Which Law Firm Should I Hire For My Indianapolis Personal Injury Claim?

When it comes to negotiating a full and fair settlement for your personal injury claim, there is no room for error. This is why you should retain the services of a professional and esteemed personal injury law firm that can fight for your rights to a full and fair outcome. But with so many accident attorneys in Indiana to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? The answer is quite simple. Choose the Indianapolis personal injury law firm that Hoosiers have relied on for their accident settlements for decades:

The Law Firm of Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C.

Continue below to learn what our esteemed Indianapolis personal injury law firm can do for you, and why you should choose us to represent you in your injury or wrongful death claim.

Free Initial Consultations

Why Choose Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C.

There are many choices around town for personal injury representation. But victims know who to turn to for aggressive and dedicated legal guidance. The Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek has several decades of combined experience practicing personal injury law, and retain the knowledge and steadfast motivation to ensure you obtain the most full and fair settlement for your damages and losses. We are with you every step of the claims process, from the free initial consultation, to the final settlement or verdict.

You can trust that our law firm has the resources and skills to fight for your rights to full and fair compensation. We care about our clients’ rights and take their accident and injury cases very seriously. We begin with a thorough review and assessment of the circumstances surrounding your accident so that we can document a strong case against the negligent party or parties. If we cannot get the at-fault party’s insurance company to settle out of court and pay you the compensation you deserve, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court on your behalf. 

Personal Injury Attorney Keith Blazek
Free Initial Consultations

Our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers understand that serious accidents are troubling and damaging in more ways than one. Not only can a serious accident result in extensive financial losses, they can also require extended mental, physical and emotional rehabilitation. We encourage those who have been in an accident and suffered serious injury or harm to call our Indianapolis accident attorneys as soon as possible for legal advice. Be sure to act fast, before the state’s statute of limitations runs out, and you can no longer make a claim against an at-fault party.  If the statute of limitations runs out, you are no longer able to make a claim. It is always better to contact us as soon as possible after the accident so information and evidence is not lost.

Schedule a Free, In-Person Consultation Today

Contact our Law Office today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation with a highly experienced Indianapolis injury attorney to find out if your injuries might entitle you to legal compensation in Indiana.  Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorneys maintain a concentrated focus on accident law, and retain extensive trial and litigation experience with a written track record of success. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your free consultation, today.

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

Factors for Calculating a Personal Injury Settlement

After being hurt in an accident through the proven fault of someone else and suffering a long list of losses, you are owed a debt. Although there is no exact formula and equation that can tell you the exact value of your claim, there are several factors that will help you make a valid and reasonable estimation. Always talk to a personal injury lawyer to understand your unique accident claim and potential rights to compensation as every case is different.

In the meantime, continue below to review some of the most common factors used to compute a full and fair personal injury settlement value.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

How are Personal Injury Settlements Calculated?

Assessing the amount of damages in a personal injury case can be a challenging and complex process since so many variables influence the final decision. Not only do insurance companies use a basic damage formula to produce a settlement offer for claimants, courts and juries also play a vital role in evaluating the losses or injuries of a victim’s body, health, property, and overall quality of living.

The value produced by the damage formula is only the foundation used by insurance companies and personal injury attorneys during negotiations. The value may increase if the accident attorney can prove more damages or the extensiveness of damages. Furthermore, the percentage of fault among each party is assessed and applied to the deciding factors of the case. These are all vital and proven reasons why injured victims need a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to represent their claim.

Top Personal Injury Factors Considered by Juries and Insurance Companies:

❖ Medical Expenses – Add up the total amount of medical bills, both covered and out-of-pocket. This includes hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, medical supplies, and similar costs.

❖ Estimated Future Medical Expenses – Estimate a reasonable value for your future incurred medical costs, such as medication, prolonged physical therapy, and similar expenses.

❖ Lost Earnings – Add up all of your lost wages from missing work. This includes any lost benefits.

❖ Future Lost Income – Estimate the sum of your future lost wages by determining how long you will be out of work as a result of your injuries.

❖ Property Damage – Add up your total value of property damage. This is generally pertinent in car accident claims.

❖ Multiplier for General Damages – A multiplier formula can be applied to approximate your overall damages. Simply multiply the total value by a reasonable and valid multiplier. The more severe, lasting, and painful your injuries, the higher the multiplier number will likely be. Talk to an injury lawyer to learn which multiplier is most accurate for your claim.

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering) – Estimate a value for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life by using your multiplier. See our blog, “How is Pain and Suffering Determined in a Personal Injury Settlement?” to learn more about making this estimation.  These damages should be valued the highest.

Talk to a Seasoned Indiana Accident Attorney

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorneys maintain a concentrated focus on accident and injury law, and have extensive trial and litigation experience with a written track record of success. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.

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

Trust the Law Office of Craven Hoover Blazek for a Full Personal Injury Settlement or Verdict

Were you recently involved in an accident or incident that resulted in serious injuries, but the accident or incident was of no fault of your own? If so, you are likely a strong personal injury claim candidate. Thus, it is important to learn how to protect your rights and recover a full and fair settlement for your damages and losses. Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we are fully prepared and willing to work tirelessly to ensure just that.

Continue below to learn who we are, what we do, and how to get in touch with a qualified and friendly accident lawyer, today.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Our Firm’s Mission

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. are experienced accident attorneys who are passionate about helping personal injury victims recover financially, emotionally and physically. Through the entire legal process, we are with you, available and prepared to represent our client’s best interests and rights. From the initial consultation to the settlement or final verdict if necessary, our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys are by your side every step of the way and leading your injury case to a full and fair resolution. We are the hard-working and knowledgeable accident lawyers that can get you the full compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury.  We also represent those left behind as a result of the wrongful death of a loved one, caused by the negligence of another person or corporation.

What Our Law Firm Can Do For You

Our Indiana personal injury attorneys have the abilities, resources, and experience to safeguard and enforce your rights in accident case, and we use these various advantages and strategies to document solid cases against negligent parties or companies. We consult experts, interview witnesses, meet with industry leaders, obtain necessary documents and records, and more, in order to recover full and fair compensation for our client’s losses. In the case that a claim goes to trial, such experts can clearly convey the facts to a jury so the jury can better understand the full extent and seriousness of our clients’ injuries and damages.

As for our role, we begin with a thorough review and assessment of the circumstances surrounding your accident so that we can document a strong case against the negligent party or parties. If we cannot get the defendant’s insurance company to settle out of court and pay you the compensation you deserve, which does not happen very often, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and litigate your case until a judgment is obtained.

Our personal injury lawyers understand that serious accidents are troubling in more ways than one. Not only can a serious accident result in extensive financial losses, they can also require extended mental, physical, and emotional rehabilitation. It is imperative to us that our clients recover emotionally and physically so they can take back control of their lives and move forward once and for all. It is their job to heal and get better, while we fight for a full and fair recovery for all their losses.

Get Started With a Free Consultation as Soon as Possible

Do not wait too long to learn about your personal injury compensation rights. If the statute of limitations runs out, you are no longer able to make a claim. It is always better to contact us as soon as possible after the accident so information and evidence is not lost. 

Contact our law office today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation with a practiced Indianapolis injury attorney to find out if your injuries might entitle you to legal compensation in Indiana.  Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.

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

Choose the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek as Your Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. are seasoned accident and injury lawyers who will work hard to assist you with your personal injury case. We can help you learn more about your rights after being negligently injured in a serious accident. From start to finish, our personal injury attorneys are right by your side, representing your best interests, as well as, your rights within personal injury law. We are the experienced and knowledgeable Indianapolis accident attorneys who will recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in an accident that was not your fault.

Continue reading to learn why we are a leading personal injury law firm in Indiana, and why you should choose us to represent you in your accident claim.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Accident Attorneys Who Truly Care About Your Recovery

Our personal injury lawyers understand that serious accidents are troubling in more ways than one. Not only can a serious accident result in extensive financial damages, they can also require extended mental, physical, and emotional rehabilitation. It is imperative to us that our clients recover emotionally and physically so they can take back control of their lives and move forward once and for all. It is their job to heal and get better, while we fight for full and fair recovery for all their losses.

We Specialize in a Wide Range of Practice Areas, Including:

    ✏Car Accidents
    ✏Trucking Accidents
    ✏Motorcycle Accidents
    ✏Slip and Fall Accidents
    ✏Burn Injuries
    ✏Pedestrian Accidents
    ✏Drunk Driving Accidents
    ✏Construction Site Accidents
    ✏Workplace Accidents
    ✏Nursing Home Abuse
    ✏Swimming Pool Accidents
    ✏Wrongful Death
    ✏Product Defects
    ✏Animal Attacks
    ✏Brain and Spinal Cord Accidents
    ✏And More

We Can Obtain Justice for You

We have decades of experience representing personal injury cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our skilled and experienced accident attorneys are highly committed to tort law, and work tirelessly to obtain justice for our clients. We are proficient in personal injury litigation, so you can trust us to clearly advise you of all your legal rights and the best course of action for your claim.

But please beware of Indiana’s personal injury statutes of limitations. If you wait too long to make a claim against the negligent party that caused your accident and subsequent injuries, you can lose your opportunity to make a claim forever. By acting fast and calling our Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm, you can avoid encountering delays or problems from waiting too long to file suit and problems with evidence disappearing with the passage of time.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Learn More

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! We also represent clients all throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

What Type of Doctor Do I See After a Personal Injury?

Being injured in a serious accident is a shocking time in a person’s life. So naturally, injured victims are often overwhelmed with fears, anxieties, questions, and uncertainties. This confusion is quite normal, but can be mollified with the help of a seasoned personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand which course of action is best for your situation, including recovering compensation for your resulting damages. The very first step to take after being injured in an accident is to obtain medical attention for your injuries.

But many victims are not sure which type of doctor to see. Should they visit the emergency room and see an ER doctor? What if their injuries appear days later? Who do they see then? These are important questions to ask yourself as a victim of a personal injury accident.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about finding and receiving medical care after sustaining serious injuries as a result of another’s negligence.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

Medical Care for Personal Injuries

There are various fields of medicine, and therefore, various kinds of doctors. Some doctors specialize in certain areas of the medical field, while others practice generally. The type of doctor you need to see after sustaining injuries in a serious accident will depend on a few factors, including when your accident takes place, where it takes place, and when your injuries are apparent to you.

Instant Injury

In emergency situations in which an injury occurs instantly, such as broken bones, 3rd degree burns, or serious lacerations, it is common to go to the emergency room and be seen by a licensed ER doctor and their medical team. You would likely be transported by ambulance, or have someone drive you to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

Onset of Injury

In the case that you experience an onset of injuries, meaning your injuries are not apparent right away, but appear and worsen days, weeks, or months later, you must see a doctor on your own. If the injury is serious, go to the emergency room. But if you are not sure of the extent of severity, you can start by contacting your primary care physician, or family doctor.

A general practice doctor can give you an initial medical assessment consisting of some basic checks like blood pressure, temperature, mobility, blood work, and even x-rays. From there, they can refer you to a specialist to address your injuries more specifically, such as back injuries, head injuries, and orthopedic injuries. These doctors will likely order more tests, such as MRIs, CAT scans, and more. Afterwards, you will need to obtain follow-up care, which your specialist or PCP will arrange for you. You may even be referred to mental health services from a licensed counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Have more questions about the onset of injuries? See our blog, “Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident” to learn more. If you are still unsure about which doctor you should see regarding your injuries, it is helpful to contact a personal injury lawyer to assist you. They have the knowledge and experience to give you personalized advice for your unique case.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help filing a negligent action claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

An Overview of Personal Injury Basics

Personal injuries fall under an area of law known as tort law. Under tort law, anyone injured at not fault of their own, but rather, the fault of another person or entity, is entitled to recover compensation for various types of damages. If you or someone you love has suffered losses as a result of a negligent accident, continue reading to learn some basic terms and information that will help you get started on your personal injury claim.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Statute of Limitations

An important factor to consider when facing a potential personal injury claim is time. There are set time limits on how long a personal injury victim has to make a claim against a negligent, at-fault party. The amount of time set for such cases depends on a few factors, primarily the type of injury and state laws. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn more about personal injury claim timelines.

Negligence

Under tort law, negligence is defined as a failure to possess or demonstrate a level of care, expected by all persons under law, which protects another person, reputation, or property from harm or foreseeable and unreasonable risks. The burden of proving negligence in a personal injury case falls onto the plaintiff, who must show that the defendant 1) owed a legal duty of care, 2) breached that duty of care, 3) the breach directly caused the accident, and 4) the accident resulted in losses and damages.

Damages and Losses

There are various types of economic losses a victim can suffer as a result of a serious accident or injury. Common damages awarded to personal injury victims include compensatory, nominal, and punitive damages such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, physical disablement, lost ability to work, and more. See our blog, “Types of Damages Awarded for Victims of Injury” to learn more about personal injury damages.

Pain and Suffering

Also referred to as hedonic damages, pain and suffering is a legal term used in tort law that describes the cumulative non-physical injuries, or emotional and mental trauma and burdens, experienced by the victims as a result of the accident and injuries. Non-physical injuries might include fear, anxiety, grief, worry, insomnia, a loss of enjoyment for one’s life, loss of consortium, wrongful death, and more.

Personal Injury Claims

In order to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being seriously injured in an accident that was not your fault, it is best to make a personal injury claim. In order to present an effective case, it is wise to seek out professional legal representation for help navigating and negotiating your claim. See our blog, “How to Make a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana” to learn how to get started. Or simply scroll below to skip the hassle and speak directly to seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers who can help.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, if you or a loved one was recently hurt in a serious accident in Indiana. Our personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations to sit down and assess your case. If we feel that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, we begin working on your case immediately, without charging a dime. If we do not prevail for you, you will not owe our law firm any payment. We are the strong voice and immediate action you need for your personal injury lawsuit.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

How a Personal Injury Evaluation Can Help You

Did another person’s negligence cause you injury? If so, you could be entitled to certain compensation for your damages and losses. Start the process of obtaining coverage for hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, property damages and much more with a personal injury claim.

The very first step to making a personal injury claim for your recent accident is already in the process, as you are reading this blog and learning what you need to know about getting started. The next step is to schedule your initial consultation with a seasoned and skilled personal injury attorney who is well-versed in the specific category of accident law that relates to your claim.

Continue below to learn the importance of this initial consultation, and where to find the most vigilant personal injury representation in Central Indiana and throughout Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers  317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Here are the reasons why your first personal injury evaluation will help you with your legal needs following an accident:

☑ They Confirm Merit

The primary reason why these evaluations are so vital in the beginning of the process is that they determine if your case is valid, or worthy of pursuing. Whether or not you actually have a merited case depends on a long list of factors; factors that only a seasoned personal injury lawyer will know. Such considerations include the state’s statute of limitations, prohibiting factors, total economic and non-economic losses, and much more. See our blog, “How Can I Tell Whether or Not I Have an Injury Case?” to learn more about assessing the strength of a personal injury claim. Once you have a legal professional on your side who knows you deserve to be compensated for your losses, you can feel confident knowing that someone will help you fight for your rights.  Insurance companies have in-house attorneys on staff reviewing your claim and you should have your own attorney as well.

☑ They Educate You

You are probably not a lawyer yourself, which means that the law and related legalese can be quite confusing, if not entirely foreign to you. For this reason, it is important to have your case and the laws surrounding your case explained to you in a language you can clearly understand and comprehend. An initial personal injury consultation will provide this advantage. You can also refer to our blog, “A Review of Personal Injury Claim Terms and Definitions” to get a head start with some legal basics.

☑ They Offer Peace of Mind With No Obligation

If budget is holding you back from scheduling an initial evaluation with a personal injury attorney, you have no need to worry. Most personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations, which means there is no out-of-pocket obligation to you. So even if it is determined that you do not have a case, you will have peace of mind knowing that you learned the truth. Furthermore, if they take your case, there are usually no upfront lawyer fees since most firms work on a contingency-fee basis. See our blog, “How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Accident Lawyer?” to understand this pricing model better. The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. does not charge upfront lawyer fees.

Seasoned Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers

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 lawyer, and learn the best course of action for your claim. We are ready, willing and able to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve and we represent injured clients throughout the State of Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Is it Too Late For Me to Make a Personal Injury Claim?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

All states have a set statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which set parameters on the amount of time a person has to make a claim after their accident. These statute of limitations vary from state to state, some being as short as 1 year, while others extending up to 6 years.

Here in Indiana, personal injury victims usually have 2 years to make a personal injury claim for compensation (Ind. Code Ann. § 34-11-2-1 et seq.). However, claims against certain governmental and quasi-governmental entities require a Notice of Tort Claim to be made in as little as 180 days in some cases so it is essential for persons with personal injury claims to immediately seek out representation.

But what happens if a person does not learn who caused their accident until after the statute of limitations runs out? Or similarly, the severity of their injuries are not evident until much later? Well, for these reasons and more, some states allow an exception to their statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This is sometimes referred to as a “discovery rule” exception, and it plays a vital role in the rights of a personal injury victim, as well as their family.

Continue reading to learn more about the discovery rule exception, including common examples and how to get started on your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

The Discovery Rule

When a person is injured in an accident that was not their fault, the statute of limitations starts on that very day of the incident. From there, a victim has a set amount of time to make a claim against the negligent party for the purpose of recovering compensation to cover their subsequent damages and losses. However, many states have some form of a “discovery rule” exception to their statute of limitations, which extends the filing deadline for making a personal injury claim under very specific circumstances. 

This discovery rule extension is generally granted when a personal injury victim did not know about their injuries until after the statute of limitations expired, who was responsible for the accident until after the statute of limitations ran out, or that the suspected liable party’s actions may have caused their injuries until after the statute of limitations expired.

For example, a state might have a 2 year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, along with a discovery rule that states the time clock does not begin until the victim is aware or had sufficient notice of their injuries, as well as, the cause of the harm. Under these circumstances, a victim would be granted an extended deadline to file a personal injury claim if they experienced a late onset of injuries after the statute of limitations expired.

Another example is asbestos poisoning. For instance, if a person lives in an apartment building that has asbestos-insulated plumbing, and 15 years later is diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of the exposure, they could rely on the discovery rule to increase their success at making a personal injury claim against the liable party.

Most states will extend the statute of limitations for plaintiffs who are minors, mentally-handicapped, disabled, mentally-ill, or legally insane. Also, most states will grant an extension if the liable party left the state. If the liable party flees, the clock can be held to stop running, and may not start up again until they return to the state.

How to Make an Allegedly Late Personal Injury Claim

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700
Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

If you are a victim of a personal injury, but fear that too much time has passed since your accident, it is important to speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney to learn more about Indiana’s statute of limitations rules and exceptions.

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to get started. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyers will fight for your rights to the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you.

Types of Secondary Liability

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Secondary liability is also referred to as indirect infringement. It is best defined as a legal obligation, forcing an individual to assume responsibility for another person’s act or behavior. Examples of secondary liabilities include principle liability, employers’ liability and parental liability. There are several other types as well, such as ecclesiastical corporation liability, enterprise liability, and much more; but these cases are generally infrequent and more complex.

The more common types of secondary liability are contributory liability and vicarious liability. These are the primary cases of secondary liability seen in courts today. No matter which type of secondary liability case in question, the underlying factor for each is indirect infringement. Continue reading to learn more about vicarious and contributory liabilities, and where to find professional legal counsel you can trust.

Vicarious Liability

You will find vicarious liability under respondeat superior doctrine, under common law. It decrees the legal responsibilities of any person in a superior role, such as leaders, executives, managers, supervisors, bosses, directors, whole corporations, companies, and more. It makes clear that they are legally responsible for the actions of their teams or employees. An example of a vicarious liability case would be if a parent or guardian fails to properly supervise their child, allowing the child to access the home’s handgun and accidentally shooting and injuring another person. The parents would be held legally accountable for their child’s actions, as well as, the victim’s damages.

Contributory Liability

Contributory liability holds a third party legally responsible for anothers actions, even though they were not actually committing an infringement directly. If a person has knowledge of, benefits from, enables, contributes, or influences another person’s transgression, they too can be held legally responsible under contributory liability. An example of contributory infringement would be if someone loans another person a gun, and that person uses the gun to commit a crime, the loaner of the gun can be held legally responsible for the infringements involving the gun under contributory liability.

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 to learn your rights following a personal injury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Daniel Craven, and his partners, are licensed and experience accident attorneys that are eager to help victims and their families recover the full and fair compensation deserved. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, IN today.

Types of Legal Guardianship

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

In the case that an adult cannot make decisions for themselves, whether mentally or medically incapacitated, the state provides laws that allows an appointed individual to make decisions for them. These individuals are referred as guardians or conservators, and the people they are making important decisions for are referred to as wards. A person can be determined “incapacitated” when they lack the capacity to make responsible decisions regarding their life.

There are actually seven basic forms of legal guardianship, all of which we will define and discuss in this blog. Continue reading to learn more about the seven types of legal guardianship, and who to talk to for more information pertaining this topic and more.

Guardians and Conservators

In many states, these two terms are used interchangeably; however, in other states, the terms are used to describe a separate set of agendas. For example, a guardian has the power to make decisions for the ward, while a conservator is in charge of a ward’s property, assets, and finances. These roles are also referred to as “guardian of estate” or “guardian of person.”

Some wards require complete guardianship over all aspects of their lives, while others need less. Some wards are capable of managing themselves, but need help managing finances and property. Other wards require several types of guardianship, and retain it through a set of individuals, each responsible for a certain aspect of the ward’s life. Here are the seven most common types of conservatorship:

Limited Guardianship

In the case that a ward can make some, but not all, decisions for his or her life, they will be appointed a conservator with limited guardianship. This guardian has restricted control of a ward’s life.

Plenary Guardianship

Quite the opposite of limited guardianship, plenary conservatorship gives a person complete control of a ward’s life, property, and finances.

Short-Term Guardianship

If a legal guardian needs a person to stand-in for a short amount of time, they can appoint a “short-term” guardian without legal consent from court or judge. For example, if a guardian has to serve jury duty or be hospitalized, they can appoint a replacement guardian for a temporary amount of time.

Temporary Guardianship

In contrast to short-term conservators, temporary guardianship is used for cases of extreme and immediate emergencies. A person appointed as temporary guardian usually only retains the role for no more than 8 weeks; however this varies from state to state.

Testamentary Guardianship

A legal guardian can name another person in his or her will that will be their successor as legal guardian to a particular ward. This does require court approval.

Successor Guardianship

In the case that a legal conservator resigns, dies, or becomes incapable of fulfilling their role as guardian, a successor guardian is appointed. This person is either named in the original guardian’s will, or is appointed afterwards.

Standby Guardianship

When a new guardian has to be appointed, a standby guardian steps in for immediate backup. Until the legal documents and court approvals are complete, the standby guardian fills-in so there is no gap between conservators.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Lawyers Indianapolis, Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Lawyers Indianapolis, Indiana 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys, Daniel Craven, Keith Blazek, and Ralph Hoover retain extensive trial and litigation experience in accident law. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call 317-881-2700 to learn more about filing a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, IN today.