Understanding Onset of Injuries After a Car Accident

Posted on June 6, 2022 by admin

Even as low as 5 or 10 miles per hour, vehicles are essentially multi-ton missiles on the road. So, when drivers are involved in a collision, the event is usually traumatic. The force produced by a car wreck can cause a wide range of injuries to both passengers and drivers, especially soft tissue injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, and concussions; injuries that are not always present right away. It does not take a big collision for a person to be injured in even a “minor” automobile collision because the force of the collision between the two vehicles involved in the collision flows through your flesh and body.

A common phenomenon surrounding car accidents is known as an onset of injury, which describes a car accident victim who does not show signs of injury until hours, days, or even weeks following the collision. Such car accident victims often feel concerned that they are no longer eligible to claim payments through an accident claim or lawsuit because their injuries were not apparent at the scene of the accident. But those who are wrongly injured in a car wreck deserve justice no matter how many days later their injuries appear, and the law tends to agree. Moreover, medical doctors agree that a delayed onset of injuries for a person involved in an automobile collision is very common.

Continue reading to learn more about experiencing an onset of injury after a car accident, including what you should do if you were hurt in an auto collision that was not your fault.

Auto Accident Attorneys Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Do Not Mistake a Minor Accident for Minor Injuries

Even a seemingly minor car accident can cause bodily injury that does not appear at or directly after the scene of the collision. And if a minor car accident can pose the risk of late-appearing bodily harm, you can safely presume that a more serious auto accident can lead to an onset of injuries as well. An auto accident victim might feel fine, even unharmed, after the event, especially with their adrenaline pumping, but then days, weeks or even months later, begin experiencing signs and symptoms of serious injury. The most common types of late-appearing car accident injuries include neck injuries, back injuries, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and concussions.

Because onset of injury is a real possibility among car accident victims, it is crucial to monitor your daily health following the wreck and to seek medical attention at the first sign of any evolving injuries. Such records will protect your rights to claiming payments through an accident claim or lawsuit, down the line, especially when the defendant’s insurance adjuster starts arguing you were not injured.

What To Do After a Car Accident

After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to protect yourself by filing a police report at the scene and receiving medical attention from responding EMT’s. Also at the scene, gather as much video and photo evidence of the surroundings, including car damages, street signs, traffic signs, skid marks, intersections, any visible injuries on you, and more. You should also try to gather contact information from any witnesses. All of this evidence can help support your rights to being compensated.

After you leave the scene of the accident, it is critical to see a doctor right away. If you do not want to go to the emergency room, make a doctor’s appointment for the next day or as soon as possible. It is important to see a doctor after a car accident whether you feel injured or not. Not only will a doctor be able to check you out and give you instructions on how to self-monitor for later-appearing car accident injuries, and these medical records will help support your case as well.

During this process, it is vital that you do not speak with any insurance adjusters or representatives. Instead, work fast to hire a personal injury law firm in Indiana that concentrates on car accident injury claims. They have the knowledge and resources to represent your case and obtain the maximum settlement or verdict you deserve. Just be sure to choose the best car accident attorneys in Indianapolis!

Insurance companies for defendants have attorneys and insurance adjusters working on the case for the defendant from the moment the at-fault driver informs them of the automobile collision. You should have immediate attorney representation as well to make sure you get treated fairly and so the other side does not entice you to doing things that will only help their side.

Are you looking for a qualified and experienced civil litigation law firm that can meet these expectations and more? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with a seasoned car accident lawyer in Indianapolis. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Facts About Confirming Fault in a Motorcycle Accident

Posted on May 27, 2022 by admin

When it comes to determining who is at-fault for your motorcycle accident, the first factor that matters is the state in which the accident took place. There are both “at-fault” and “no-fault” states, so depending on which state your accident was in will influence who is held accountable for the losses and damages incurred because of the accident. Some states hold no one accountable, some states put the responsibility on one person or the other, and some states use a formula that considers how much each individual contributed to the accident.

If you are a recent victim of a motorcycle accident that caused you serious injury, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer for help understanding your state’s laws surrounding tort law, liability, and more. In the meantime, continue reading to learn some additional information about motorcycle accident claims and liability.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Motorcycle Accidents in No-Fault States

If you were involved in motorcycle accident in no-fault state, such as Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania, it is likely that your damages and losses will be compensated for by your own insurance company. If the compensation is not enough, you can file a claim to recover more. For this reason, it is important to obtain sufficient insurance if you live in such a state. Your policy should cover injuries, medical expenses, and bike damage.

Motorcycle Accidents in At-Fault States

The process is different in at-fault states because motorcycle victims file accident claims with the at-fault person’s insurance company, rather than their own. Although, if the at-fault person does not have enough insurance coverage, you can make an underinsured claim through your own motorcycle insurance carrier. The degree of fault is taken into consideration when deciding how much compensation will be awarded to the victim. This is called comparative fault. Indiana is an “at-fault” state where the injured person can recover for their damages so long as they are not more than 50% at-fault. For example, if the jury says the defendant is 60% at fault and the plaintiff is 40% at fault, the plaintiff wins but their total verdict is reduced by their own percentage of fault which was 40%.

What You Should Do as a Motorbike Accident Victim in Indiana

Speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Indianapolis to decide the best strategy for filing a personal injury claim in the state your accident took place. If you are a resident of Indiana and you are injured in another state, contact our law office and we will work with another attorney in the state you were injured in to help you receive full and fair compensation. You will not pay higher attorney fees for having attorneys in two different states. Even if the accident was not recent, you may still be able to file a claim against an at-fault party if the statutes of limitations has not yet run out.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury attorney to represent your recent bike accident case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana who can recover the settlement you deserve. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

What You Can Expect From the Personal Injury Lawsuit Process

Posted on May 24, 2022 by admin

No personal injury case is alike. They each have their own unique set of circumstances. However, most personal injury lawsuits will involve a similar legal progression, from the initial step of filing a lawsuit to the final phase of receiving a verdict or settlement. Continue reading to learn which steps will likely fill in the blanks between the start and finish of a personal injury case, plus where to obtain skilled accident representation for your claim in Indiana.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Litigation Milestones in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Although your personal injury case will not look like the next person’s, you can count on a few standard litigation milestones after deciding to move forward with a lawsuit, such as hiring an Indianapolis accident attorney and filing a complaint, as well as exploratory investigations, pretrial and discovery, depositions, and more.

Obtaining Legal Representation

The first step after making the decision to sue is to hire a personal injury law firm to represent you. An accident attorney has the proper knowledge, experience, and resources to build a strong and impactful case on your behalf to obtain the maximum settlement possible for your lawsuit.

It is not recommended to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit. Not only is the law complex, but the filing and deadline requirements are stringent. Furthermore, representing yourself places you at a much higher risk of losing money. You would be required to pay for all upfront costs and legal expenses, and in the end, likely receive a much lower settlement than you would without legal representation.

The personal injury lawyer might choose to initiate an exploratory investigation before taking you on as a client. An exploratory investigation primarily involves researching and confirming the defendant’s insurance coverage and your own underinsured coverage. If the lawyer decides you have a viable case, they will commence all the necessary paperwork, making the client-attorney relationship official. Next comes attempting to resolve your case with the defendant’s insurance carrier after you have finished your medical care and if the insurance company does not wish to resolve your case for a full and fair settlement, next comes filing the lawsuit.

Filing a Complaint With the Court

After establishing the client-attorney relationship, your accident lawyer will take the necessary steps to file a personal injury complaint, which will be physically served on the defendant. From there, the defendant is given time to hire their own legal team and prepare for the first court appearance. The personal injury complaint is the first official legal document in the lawsuit process. It contains the circumstances of the accident, including how the defendant was negligent and the damages you’ve suffered as a result.

Pretrial and Trial

The next major stage in the personal injury lawsuit process is pretrial, which is followed by mediation or a trial. During the pretrial process, the “discovery” phase takes place, which involves both sides exchanging evidence and information, including depositions from both parties, witness statements, expert witness testimonies, and more.

Also, during the pretrial process both sides will appear in front of a judge to agree to or reject mediation. The pretrial phase can take several months due to the intermittent court hearings and scope of evidence collection. Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but some do go to trial.

If your case goes to trial, lawyers will begin to select a jury, set mandatory settlement conferences, debate which pieces of evidence will be allowed at trial, and so forth. Once the trial begins, the process only takes a matter of days. Within a weeks’ time, give or take a few days, the court and jury will decide if and how much the defendant should pay the plaintiff for damages. If the defendant is found liable and ordered to pay, they can choose to appeal, which continues the process for several more months. The defendant’s insurance company will pay any verdict entered against the defendant, up to the insurance policy limits.

Receiving a Settlement

Both parties can agree to a settlement and close the case at any point in the process, even before a complaint is ever filed. There are many factors used to calculate a personal injury settlement.

The attorneys are responsible for preparing and agreeing upon the release document, which sets forth all the terms of the settlement.

Are you looking for skilled personal injury law firm to represent you in your negligence case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured victims all across the state.

What You Need to Know About Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Claims

Posted on May 20, 2022 by admin

Spring is in full swing, which means an increased opportunity for outdoor fun. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters, roller blades, and more are all traditional springtime activities for adults, teens, and kids alike. It is a fun and healthy recreational pastime that allows us to get outdoors, spend time with our loved ones, and enjoy the nice weather. Unfortunately, bicycle safety is pushed under the rug all too often, and because of this, accidents happen. Even when safety is properly considered, there are incidents that can take place out of our control. For this reason, all cyclers bike enthusiasts should know their rights if injured on a bicycle at no fault of their own.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about filing a bicycle accident personal injury claim in Indiana after being wrongfully injured on your bike.

Bicycle Accident Claims Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Bicycle Accident Causes and Common Injuries

There are two main types of bicycle accidents that result from negligence outside of a rider’s control: motor vehicles and bicycle defects. If a car, truck, or product defect causes an accident that results in a rider’s injury, liability falls on them, not the rider. Both situations can lead to serious personal injuries to a cyclist.

Several serious injuries can result from bicycle accidents, such as brain damage, traumatic brain injuries, comas, concussions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death. These injuries can be life-threatening or permanent in severe situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from the years 1932 to 2008, more than 50,000 bicycle-related deaths occurred.

These alarming statistics do not even include injuries and deaths sustained from bicycle defects. According to the same statistics, in the year 2008 alone, more than 50,000 cyclists were injured in negligent traffic accidents. The most devastating truth among these statistics is that in 2008, 13% of bicycle accident fatalities were children. Bicycle safety is something everyone needs to take seriously. We can stop these accidents from taking place with responsible driving and education at a young age.

Defective Bicycles

As for product defects and bicycles, there is not much we can do to stop these unfortunate and unforeseen incidents from happening. We can only hope and trust that bicycle manufacturers are working hard at preventing problems with their products and doing their best to improve their product’s safety value. The most common defects seen in bicycle accidents include problems with bolts, screws, composite forks, aluminum frames, and similar components.

Making an Injury Claim After a Bicycle Accident

In the case that a person is seriously injured in a bicycle accident as a result of another driver’s carelessness or bike defect, it is crucial to contact a bicycle accident personal injury attorney immediately. All states have a statute of limi t ations that set forth how long a victim, or their family, has to file a personal injury claim. Once this time frame runs out, a victim can no longer lawfully sue for full and fair compensation.

A licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer can help victims of bicycle accidents obtain compensation for their damages, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, lost wages, time of work, and much more. Licensed accident attorneys with extensive experience and knowledge will try to negotiate and settle out of court for their clients if possible. Be sure to choose a law firm that has your best interests at heart and in mind.

Were you recently injured in a wrongful bicycle accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet with a seasoned Indianapolis Indiana personal injury lawyer you can trust to recover the settlement you deserve. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Legal Facts About Shopping-Related Personal Injury Claims

Posted on May 17, 2022 by admin

When you plan an afternoon out to run errands or go shopping, you don’t usually portend any sort of danger. However, among all the personal injury claims made in the United States, shopping-related injuries are one of the most common. Accidents like slip and falls or orthopedic injuries are common shopping injuries that occur at a store due to store owner negligence. If you were recently injured on a shopping trip, it is important for you to understand the law so that you may best protect your rights to being compensated for your damages.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about shopping- how to get started on learning your eligibility for pursuing legal action against a negligent property or store owner.

Store Accident Injury Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Shopping Injuries and Accident Claims

Going over budget is not the only risk shoppers take when they visit a store. Shopping accidents are a common occurrence, and they happen under all sorts of different circumstances. In the case that a store owner was negligent by not taking the proper actions to maintain a safe premises or warn consumers of any potential hazards, an injured shopper could make an accident claim against them. Shoppers are not the only ones granted this civil right; workers, staff, and guests are also protected against such negligence.

Types of Shopping-Related Injuries

Shopping-related injuries describes a broad range of personal injuries that take place in a retail establishment, such as a mall or department store. These types of accidents increase in frequency during high shopping seasons, like Black Friday, Christmas, Labor Day sales events, and Memorial Day weekend sales.

One of the most common types of shopping-related personal injury accidents is slipping. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious muscular and orthopedic injuries, both of which can have long-lasting consequences. Neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and back injuries are common traumas suffered in a slip and fall accident, while more serious injuries include spinal injuries, head injuries, and broken bones. In the most serious of cases, shopping injuries can lead to wrongful deaths.

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are not the only type of shopping related accidents seen across the country. Additional types of shopping related injuries include crushing or blunt force trauma caused by a heavy falling/tipping object, or even trampling accidents caused by overcrowding. Shoppers are often injured in parking lot accidents as well due to poor lot design, poor lighting conditions, negligent maintenance, and failure to remove snow and ice.

Liability for Shopping Injuries to Consumers

So, when is a store owner responsible for a shopping accident that causes injury? The basis of all personal injury claims is proving negligence. Under premises liability law, a store owner has a legal duty of care to ensure that their premises is reasonably safe and free of any relatively foreseeable hazards. If a store owner fails to uphold this duty by not taking the proper actions to keep their premises safe or neglects to warn shoppers of a possible on-site hazard, they can be held accountable for the victim’s damages and losses.

To be successful in a personal injury claim, an injured shopper and their legal team would need to prove that:

▷ The store owner was (or should have been) aware of the hazardous condition.

▷ The store owner failed to provide routine inspections and maintenance on the premises.

▷ The shopper would not have been injured had the premises been free of hazardous conditions.

▷ The injuries suffered by the shopper were caused by the dangerous condition.

▷ The shopper suffered damages because of the accident.

Also, you should note that an entity leasing the property, as well as companies hired to manage and maintain the property can also be potential defendants in a slip and fall case.

Your Next Step as a Shopping Accident Victim in Indiana

It is important to retain professional legal counsel right after an accident has taken place. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, hospital bills, pain and suffering, lost paychecks from time off work, and much more. Be sure to choose a skilled personal injury law firm in Indiana for trusted legal advice regarding your claim.

Not sure which personal injury law firm can help you recover the maximum settlement for your shopping accident claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with us about scheduling a free consultation with an experienced premises liability personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state and can hold meetings via phone, internet, or in person.

Key Legal Considerations for Parents of Children With Food Allergies

Posted on May 13, 2022 by admin

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and the 2^nd week of May is Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Parents with children who suffer from food allergies maintain a strict awareness of food allergy dangers every day of every month, living with the keen understanding of what it takes to protect their kids from serious reactions and anaphylactic shock. This month is a dedicated time to review the important facts surrounding the potential legal concerns that might result from your child having an attack, and to share your knowledge with friends, family members, caretakers, teachers, coaches, and more.

Continue below to learn more about Food Allergy Awareness Month, including some key legal considerations you should explore or prepare for if your child has serious or life-threatening food allergies.

Asthma and Food Allergy Awareness Month is celebrated in May.

Food Allergy Awareness and National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

We can give thanks to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) for declaring May as the National awareness month for both asthma and allergies. Their food allergy division, Kids With Food Allergies (KFA), reports that more than 6 million children suffer from food allergies, the most common allergens being peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat (gluten), sesame, and soy.

Parents Raising Children With Food Allergies

When your child suffers from serious or life-threatening food allergies, the concern for potential accidents never goes away. But with avid education, you can help your kid as well as their teachers, coaches, daycare staffers, and family better monitor and abate the risk of reaction when you are not around. However, accidents happen, and when they do, parents of children with food allergies may face certain legal matters.

Kids With Nut Allergies

Parents who have kids with nut allergies can protect themselves from a legal battle with schools or daycare centers by implementing risk-abatement strategies and routines. It is important to routinely remind the school, daycare, or activity center of your child’s food allergy, plus ensure they have a fixed anaphylaxis care plan in place and an EpiPen always available if something happens. It is recommended to review their allergy management policy with them to fill in any inadequacies.

Suing for Negligence in a Food Allergy Lawsuit

When a child suffers a serious allergic reaction to a food allergy, many parents want to know if they can sue the presumed responsible party. When it comes to food labels, the Food Allergen and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 mandates that all food manufacturers clearly label their products with a warning if they contain a major food allergen, like nuts or shellfish. Restaurants are typically good at scripting their menu items and warning if a food contains a major food allergen. But if a restaurant or food manufacturing company fails to uphold that duty of care, they could be held liable for the damages and losses suffered as a result of a serious or fatal allergic reaction.

In 2008, the legal definition of disability was broadened to include those who suffer from serious food allergies. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), discrimination against disabled individuals is illegal. If a school, daycare, or activity center refuses to accommodate or disregards your child’s food allergies, they could be in violation of this Act, thus subjecting them to civil litigation.

Was your child serious injured after experiencing a severe allergic reaction at the hands of another caregiver or authority? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned child injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

Who is Liable for Construction Defects That Cause Personal Injury Accidents?

Posted on May 10, 2022 by admin

Springtime is the prime time of year to break ground on construction projects. Builders, engineers, architects, and contractors are all working to get their plans in motion now that the weather is warmer. Such professionals are trained in their industry and required by law to maintain certain certifications and licensing, but that does not mean they do not make mistakes, sometimes very serious and deadly mistakes.

Construction defects are a common cause of serious, injurious accidents across the nation. But when someone gets hurt because of a construction defect, who would be held legally liable for their damages?

Construction Defect Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Legal Liability for Flawed Construction

Construction defects typically happen in the design phase of the construction process or in the actual building phase of the construction process. The state of the construction process plays an important role in determining who is legally liable for accidents that occur as a result of a design or construction defect. When flaws and defects occur during the design phase, the architect or engineer would be deemed responsible. Contractors and subcontractors are usually liable for defects that occur more during the building and construction phase.

Because construction defects can take place before ever breaking ground AND well after a project has been completed, accidents can injure multiple types of victims, from construction workers and laborers to future visitors or occupants of the building, pedestrians, interior designers, and more.

How Construction Project Contracts Can Affect Liability for Defects

The two major legal concepts in a construction defect liability case are contracts and indemnification. A single construction project can involve a stack of contractual agreements, all of which are legally binding to whoever signs them. For instance, the building owner might have a contract with the architect, who in turn has one with the engineer. The building owner may also have a contract with the general contractor, who might have contracts with subcontractors.

When it comes to applying the law in a construction defect case, the provisions of such contracts will have the most impact on outcome. The details of each contractual agreement should fully spell out all terms and conditions surrounding construction defect liability. In most cases, liability for a design or construction defect gets pushed down the chain of authority. The building owner hands over full liability for defects to the general contractor, who places the liability via contract onto each subcontractor, and so forth.

Liability for construction defects is commonly passed through contractual agreements as well. Indemnification provisions allow this passing of liability to be held up under law. This might happen between contractor and subcontractor. A general contractor might include an indemnity provision in their contract with a subcontractor, making the subcontractor indemnify the general contractor. Essentially, the indemnitor, in this case the subcontractor, would agree to pay back any expenses incurred as a result of a construction defect lawsuit against the general contractor that was caused by the subcontractor’s negligence.

Examples of Personal Injury Accidents Caused by Construction Defects:

▷ Unsecured railing causes a person to fall off the balcony.
▷ Occupants are crushed after the roof collapses.
▷ Faulty electrical work leads to an electrocution accident.
▷ Improper installation causes a gas line explosion.
▷ Poor design causes a roadway bridge or building to collapse.

For Construction Defect Accident Victims

If you are a recent victim of a construction defect accident in Indiana, you deserve financial justice. Get in touch with a skilled and experienced Indiana personal injury law firm that can fully document a strong and impactful case and obtain the maximum settlement for your damages.

Are you the victim of a negligent building defect or construction accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Indianapolis construction accident lawyer who knows product defect cases. We represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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 seasoned 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.

Does My Accident Give Me a Civil Cause of Action?

Posted on April 11, 2022 by admin

After being hurt in a wrongful accident, you may be wondering if you can recover compensation in the form of an injury-based insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent party responsible. Continue reading to learn when a personal injury accident might give cause to a civil action, plus how to determine your own eligibility for bringing about a claim or complaint against an at-fault party in Indiana.

Personal Injury Civil Litigation Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Wrongfully Injured Victims Deserve Financial Justice

If you are wrongly injured in an accident that was caused by another person, entity, or product, there is no doubt that you deserve to be financially compensated for your damages and losses. Damages include things like medical expenses and hospital bills, as well as lost wages from missing work, fuel used to travel to and from doctors’ appointments, prolonged physical therapy, partial or permanent disability, pain, suffering, reduced quality of life, and much more.

However, there are a few factors to consider as a personal injury accident victim before making the decision to move forward with legal action against an at-fault party.

Ask yourself about the severity of your injuries. Are you severely injured? Are you moderately injured? Are your injuries proving to be long-lasting or impactful to the quality of your life?

You also want to ask if some of your damages and losses have already been paid for. Did insurance or someone else already cover the past, current, and future expenses incurred as personal injury victim? Are you required to reimburse your insurance carrier out of any settlement or judgment with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.

Lastly, you must ask yourself how strong your case is. Are you the victim of a wrongful accident? Can you provide proof and evidence that you have incurred compensatory losses as a direct result of the accident?

An experienced personal injury lawyer in Indiana can help you answer and evaluate these questions and many more.

Do You Have a Personal Injury Case?

Confirming personal injury case eligibility is not so cut and dry. Although the accident might not have been your fault, there are different requirements and stipulations that may impact your case’s strength. For instance, most accident victims have two years under Indiana statutes of limitations to bring about a claim or lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you have waited longer than the state statute of limitations, which may be shorter or longer than two years depending on the type of accident you are in, you may have forfeited your right to do so.

For these reasons and more, it is critical to consult with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following your accident so that you may learn exactly which damages and losses you have incurred as an accident victim, plus whether or not you have a valid or strong case for civil action.

Are you looking for a qualified Indiana personal injury law firm to represent you in your recent accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury evaluation to explore your eligibility, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

Types of Income Covered By Lost Wages Benefits

Posted on April 8, 2022 by admin

When a victim is wrongly hurt in an accident, it is common for them to miss weeks and months of work while recovering from their injuries. Sometimes, victims cannot go back to work at all if the injury is permanent and severe. While out of work, injured victims lose out on their regular earnings. These missed earnings are referred to as lost wages in a personal injury claim. Lost wages are one of the more common types of personal injury damages available for injured victims to recover.

Continue reading to learn which types of income are generally covered by lost wages benefits, plus where to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Indiana Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Coverage for Lost Wages

Lost wages refer to the missed earnings that are involuntarily forfeited by an employee who was injured in a negligent accident. After being injured in an accident that was not their fault, an injured victim is legally entitled to a financial recovery for their resulting damages and losses, including missed pay from missing work.

Most people assume that lost wages only cover missed paychecks, when in fact, they can cover a lot more. Lost wages can include all sorts of income and benefits, from salary and hourly pay to tips, bonuses, job perks, and more. The extent of compensation awarded for lost wages in a personal injury case depends on how long the injured victim is forced to miss work due to their injuries.

Once an injured victim reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), they can usually go back to work to the best of their ability. In the case of an injured victim suffering temporary, partial, or permanent disabilities that prevent them from performing the same duties as before, there are benefits that are available under Indiana worker compensation laws and third-party laws for this type of loss as well.

Examples of Lost Wages That May Be Awarded in a Personal Injury Case:

↳ Hourly Pay
↳ Salary
↳ Commission
↳ Tips
↳ Overtime
↳ Sick Leave
↳ Vacation Days
↳ Bonuses
↳ Promotions
↳ Job Perks

Returning to Work at a Lower Pay

Sometimes an injured victim can return to work after an accident, but not in their full capacity. In such cases, an employee comes back to work, but in a different role and at a lower pay. This type of earning loss may also be covered by personal injury lost wage benefits. In other cases, an injured victim cannot return to work to the same capacity ever again. In personal injury cases, this circumstance is known as loss of earnings potential. Those who qualify may be awarded future lost wages.

Evidence of Wage Related Losses

In a personal injury case, the claimant and their legal team holds the burden of proving lost wages. Fortunately, this is not usually a challenge, especially for particularly skilled and experienced Indiana civil litigators. Common types of evidence used to prove lost wages in a personal injury case include recent pay stubs, W2’s, bank records, medical records, tax return statements, expert testimony, a letter from the doctor stating a patient cannot return to work, and even a simple wage verification letter from the employer.

Are you wondering how you can recover damages for missing work after being wrongfully injured in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a skilled Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer. We represent injured persons throughout the state.