What To Do Now

Once the lawyer evaluates the list of documents and evidence you’ve provided, they will determine whether or not your case is strong enough to proceed to the next step in the personal injury litigation process. See our blog, “How to Set Your Personal Injury Claim into Motion” to learn what to expect from the initial claims process. After being injured in an accident, it is understandable that coming by a large amount of evidence, paperwork, and more, can be overwhelming.

If you are having trouble collecting such documents, your personal injury lawyer can help and do not worry. Some evidence and information can be obtained at a later date and from other various sources.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help with your Indianapolis personal injury claim. We are seasoned accident attorneys who represent a wide range of injured victims, including those hurt in car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, and much more. Request a free consultation, today.

What is Premise Liability?

Posted on November 9, 2018 by admin

If a person is wrongfully injured on another’s property, they may be entitled to collect compensation for their damages and losses through a premise liability personal injury claim. Continue reading to learn more about premise liability, including some of the important organizations that helps influence regulations for such laws and how to make a claim for yourself or a loved one.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

A property’s “premise” is defined as inside and outside of a property, including sidewalks, parking lots, and gates, staircases, parking garages, and more. Properties can be residential, commercial, governmental, municipal, and various other public or private owned properties. This includes schools, office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, museums, hotels, movie theaters, bars, malls, parks, playgrounds, residential homes, apartment buildings, swimming pools, and any other property that is open to the public.

Premise Liability Law

Premise Liability refers to is a set of laws that hold property owners accountable for any damages or losses suffered by victims of accidents that occur on their premises. This type of liability can vary depending on many factors, especially whether or not the victim was invited onto the property, licensed to enter the property, or trespassed onto the property. Cases of premise liability can involve various types of accidents and injuries; some of the most common being slip and fall accidents, structural hazards, victims of violence and assault, food poisoning, animal attacks, pedestrian accidents, orthopedic injuries, burn injuries, swimming pool accidents, and more.

Premise Liability Organizations

Important organizations related to premise liability law in Indianapolis, IN are the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). These associations have dedicated years of combined efforts to reform the law and rights of injured individuals.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners seems like an unlikely ally in the premise liability law world. But, in fact, this association has worked to promote markets, protect the public’s interest, implement equal and fair service of insurance customers, promote reliability of insurance companies, and the improve the state’s regulation of insurance. Finally, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control was established 20 years ago to promote safety and injury prevention across the country and works closely with research institutions to get closer to their goals.

Making a Premise Liability Claim

The base objective for premise liability claims is to hold property owners accountable for any injury-causing accidents that take place on their grounds. This can be done by making a personal injury claim against the responsible party. If you or someone you loved has been negligently hurt in a serious accident on public property, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Contact an Indianapolis personal injury attorney right away to get started on your claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your recent accident with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorney, and learn the best course of action for your claim. We are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for Depression?

Posted on October 22, 2018 by admin

If you have suffered through an experience that was caused by another person or entity’s negligence, and as a result, you are diagnosed with depression or some other type of mental or psychological condition, you may be wondering about collecting compensation through a personal injury claim. Such cases are complex, so it is vital that you discuss your compensation claim questions with a licensed personal injury lawyer.

In the meantime, continue reading for some information that may also help, including who to call for trusted advice and assistance.

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Post Injury Depression

When accidents happen, injuries can be both physical and mental. In fact, according to the Sport Science Institute, “the psychological response to injury can trigger or unmask serious mental health issues such as depression (…).” In one study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, a group of doctors examined the effect of post-injury depression on return to pre-injury levels of function. Results showed that 18.1% of patients tested were diagnosed with depression during the post-injury year.

Most often, victims of serious accidents will experience a long and painful recovery process in which they cannot return to work, nor enjoy their pre-injury activities and hobbies. It may lead to a strain in relationships with spouses, friends and family too. These dramatic life changes can result in a variety of emotions, such as anger, frustration, irritation, sadness, isolation, appetite changes, disturbed sleep, disengagement, a lack of motivation, and much more.

Recovering Compensation for Depression

In virtually all jurisdictions, victims of a personal injury can make a claim and recover compensation for depression, or any other type of harm to their mental health, so long as the condition is linked to their accident and resulting injuries. Depression would be referred to as a “non-economic loss”, just like pain and suffering, or any other type of negative impact on mental and emotional health.

If you believe you are suffering from a mental or other psychological condition as a result of a serious injury, and wish to be compensated for your condition as part of your claim for damages in an accident, it is time to discuss your case with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney. They are the qualified professionals who can examine your claim and determine the best course of action for recovering compensation for your damages and losses.

How to Learn More About Your Claim

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a workers’ compensation claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries in an accident that was not your fault. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Social Media Mistakes That Can Jeopardize an Injury Claim

Posted on September 17, 2018 by admin

If you are preparing to make a claim for injuries you or a loved one has suffered in a recent accident, your social media portals are not a “safe” place to discuss your feelings or thoughts regarding the incident. Providing details and making statements online about an accident or claim can be extremely risky, and potentially damaging, to your settlement, even if only your “friends” can see your posts.

Continue reading to learn some common social media mistakes accident victims make so that you can avoid jeopardizing your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
317-881-2700

Social Media Vulnerability

Social media can easily sabotage a personal injury lawsuit in quite a few ways. With the exponential rise of various social media portals and websites, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and similar social media platforms, users are still learning how they affect other aspects of their personal and professional lives. It is important to understand that social media can be used as evidence against individuals, whether in a serious legal matter, or in a personal or private setting.

For example, if an employee calls in sick to work, and then later posts pictures of themselves at a beach party the same day, it is possible for the employer to find out and reprimand them. In another example, a man might tell his wife that he cannot make dinner with her parents because he has to work late, but then checks in on Facebook at the football stadium a few hours later. Well, the same idea can be applied to lawsuits and trial. Social media pictures and posts can sometimes be used as evidence in a court of law.

Here are three common mistakes personal injury claimants make on social media:

❶ Posting Subjecting Video Footage or Photos

Videos, pictures, “check ins”, and even blogs can be imperiling in a personal injury case. For instance, if a person is pursuing a slip and fall lawsuit after suffering a broken pelvis, they would be seriously endangering their case if they did something like post a video of themselves walking their dog, or upload a picture of them jumping off a diving board. The opposing insurance company or counsel will surely use posts like these as evidence against an injury compensation claim.

Defense counsel will sometimes even argue that seemingly innocent photos show more than they do. Because posts are only a snapshot in time, they can only arguably show how a person was feeling or what they were doing at a certain time. Postings can create the illusion that a person is physically okay because people usually do not post photos of themselves injured or when they are hurting. It is best not to post anything at all to avoid these potential arguments by defense counsel altogether.

❷ Divulging Confidential Conditions of Settlements

For lawsuits that settle out of court, it is a practice to sometimes require both parties to sign a non-disclosure agreement to prevent either party (or family and friends of each party) to say anything about the opposing party. Disclosing or revealing confidential terms of settlements and trial details can be a breach of contract under such an agreement. Many people do not think about their social media sites as a means of breaking such agreements, but they are. It is vital to refrain from posting anything about a lawsuit or settlement, online or anywhere else.

❸ Making Aggressive or Threatening Statements

It is common for people to express their negative and angry feelings online; however, in a personal injury case, this is a big mistake that can cost a person their settlement. Although it is understandable that if a person is hurting and has been injured and/or is not making a paycheck because they cannot work due to someone else’s negligence that was avoidable that they would be angry, it is best to keep those thoughts and feelings to one’s self. Although online social media posting is legal, it can gravely hurt a victim’s chances of recovering remuneration for their damages in a personal injury accident. It will only guarantee a case going to trial, where such videos, photos, and postings can be used against them in a court of law.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make an accident and injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers are ready and able 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 an appointment, today.

The Top 10 Most Dangerous Summer Toys for 2018

Posted on July 9, 2018 by admin

A reputable and publically recognized consumer group called W.A.T.C.H., Inc. has released their 2018 safety report that includes this summer’s most dangerous toys. If your child is injured as a result of a defective product, contact a licensed personal injury law firm right away for help with making a claim.

Continue reading to learn more about W.A.T.C.H. and which toys they have deemed “unsafe” for this summer.

Child Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) is a consumer group that specializes in research that supports prevention against toy-related injuries. It is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation dedicated to children’s causes, including raising awareness about unsafe children’s products, such as playground equipment, toys, furniture, clothing, and more. It was founded by Edward M. Swartz (1934-2010), who spent most of his career as a nationally-known trial lawyer and child safety consumer advocate.

Please visit their website at https://toysafety.org to learn more about their cause, review safety warnings, and much more.

Dangerous Toys and Playgrounds

According to W.A.T.C.H., the majority of child deaths that occur as a result of a defective or dangerous toy happen during the summer. In fact, these same reports show that emergency rooms treat 2.5 million injured children in the summer, every year. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emergency rooms treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Furthermore, a 2017 report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates there were 174,100 toy-related emergency department-treated injuries and 7 deaths in 2016 to children younger than 15 years old.

Although the Toy Industry Association (TIA) insists that all toys for sale in the United States are sent through some of the sternest safety requirements in the world, the consumer advocates at W.A.T.C.H. disagree, stating, “Most people have no awareness of the lack of adequate mandatory pre-market safety testing of toys and children’s products in contrast to the rigid rules that exist for food and drugs.”

2018 Unsafe Toy Warning

In a recent press release held at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA on June 21st, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. Consumer Advocates, Joan E. Siff (President) and James A. Swartz (trial attorney and Director) disclosed information to parents, guardians, and caregivers about the top 10 “Summer Safety Traps” for 2018.
These toys have the potential to cause a wide array of serious injuries and fatalities, including high falls, blunt force trauma, eye injuries, drowning, head injuries, choking injuries, and various orthopedic injuries. Here are the top 10 safety concerns they have listed for this summer:

⚠ Water Balloon Slingshots

⚠ High-Powered Water Guns and Guns with Projectile Ammunition

⚠ Backyard Swimming Pools (Above-Ground and In-Ground)

⚠ Backyard Water Slides

⚠ Shallow Water: Baby Pools, Garden Buckets, and Pool Covers

⚠ Bounce Houses and Backyard Trampolines

⚠ Low Riding Wheeled Toys (Big Wheels & Other Plastic Tricycles)

⚠ All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)

⚠ Lawn Darts

Check out the actual W.A.T.C.H. press release for more information regarding this list.

Child Injury Claims

Contact a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for information about receiving compensation after your child has been seriously injured or killed by a defective product or unsafe toy. They will tell you everything you need to know about making a child injury claim, and help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Self-Representation is Not a Good Idea

4 Risks You Take When You Choose to Represent Yourself

Complexities of the Legal System

Instant Legal Expenses

Less Compensation

Complicated Lien Resolution

Negligent Supervision and Child Injury Claims

Most Common Types of Child Injury Cases:

Indiana Child Accident Lawyers

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for interviewing a personal injury lawyer.

Interview Questions for Tort Lawyers

Top Recommended Questions to Ask:

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

At the Scene of the Accident

After the Accident Scene

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue reading to learn how you can find a reputable and proficient personal injury representation in just 3 easy steps.

1. Interview Law Firms

2. Schedule an Initial Consultation

3. Understand Your Case

Where to Find Trusted Legal Advice

Continue reading to learn what you should have ready to bring with you to your initial personal injury consultation.

What To Do Now

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Premise Liability Law

Premise Liability Organizations

Making a Premise Liability Claim

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

In the meantime, continue reading for some information that may also help, including who to call for trusted advice and assistance.

Post Injury Depression

Recovering Compensation for Depression

How to Learn More About Your Claim

Continue reading to learn some common social media mistakes accident victims make so that you can avoid jeopardizing your personal injury claim.

Social Media Vulnerability

Here are three common mistakes personal injury claimants make on social media:

❶ Posting Subjecting Video Footage or Photos

❷ Divulging Confidential Conditions of Settlements

❸ Making Aggressive or Threatening Statements

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Continue reading to learn more about W.A.T.C.H. and which toys they have deemed “unsafe” for this summer.

World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.

Please visit their website at https://toysafety.org to learn more about their cause, review safety warnings, and much more.

Dangerous Toys and Playgrounds

2018 Unsafe Toy Warning

Check out the actual W.A.T.C.H. press release for more information regarding this list.

Child Injury Claims

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help