What You Need to Know About Pelvic Injury Accident Claims

The hip is a joint that connects our upper leg bones to our pelvis, giving us mobility. Our hip and pelvic bones are constantly at work for us, even when we are sleeping. Whether managing your everyday responsibilities or relaxing after they’re done, your hips are always playing a role in what you are doing with your body. They are a major component to your body’s overall stability, comfort, and physical capabilities. This explains why injuries to these areas tend to be very troublesome and extremely painful.

Continue reading to learn more about pelvic and hip injuries, including the common types of pelvic injuries and how to bring about a personal injury claim after suffering a wrongful accident in Indiana.

Pelvic Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
Pelvic Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

The Most Common Types of Pelvic Injuries

Although most common in elderly patients, young to middle-aged adults and children can also be at risk for pelvic and hip injuries if they are involved in a serious accident. The most common types of accidents that cause severe pelvis and hip injuries include motor vehicle accidents, slips, falls, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, workplace accidents, and bicycle accidents.

There are several types of hip and pelvic injuries, all of which are generally accompanied by muscle bruising and ligament sprains as well. They are all extremely painful and can restrict a person’s mobility for months on end depending on the severity of the damage. Here are some of the most common hip and pelvic injuries seen because of negligent accidents and it should be noted that these injuries can be permanent:

Dislocations

Hip dislocations occur when an impact causes the ball-shaped head of the femur bone to come out of the cup-shaped acetabulum set in the pelvis. They are a very common injury among slip and fall victims, and victims of traffic accidents. It is horribly painful and renders a victim immobile instantly. It can also cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness and/or pain of the leg, foot, and ankle.

Hip Sprains

Hip sprains are serious muscle tears in the ligaments that support the hip joint. They occur when the ligaments are stretched past their limit and tear. This type of injury is tremendously painful and can also result in bruising and swelling of the hip and pelvic area. It can take several weeks to months to heal, during which mobility is mostly restricted. Slip, trip, and fall accidents are common causes of hip sprains, but they also occur regularly in vehicle accidents and workplace accidents.

Pelvic Fractures

Pelvic fractures are among the most serious hip and pelvis injuries a person can sustain. This is because they have the potential to seriously change a person’s life forever. Some pelvic fractures come with life-long consequences, or permanent complications. If the injuries are not permanent, they are still extraordinarily painful and are accompanied with months, or even years, of rehabilitation and healing. Painful physical therapy, loss of mobility, long-term medical care, and more are just a few circumstances a patient will face after fracturing their hip. Since the reproductive organs are in this area, more serious pelvis fractures can sometimes cause infertility, impotence, and sterility.

Hip Bursitis

One of the most common causes for hip pain, hip Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between muscle tissues by providing a gliding surface. Although most cases can be treated at home with proper care and pain medication, they are very painful and can takes weeks or months to heal completely.

An Indianapolis Accident Law Firm Can Help Pelvic Injury Victims

When a person is injured in such an accident as a result of another person’s carelessness, they are likely eligible for legal compensation. At this time, it would be in their best interest to hire an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for help with filing a hip injury claim against a wrongful party.  A seasoned accident attorney will document an impactful case to profile the type of injuries their client suffered, and how it has negatively affected their overall health and quality of life. This will be the foundation of determining the amount of compensation that should be paid to the victim for their losses and damages.

Did you recently suffer a wrongful pelvic or hip injury because of a serious 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 consultation with a skilled Indianapolis IN hip injury lawyer you can trust.

We represent clients all throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured while visiting other states. We represent injured victims and loved ones of persons who have died as a result of the negligence of another person or corporation throughout the state of Indiana.

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Fractured Hip Injuries and Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents
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What You Need to Know About Finding a Burn Injury Lawyer in Indiana

When you think of burn injuries, you might imagine accidentally touching the frying pan or taking a sip of your coffee before has time to cool down a bit; but the spectrum of burn injuries is tragically much wider than that. Severe burn accidents and injuries happen more often than you think, and the statistics prove it. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), more than 450,000 serious burn injuries requiring medical treatment occur every year to people of all ages, including children.

Severe burn accidents can leave victims with extensive medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged treatment, ongoing physical therapies, permanent and partial disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental anguish, and much more. When wrongly injured in a burn accident, it is critical to your future to hire a seasoned burn injury lawyer in Indiana.

Continue reading learn what you need to know about obtaining a burn injury lawyer in Indiana, and how to get started with a free case evaluation today.

Burn Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
Burn Injury Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Burn Injury Lawyers You Can Trust

Whether fire, explosion, industrial workplace accident, or defective smoke alarm, it is vital to retain the services and assistance of a skilled Indianapolis burn injury lawyer to represent you in your personal injury or fire accident case.

Here at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., our Indiana accident attorneys are well-versed and experienced in burn injury accident lawsuits and can document and present a case that entitles you to the maximum settlement for your damages and losses. We can obtain a settlement to recover compensation for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, loss of companionship, and much more.

Most Common Types of Burn Accidents:

▶ Fire Accidents
▶ Firework Accidents
▶ Campfire Accidents
▶ Gasoline Fires
Car Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
▶ Severe Road Rash
▶ Scalding Water Injuries
▶ Electrocutions
▶ Chemical Burns
▶ Industrial Fires
▶ Defective Candles
▶ Defective Heating Pads/Blankets
Defective Children’s Toys
Defective Products

Top Burn Accident Attorneys in Indiana

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is motivated, prepared, and fully equipped to prove your burn accident personal injury case in Indiana. From start to finish, we handle all aspects of our client’s claim and if necessary, lawsuit, so our clients may focus solely on rest, treatment and recovery.

Our Indianapolis IN burn injury attorneys gather all relevant and necessary information pertaining to the accident and injury, as well as interview and record witness statements, communicate with the opposing counsel, negotiate with insurance companies, prove your case in trial, and more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is the respected and reputable Indiana personal injury law firm you can trust to recover the full and fair settlement or verdict you deserve after being wrongfully injured in a burn accident in Indiana. We offer free initial case valuations and work on contingency, which means we only get paid if you do.

Are you ready to put your Indiana personal injury claim into motion? Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule an initial free consultation with a skilled Indianapolis burn injury lawyer you can trust. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and can conduct meetings over the phone, via Zoom or in person at our Indianapolis office location.  Call today so important evidence may be obtained before it is lost.

You Should Also Read:

Your Legal Rights After Being Seriously Burned With Hot Wax at a Salon
Can I Make An Injury Claim For My Hair Stylist Burning My Scalp?
Can I Sue if I Was Burned By a Malfunctioning Firework?

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700
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Avoid These Mistakes If You Want to Win Your Personal Injury Case

Although personal injury lawyers are mostly responsible for navigating an accident claim, it is important for the client or injured victim to also do their due diligence and protect themselves from possibly losing their case. If you are preparing to hire an accident lawyer for your personal injury claim, continue reading to learn which mistakes you need to avoid if you want a successful outcome to your case.

Injury Claim Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700
Injury Claim Lawyer Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Common Errors Made by Accident Claimants That You Need to Avoid

Not Hiring a Lawyer and Representing Themselves

If you are preparing to make a personal injury claim after being wrongfully injured in an accident, your priority should be to hire a skilled and seasoned personal injury law firm in Indianapolis. We have the knowledge, resources, experience, and tenacity to recover the proper settlement for your damages and losses. Without the help of a well-versed and experienced accident attorney, you significantly risk the outcome of your case.

In fact, the very first error made by personal injury claimants is not hiring an accident lawyer and representing themselves instead. Many claimants who make this mistake end up settling for much less than what their case is truly worth. Just because the opposing party and insurance company is offering you ten thousand dollars as a settlement doesn’t mean that’s how much you deserve. Often, a case is worth more than triple what the insurance company initially offers.

Posting on Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, and Instagram are open to the public, including anyone trying to reduce the value of your personal injury claim. Claimants often make the mistake of posting pictures and videos on their social media pages that can be misconstrued or twisted into being contradictory to their claim.

Insurance companies and opposing party investigative teams will use a claimant’s public profile activities to devalue their claim. If you were just in an accident and you are preparing to bring about a claim against the wrongful party, be sure to stay off all social media until you have spoken with your lawyer.  For example, you post a family picture with you smiling in it a few weeks after your automobile collision where you were injured.  A defense attorney would say: “Look, she’s not even hurt, she is smiling.”   

Not Being Credible and Consistent

All claimants in an accident or injury case will have their personal history and character choices scrutinized. Opposing parties and insurance companies fervently search for gaps and alleged inconsistencies in order to prove incredibility, and thus, reduce the value of the claim. For this reason, it is vital that you remain honest and consistent with your story throughout the personal injury case.

Failing to Gather Any Evidence

Regardless of the type of personal injury suit you are about to make, it is critical to the outcome of your case to have some form of evidence supporting your claim for compensation. Pictures and videos of the accident scene, as well as witness statements, medical records, police reports, and more are vital pieces of evidence that should be collected and preserved prior to the commencement of the accident claim process.

Are you looking for a reputable law firm to represent you in your accident claim in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer you can trust. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim or evidence supporting your claim is lost.  We represent injured people and the families for love ones lost due to the negligence of others throughout the State of Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

Deponent Tips for Personal Injury Depositions
How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation
Common Types of Expert Witnesses in an Accident Lawsuit

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A Brief Overview of Indiana Pedestrian Laws

When it comes to pedestrians and crosswalks, who has the right of way? Here in Indiana, the law is quite clear. Continue below to review some basic facts about Indiana pedestrian laws and what to do if you are wrongly injured in a pedestrian accident in Indiana.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Laws Surrounding Pedestrian Accidents in Indiana

It the case of traffic laws and regulations, it is important to protect and preserve the rights of pedestrians because they are the most vulnerable and at risk. Unlike drivers who are protected behind the metal and rubber structures of their vehicles, pedestrians are on foot, and therefore openly exposed.

For this reason, pedestrian accidents tend to result in serious injuries and fatalities all across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 6,000 pedestrians lost their lives in negligent car accidents in 2018. In Indiana that same year, 115 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents.

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian traffic accidents include:

🚸 Failing to Yield
🚸 Running a Red Light
🚸 Running a Stop Sign
🚸 Distracted Driving
🚸 Intoxicated Driving
🚸 Impaired Driving
🚸 Failure to Stop at a Crosswalk
🚸 Speeding
🚸 Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout

Indiana Drivers Must Yield to Pedestrians Within Crosswalks

Indiana law gives requires all drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians at designated crosswalks. Blind pedestrians, which are distinguishable by the use of a cane or walking stick, have the right of way in all cases, whether they use a marked crosswalk or not.

If a pedestrian walks into the road without using a marked crossing point, and a vehicle stops for them, other vehicles approaching are not legally permitted to go around the stopped vehicle because this puts the pedestrian in danger.

Pedestrians Have to Obey Laws Too

When it comes to crosswalks and designated crossing paths and routes, pedestrians essentially have the right of way, so long as they are obeying the law. You see, not only do drivers have laws and regulations they must follow for the purpose of pedestrian protection, but pedestrians themselves must also adhere to all state and local traffic laws, including crosswalk and bridge crossing traffic signals.

As a lawful pedestrian, you would obey “Follow” and “Not Follow” traffic signals on the road, while also refraining from using non-designated crossings and disturbing the flow of traffic. If a pedestrian chooses to cross the road without using a crosswalk, they must yield to traffic. In some jurisdictions, not using a marked crosswalk is considered a minor infraction informally known as J-walking.

When Pedestrians Must Yield

Pedestrians must yield for all authorized emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks. As for sidewalks, a pedestrian is required by Indiana law to use one if there is one available and practical. If there are not sidewalks, a pedestrian may walk on the very outer edge of the road. If walking along a highway, a pedestrian must walk as far right onto the shoulder as possible.

Pedestrian Accidents and Injury Claims

If a pedestrian is injured in an accident by a negligent driver, they are entitled to pursue legal action against them. A wrongfully injured pedestrian may be able to recover compensation for their damages and losses, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages for missing work, pain-and-suffering, and more. It is vital for Indiana pedestrian accident victims to contact an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney to represent their case. It is important to act fast before all evidence is lost to support your claim or time runs out on the scheduled statute of limitations.

Are you ready to begin your pedestrian accident claim 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 with a seasoned Indianapolis civil litigator you can trust. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Are Bicyclists Considered Drivers if They Ride on the Street?
A Courtesy Wave Can Hold Drivers Liable for Pedestrian Injuries
Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?

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What are the Indiana Civil Statute of Limitations?

Whether you are a victim of libel, slander, or injury, it is in your best interest to learn how much time you have to bring about a claim against the at-fault party who caused your damages. This time period is known as statute of limitations, and here in the Hoosier state, they can differ depending on the type of accident or injury.

For now, continue reading to review the common Indiana civil statute of limitations, and learn where to get the most trusted legal advice for your personal injury claim in Indianapolis.

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

Civil Statute of Limitation Laws in Indiana

Victims of personal injuries or torts, including next of kin and immediate family members who have lost a loved one because of a wrongful death accident, must file their personal injury claim or civil action against an at-fault party within a set period of time. This deadline is known as the Indiana statute of limitations.

For most personal injury cases, the Indiana statute of limitations is two years. In fact, most states have a similar statute of limitations for most civil actions and tort cases. But for other types of accidents and injuries in Indiana, the statute of limitations could be as high as 20 years or as low as six months.

Here are some of the most common types of civil action cases, as well as their statute of limitations:

Injury to a Person 2 Years
Libel/Slander – 2 Years
Professional Malpractice – 2 Years
Fraud – 6 Years
Trespassing – 2 Years
Harm to Personal Property – 2 Years
Collection of Debt on Account – 2 Years
Collection of Rent – 6 Years
Contracts – 10 Years Written, 6 Years Oral, 2 Years Employment Agreements, 6 Years Payment of Money

A Possible Exception Could Be the Discovery Rule

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. This is common in medical malpractice cases.

Governmental Defendants

If the defendant is a governmental agency your time limitations for making a claim are significantly reduced.  A Tort Claim Notice has to be sent to the possible governmental defendant in less that 6 months in some circumstances.

Why You Need to File a Claim ASAP

Because Indiana does have statute of limitation laws for civil actions and personal injury claims, it is important to act fast on your claim. The clock begins to take as soon as your accident takes place, so be sure to contact Indiana personal injury law firm as soon as you have been medically stabilized. They can take on all elements and aspects of your personal injury case from that point and ensure that you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim.

Not sure which personal injury law firm in Indiana trust for the best representation? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned Indianapolis IN accident attorney you can trust. We represent clients all throughout Indiana, and offer free initial case evaluations over the phone, via online video, or in person.

You Should Also Read:

Is There Still Time to File My Indiana Personal Injury Claim?
Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?
Qualities to Look For When Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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What to Do After Being Injured in an Industrial Accident in Indiana

In cities across the country, we graciously express thanks to our industrial workers for laying the foundation of our local economies. The industrial labor industry, although essential in many ways, is a dangerous one for those employed within its various trades and productions. As an injured industrial worker in Indiana, it is vital that you learn your rights regarding the collection of compensation for your damages and losses incurred because of your industrial accident.

Continue reading to learn what to do after being injured in an industrial accident Indiana so that you may protect your rights and preserve your quality of life.

Industrial Accident Workplace Injury Lawyers Indiana
Industrial Accident Workplace Injury Lawyers Indiana 317-881-2700

Help for Victims of Indiana Industrial Accidents

Whether you work on the engineering, manufacturing, or business side of the industrial industry, accidents can happen all around you. From slips, trips, and falls to amputations, orthopedic injuries, burn injuries, and more, the scope of possible industrial accidents are wide-ranging.

Regardless of how you are injured in your industrial accident, if your accident occurred as a result of another’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to a settlement for your damages and losses.

Common damages losses that victims typically suffer after an industrial accident in Indiana include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages for missing work, pain-and-suffering, mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, loss of companionship, and even wrongful death.

Industrial Accidents Commonly Involve:

▷ Factories
Construction Sites
▷ Warehouses
▷ Drilling Rigs
▷ Mines
▷ Processing Plants
▷ Refineries
▷ Grain Mills
▷ Paper Mills

How to Obtain a Successful Outcome to Your Workers’ Compensation Claim and/or Third Party Claim

When a person is injured while working, they obviously would have a worker compensation claim that they can make through their employer’s worker compensation insurance carrier.  Worker compensation claims have set limits on what amount of money an injured person may recover however. In a worker compensation claim, an injured person also cannot recover damages for pain and suffering. In addition, in a worker compensation claim, the worker does not need to prove anyone was negligent. They need only prove they were injured in the course and scope of their employment.

When a person is injured while working, they may also have a third party claim in addition to the worker compensation claim they can make. A third party claim exists when the injury to the worker occurs as the result of negligence of a person who is not also a direct co-employee of the injured worker. For example, if two companies are working at a job site and while working putting together scaffolding a worker from one company is injured by an employee of another company who backs up a forklift into the person putting the scaffolding together, the forklift operator’s employer could be held liable for all damages, including pain and suffering damages that are not compensable in the worker compensation claim. Any judgement against the forklift operator’s employer would be paid by their liability insurance carrier.

The most effective tool you can equip yourself with when pursuing legal action against a wrongful party that caused your injuries is an Indiana workplace injury lawyer. They retain the proper resources, knowledge, and experience to navigate your personal injury case from start to finish, ensuring that you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your Indiana industrial accident claim.

Industrial Accident Claim Representation in Indiana

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we have represented numerous clients catastrophically injured on the job throughout the state of Indiana. Not only can we help victims obtain financial relief in the form of a verdict or settlement, but we can also support clients in obtaining proper medical treatment and counseling.

We fight for our clients’ rights to compensation for past, current, and future losses, including loss of ability to work performed the same work duties before the accident occurred, as well as partial, temporary, and total disability benefits. Choose our Indiana industrial accident lawyers for superior and aggressive-when-needed personal injury representation for your workers’ compensation claim.

We also fight for clients’ rights to compensation for pain and suffering and all other damages if there is a third party claim in addition to a worker compensation claim that can be made.

Are you ready to learn your best options for obtaining compensation after being catastrophically injured in an industrial accident? Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation with an Indiana workers’ compensation lawyer soon. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim and significant evidence is lost.

You Should Also Read:

Who is Liable for Independent Contractor Commercial Construction Injuries?
Where to Learn About Employers’ Responsibilities and Workers’ Rights
Can I File a Third Party Claim On Top of a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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Will My Case Have a Better Outcome if I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Although you are not required by law to hire a lawyer to represent your personal injury claim, it is strongly encouraged. Continue reading to learn why a personal injury attorney is your best ally in recovering the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

Indianapolis IN Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Benefits of Personal Injury Representation

Hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your accident claim is smart, not just for financial reasons, but for practical ones as well. You see, a lawyer is your single point of communication and accountability during your claims and case process. They handle every aspect of your case, from recovering a full and fair damages settlement or verdict for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc… for you, to remaining a steadfast supporter during a trying time in your life.

Additionally, personal injury lawyers often work on contingency, which essentially means they only bill you for their services if they are successful at recovering a settlement or verdict for you. Under a contingency-fee payment model, you would not be required to pay any upfront lawyer fees. You will only pay if you are awarded compensation.

Most importantly, personal injury lawyers know tort law. They know all the intricacies of the judicial system in which they work in, and they know all of the strategies and tactics that are effective against the local and national insurance companies. They have the specific skills and knowledge to investigate personal injury cases down to the very last detail and prove their clients’ damages.

Expert personal injury lawyers can usually negotiate accident claims outside of court, but, if necessary, they are perfectly prepared to take a case to trial and fight for their victims’ rights to full and fair compensation.

Why You Do Not Want to Represent Your Own Claim

Some people choose to represent themselves in legal disputes or lawsuits, but when it comes to an accident claim, you do not want to take the chance. Navigating personal injury claims takes experience, industry knowledge, and most importantly, skill.

Insurance companies are ruthless as the less money they settle the claim for, the more they keep for themselves and because of this, they specifically train their adjusters to try to get injured victims to agree to the smallest settlement possible. A skilled personal injury lawyer is well-versed in such insurance adjuster tactics and knows how to navigate around them for a successful outcome.

Overall, if you want the best outcome possible for your personal injury claim, you will need to hire a personal injury law firm.

Avoid Hiring a General Practice Lawyer

A common mistake made by personal injury victims and survivors is not hiring the right type of lawyer. General practice or family lawyers are not well-versed in tort law and may not be the best asset for your claim. Hiring a seasoned personal injury lawyer is the best choice for accident and injury claims and lawsuits. They are the professionals who retain the proper legal acumen and experience to obtain the best possible outcome for accident victims and their families. 

Think of it this way: in the medical field, your primary care physician makes a referral for you to go see a specialist because they are more knowledgeable in a particular medical area of practice, say a neurologist or neurosurgeon.  It is the same for the legal profession.  If you need a will done, you would go see an attorney who practices in the probate area of law.  If you have a personal injury case, you should hire a law firm where all its attorneys each have over 25 years of experience in every type of personal injury case.

Are you ready to learn more about pursuing legal action against the party who caused your injuries and subsequent damages? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. Act fast, before time runs out on your claim or evidence supporting your claim is lost.  All of our attorneys are very experienced (more than 25 years each) in personal injury cases of all kinds and we represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

How Can I Tell Whether or Not I Have an Injury Case?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Accident Lawyer?
Common Terminology in a Personal Injury Claim

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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Injured from a Defective Surgically-Implanted Medical Device?

What You Need to Know if You Were Injured By a Defective Implant

Many patients are recipients of surgically implanted medical devices, such as hernia meshes, IVC filters, and artificial joints. But when these devices are defective and cause serious injuries to the patient, who is responsible for the damages? It is often assumed that a defective implant injury is a medical malpractice case, but really, it is usually more likely a product liability case.

Continue reading to learn the difference between product liability and medical malpractice liability, as well as the most common types of implant defects that can cause serious injuries to patients.

Product Liability Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700
Defective Product Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Product Liability and Medical Malpractice

When a surgically implanted medical device is inserted in a patient, so long as their medical teams and doctors were not negligent in the process, they are not liable for any defects that occur within or from the device. In such a case, it is most likely the manufacturer’s fault. If the health care provider was negligent or careless in some way, and their negligence was a responsible cause of a patient’s injuries, they too could bear responsibility for their negligence.

So long as the health care provider acted reasonably and in line with the medical standard of care, they would not be responsible for a defective medical implant.

If the medical device is defective or dangerous, and the patient is harmed as a result, the manufacturer would be liable, and a product liability case could be pursued.

Medical Implant Defects and Liability

There are several different types of liability when it comes to defective products and their manufacturers. As for surgically implanted medical devices that are dangerous and defective, there are 3 types of liability:  design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects.

Design Defects – When a medical device is manufactured correctly, but the design of the device is intrinsically dangerous, it is considered a design defect. In the case of surgically implanted devices, design defects are not a common occurrence. Most often, medical devices are not accused of design defects but it can and does happen.

Manufacturer Defects – When a medical device is designed properly, but the manufacturer does not adhere to the specifications of the design and/or manufacturers it incorrectly, it is deemed a manufacturing defect. In these cases, the incorrect manufacturing prevents the device to work as intended, thus causing serious harm to recipients of the device.

Marketing Defects – A marketing defect can occur when a medical device’s instructions or advertising campaigns are incorrect, thus posing dangers to patients. For instance, if a medical device manufacturer fails to warn recipients about possible side effects or any concealed dangers that can result from using the device, this could be deemed a marketing defect.

Do you believe you or someone you love is a wrongful victim of a defective product? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn your eligibility for pursuing a product liability claim in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

You Might Also Read:

Who is Responsible for a Defective Product that Causes Injury to a Consumer?
Product Recalls that Have Gone Down in History
Is Market Share Liability Still Used in Product Liability Cases?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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Where Do I File a Personal Injury Complaint?

After being injured in an accident that was caused by another person’s recklessness or negligence, it is likely that you are thinking about pursing a lawsuit. But where you ultimately file your personal injury complaint will depend on certain factors, including the extent of your injuries and the scope of your losses, as well as the person or party you are suing and where your accident took place.

Continue reading to learn the difference between filing an accident lawsuit in Small Claims Court and State Court, and who to trust for reputable Indiana personal injury representation.

Indianapolis Civil Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Civil Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Filings in Small Claims Court

Following an accident that left you with injuries, you would normally bring your personal injury claim against the at-fault party in Small Claims Court if the total amount of money you are asking as compensation for your damages and losses are on the lower side of the spectrum, or below the state’s s Small Claims Court maximum threshold. Small Claims Court limits are generally set by the state and differ among jurisdictions, but most states establish theirs between $3,000 and $15,000.

Here in Indiana, the limit for Small Claims Court lawsuits is generally $8,000.  Starting on July 31, 2021, the limit will be raised to $10,000.  If your personal injury damages are less than the state’s damage cap for Small Claims Court, you could file your personal injury complaint there, but with the help of your Indianapolis accident lawyer. You can expect Small Claims Court proceedings to turnover much faster, oftentimes being resolved after just one court hearing.

Filing a Personal Injury Complaint in State Court

Personal injury victim would file their complaint in a regular State Court if the amount of compensation they are asking for is above the state’s threshold for Small Claims Court; and you would do so in the designated branch of the state’s civil court system. In either case in filing a personal injury complaint, your first step is to contact a skilled and experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer who can navigate your accident claim every step of the way. With an injury attorney on your case, you don’t have to think about where or how to file a personal injury complaint in the first place.

Are you looking for a seasoned personal injury representation after being hurt in an accident that was not your fault? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a friendly and experienced Indianapolis accident lawyer. We serve clients throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Is it Better to Settle an Accident Claim Out of Court in Indiana?
Is There Still Time to File My Indiana Personal Injury Claim?
Am I at Risk of Any Consequences if I File a Personal Injury Claim?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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Facts About Premise Liability Policy For Small Business Owners

Slip and fall injuries can and do happen on the premises owned or controlled by business owners, small and big alike.  All businesses should have general liability insurance and premise liability insurance for a commercial property and their business in general.  Small and big employers and their employees are sometimes “negligent”, which basically means failing to use due care.  If a business is negligent, they can and should be held liable for resulting injuries and damages to their patrons.  If a business is found to be negligent by a judge or jury, their insurance carrier will pay for any verdict against the company.

Continue reading to learn about premise liability policy protection and who to call for pertinent advice and information about this topic and more.

Indianapolis IN Slip and Fall Lawyer 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Slip and Fall Lawyer 317-881-2700

General Liability Insurance for Small Businesses

Not only is it important to retain this kind of insurance, it is also important to obtain the right amount of coverage. Having enough coverage is necessary for proper protection for the business and to provide for full compensation for a patron injured as a result of negligence. An experienced insurance agent can provide accurate assessments for a business’s particular policy coverage needs although in general, the more coverage you have the better.

For such insurance policies, a business pays a monthly or quarterly premium for their insurance coverage. This premium promises an insurance defense attorney to fight their case, as well as a money reserve to cover any court-ordered retributions or remunerations awarded against them by a verdict or for funds to use to obtain a settlement.  This is another reason supporting the importance of having enough liability coverage.

Premise Care and Maintenance

Businesses have a legal obligation to provide a safe premise for anyone invited or welcomed onto their property. It is important to properly inspect, maintain and care for their property, inside and out, so people are not injured. This means proper inspections, floor cleaning, repair, and maintenance, as well as routine snow shoveling and salting, pathway clearing, concrete repair, and much more. It would also includes reviewing and ensuring that the property meets all safety rules, codes and ordinances.

It is also their duty and legal obligation to supervise employees and staff within their business as businesses can only act through their owners, officers, agents and employees. If any of these persons were negligent and contributed to causing a person’s injuries, the business itself is held responsible under Indiana law.  Thus, it is important to make sure all employees are fully aware of the importance of premises safety for any business.

Hire an Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer if You are Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident

If you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident, contact a licensed Indianapolis slip and fall lawyer for professional legal advice and information. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your damages and losses.

Were you seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in Indiana? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis Indiana slip and fall lawyer, today at 317-881-2700. We are happy to discuss your case over the phone, via Zoom, at your home or in person at our office.  We have also successfully represented premises liability cases for big box stores like Walmart, Lowes, and Menards. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

 Important Injury Lawsuit Information for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents
What Causes the Most Slip and Fall Accidents?
What Physical Evidence Should I Keep for a Slip and Fall Claim?

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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