Can I Sue a Business if Injured After Slipping on Snow and Ice?

Posted on November 22, 2022 by admin

Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately all too common during the winter months. If you slip and fall on snow or ice at a retail store in Indiana, you may be wondering if you have any legal recourse. The good news is that under Indiana law, retail stores do have a duty to keep their premises safe for customers. This means that if you slip and fall on snow or ice at a retail store in Indiana, you may have grounds to sue the store for premises liability.

Continue below to learn how slip, trip, and fall accident lawsuits work when caused by snow and ice, plus which Indiana law firm to trust for seasoned premises liability representation.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Certified Indiana Premises Liability Attorney

Premises Liability Law in Indiana

Slip and fall accidents can occur any time of year – including in the winter when surfaces are wet, icy, and slushy. Premises liability law is the legal doctrine that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property. This includes slip and fall accidents, which can be caused by a number of different hazards, such as ice, snow, or slippery surfaces.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are three main categories of premises liability cases: trip and falls, slip and falls, and stairway falls. Trip and fall cases are the most common, followed by slip and falls. Stairway falls make up the smallest percentage of premises liability cases. Most premises liability cases involve negligent property owners or occupiers. This means that the property owner or occupier did not take reasonable care to find and fix the hazard that caused the accident. In some cases, the property owner or occupier may have known about the hazard but did nothing to fix it. Moreover, a property owner can be held liable if they failed to conduct reasonable inspections as well.

Filing a Premises Liability Claim After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner or occupier. To do this, you will need to prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent in some way. You will also need to show that your accident was caused by the property owner or occupier’s negligence. If you are successful in your claim, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the property owner or occupier for their negligence. Once you obtain a verdict or settlement against the property owner or occupier, you can collect that money from their insurance carrier.

How to Protect Yourself as a Slip and Fall Victim

If you slip and fall at a retail store in Indiana, be sure to take pictures of the scene, ask the property owner or occupier to keep video of the fall and the 3 hours before the fall and 3 hours after the fall and get the contact information of any witnesses. Then, consult with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. With the right legal help, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and hold the store accountable for its negligence under Premises Liability Law.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to discuss your case. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced premises liability lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state and Indiana and residents of other states injured in Indiana.

Who is Liable For Stadium Injuries and Accidents?

Posted on October 14, 2022 by admin

A stadium injury is a type of personal injury that can occur while attending a sporting event. While most injuries at stadiums are minor, some can be serious and even life-threatening. In this case, liability is a key focus. But who is responsible for stadium accidents and subsequent injuries? Well, it might be the stadium owners, but it might not. The answer depends on several factors that are critical to determining fault in a stadium incident that results in someone getting hurt.

Continue below to learn more about stadium injuries and accidents, including common types, how to avoid them, and who might be liable for an injured fan’s damages.

Stadium Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Common Types of Stadium Injuries and Accidents

The most common types of stadium injuries include slips and falls, being hit by flying objects, and being trampled by crowds. Parking lot accidents are also common, including pedestrian accidents, car collisions, and even muggings and assaults.

Slipping, Tripping and Falling

Slips and falls are the most common type of stadium injury, and they can occur anywhere in the stadium. Wet floors, spilled food and drinks, and uneven surfaces can all lead to slips and falls. These injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones and concussions.

Struck By Objects

Being hit by flying objects is another common type of injury that can occur at stadiums. Fans sitting in the stands are at risk of being hit by flying objects like balls, bats, and gloves. These objects can travel at high speeds and can cause serious injuries like concussions, skull fractures, and internal bleeding.

Trampled or Crushed

Being trampled by crowds is another risk for fans attending sporting events. Injuries from being trampled can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones, concussions, and internal bleeding.

Liable Parties in a Stadium Accident

A stadium accident can have many liable parties. The most obvious party would be the stadium owner or operator. They are responsible for the safety of the premises and for any accidents that occur on their property. If the accident was caused by a dangerous condition on the property that they knew about or should have reasonably known about, yet failed to do anything about it, they may be held liable.

Another liable party could be the company that designed or built the stadium. If there were any defects in the construction of the stadium, they could be held responsible. Additionally, if the accident was caused by faulty equipment, the manufacturer of that equipment could be held liable.

Finally, if the accident was caused by the negligence of another party, such as a security company, they could also be held liable.

Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones at Stadium Games

The best way to avoid being injured at a stadium is to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. If you are sitting in the stands, pay attention to the game and be aware of where the players are. If you are attending a game with children, keep them close to you.

If you have been injured in a stadium accident in Indiana, seek medical attention right away. After being seen by medical professionals, it is important to speak with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine who may be held liable for your injuries and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Are you looking for an experienced civil litigation law firm that help you determine the best legal strategy to take after your stadium injury accident? 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 accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states. We do not charge a fee unless we make a recovery for you.

Do I Have a Legal Claim If I Am Injured By a Shopping Cart?

Posted on October 11, 2022 by admin

Shopping carts are such a common commodity that many people fail to realize just how dangerous they can be. When used, corralled, or maintained negligently, shopping carts can cause serious and long-lasting injuries to both adults and children. If you or your child recently sustained injuries in a negligent shopping cart accident, you may be wondering if you have a valid legal claim, either against the proprietor or another shopper.

Continue reading to learn some helpful information about shopping cart injury claims, plus who to trust for dependable legal advice regarding personal injury cases in Indiana.

Retail Store Injury Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Shopping Cart Injuries and Legal Claims

Shopping cart accidents can involve children and adult shopping carts. These days, shopping carts found at retail stores come in all sorts of styles, from racecars and miniature shopping carts for children to adult size shopping carts, basket carts, double tier carts, platform carts, and more. As for the a conventional, adult-sized shopping cart, a new study the Clinical Pediatrics journal reports that between the years 1990 and 2011, more than 500,000 children were admitted into the emergency room due to shopping cart related injuries. Using this data, the study reveals that an average of 24,000 children go to the hospital each year for shopping cart related injuries, which comes out to sixty-six hospital admissions every day.

With astonishing statistics like these, it is important to protect yourself and your loved ones from negligent shopping cart accidents. If you or someone you love was injured by a shopping cart due to the negligence of the store, the shopping cart manufacturer, or another shopper, it is important that you contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to learn your rights for pursuing a legal claim against the at-fault party.

Types of Shopping Cart Injuries

Unfortunately, the safety standards for shopping carts are not regulated on a state or federal level. Instead, they are voluntarily implemented by the shopping cart manufacturer themselves. For this reason, shopping cart safety standards are unbalanced. Furthermore, there has been no observable decrease in shopping cart injuries since 2004 when safety standards were moderately revised for shopping carts.

The most common types of injuries that result from shopping cart accidents are head injuries, orthopedic injuries, lacerations, and contusions. These kinds of injuries commonly result from falling out of the shopping cart, but also due to the shopping cart tipping over, getting run over by a shopping cart, running into the shopping cart, falling over the cart, or getting stuck in the shopping cart (or a body part stuck).

Suing the Store or Another Shopper for Shopping Cart Injuries

Under premises liability laws, store owners are responsible for maintaining a business that is safe and free of any foreseeable hazards. If the store owner failed in any way to protect you from a shopping cart accident, they can be held liable for your damages and losses. If the shopping cart manufacturer is solely responsible for a shopping cart accident, perhaps because the shopping cart was defective or poorly designed, or lacking the proper warning labels about the cart’s risks, the claim would fall under product liability law. In some cases, the shopping cart manufacturer can be held responsible along with the store owner.

If another shopper causes a shopping cart accident because they were reckless or negligent in some way, it can be deemed a civil wrongdoing under Tort law. In this case, the injured person could bring about a claim under tort law and recover compensation for their damages and losses.

Do not start your legal claim process without the help of a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can help you determine the best course of action for your case. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states. We can hold meetings via phone or online video conference, so there is never any need to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming Pool Accident Claims

Posted on July 15, 2022 by admin

According to recent US Census Bureau and CDC statistics, the United States has an average of 10.4 million residential swimming pools. These stats also report that 17.12% of Americans between 18 and 29 years old owns a pool or hot tub. When you apply the math to the purported 128.58 million households in the country, a little more than 8% have a swimming pool. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the CDC report that swimming is the 5^th most popular pastime here in the states, but number one among 36 percent of children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old.

These numbers set the tone for the importance of public and residential swimming pool safety. If you are considering a swimming pool addition to your property or have recently fallen victim to a negligent pool accident, it is wise to educate yourself on some helpful facts concerning pool liability.

Continue reading to review some frequently asked questions about swimming pool accident liability and related injury or wrongful death claims.

Pool Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Summertime Swimming Pool Liability

Indiana summers get hot and humid. This time of year, our public and private pools provide us with a refreshing reprieve from the strong, seasonal sun. But with this privilege comes a great deal of responsibility. Even hot tubs and spas can pose certain risks if the proper precautions are not taken. Drownings, concussions, orthopedic injuries, and chemical exposure are all common swimming pool accidents and injuries.

But when someone is injured or killed in a swimming pool accident, who is liable? The municipality? The residential property owners? The property management company? The landlord? With so many possible responsible parties, the answer to this common question can be confusing.

Swimming Pool Accident FAQS

Who is Liable for a Swimming Pool Accident?

Sadly, swimming pool accidents are common in the United States. Because there are so many pools and pool accidents, there are dedicated injury laws specifically regarding pools. To make matters more complicated, these laws are different for public pools and private pools, so it is strongly encouraged to review your county’s swimming pool laws before installing one on your property or visiting another’s swimming pool. Here in Indiana, for instance, pools must be at least 10 feet away from any other building or house and must remain in the side or back yard of a private residence.

Before diving into assigning fault in a swimming pool accident, you must determine which set of laws apply to your case. Talk to a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indiana to learn everything you need to know about obtaining legal justice after a swimming pool accident or injury.

The general rule of thumb, although it varies from case to case, is that the owner of the pool is responsible for compensating a victim for their injuries, but only if the owner was negligent and their negligence was a direct cause of the accident and subsequent injuries. Thus, it is vitally important for pool owners to carry home owner’s liability insurance so if they did happen to be negligent, their insurance carrier will pay for any settlement or judgment against them. Again, these cases can be complex, which is why you should always consult with an experienced Indiana accident attorney for personalized advice and guidance.

Are Swimming Pools Considered an Attractive Nuisance?

If something is so enticing to a child that it motivates them to enter onto another person’s property, it can be considered an attractive nuisance. Swimming pools and hot tubs are perfect examples. Under modern law, property owners have legal responsibility (or duty of care) to keep a safe premises in the case of trespassing children or minors. This is called the attractive nuisance ordinance and is an exception to premise liability law.

If you have heard about attractive nuisance laws regarding swimming pools, then you may wonder what they really entail. Basically, if your pool is visible to the public and has features that attract trespassers, it could be a liability. This includes easy-access, public view, water slides, and more. To protect your pool from becoming an attractive nuisance, start by installing a fence and consider a pool cover.

Can Liability Waivers Be Enforced After a Hotel or Public Pool Accident?

Fault plays the largest role in determining who is liable for a pool accident at a hotel or public civic center. The only way to know the answer to this question is to contact an experienced Indianapolis IN personal injury attorney and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. They will investigate the details of the waiver, as well as the accident, and determine what can be done and what can’t be done.

Were you or a loved one wrongfully injured in a swimming pool accident? 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 represent victims all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Am I Liable if My Guests Drink and Drive?

Posted on June 9, 2022 by admin

Social host liability is a real thing, and you should be fully informed of this legal responsibility before serving alcohol at your next soirée. Of course, not all states have social host liability laws, such as New York and California, but most do. So, do your part by learning what it takes to be a safe and responsible social host.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Key Facts Surrounding Social Host Liability

If you are planning to serve alcohol to guests at your next event or party, be sure you know where you stand in terms of legally liability. The law will hold you [and therefore your home owner’s insurance company] responsible for the actions and inactions of your intoxicated guests, including drinking and driving. In fact, DUI cases are among the most common scenarios in which social host liability comes into play. If you knowingly serve alcohol to an already-inebriated guest or over-serve alcohol to a formally-sober guest, and then they drive home, you can be held legally responsible for any damages and losses they cause while operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Whether they drunkenly decided to joyride across a private golf course, fall asleep at the wheel and hit a pedestrian, or cause a serious auto accident that results in bodily harm to another, responsibility for these incidents could link back to you if the driver got drunk at your party on your alcohol. In serious cases, a social host could face criminal charges on top of a civil lawsuit.

Serving Minors

Social hosts also have a legal duty of care to ensure alcohol does not get in the hands of anyone who is under the legal drinking age. If you are caught serving alcohol to a minor, and that minor, under the influence of alcohol, drives and gets into an accident, you could be held civilly and criminally responsible. This also applies in some cases of unknowingly supplying alcohol to minors. In the case that your teenager and some friends steal the liquor from the cabinet, and then an accident takes place as a result of their intoxication, the law might hold the homeowners and legal guardians liable.

Dram Shop Laws

Restaurants must uphold this same duty of care. Dram Shop laws impose legal liability onto owners of bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and any other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages and products to intoxicated customers. These laws are set to protect individuals from harming themselves or others as a result of over-indulging in alcohol. For instance, it is possible for a victim of a drunk driving accident to sue the establishment that sold the drunk driver the alcohol, but only if the driver was already intoxicated at the time of the sell.

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent all drunk driving cases throughout the state of Indiana, including car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, and more.

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.

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.

When Can a Slip and Fall Accident Lead to a Lawsuit?

Posted on February 18, 2022 by admin

Whether you fell at your apartment complex due to landlord negligence or at a local retail store because of a slippery surface hazard that was not properly maintained by the store owner or tenant, a slip and fall accident can be quite serious and lead to severe, long-lasting injuries. In such cases, an accident lawsuit may ensue.

Continue below to learn some basic facts about slip and fall accident cases, including when a lawsuit might be necessary.

Slip Fall Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Personal Injury Slip and Fall Accident Claims

A slip and fall accident in Indiana can turn into a personal injury case if in the situation, a hazard of some sort was on the property and was neglected by the property owner or tenant. As a result, this hazard caused harm to another person by causing them to slip and fall. A slip and fall situation can result in serious injuries, and sometimes, not right away. After a slip and fall accident, many people get right back up and go on with their day, only to notice days or weeks and sometimes even months later that they are having severe back pains or other injury related issues.

Slip and fall accidents are categorized under Tort Law, meaning the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, or someone else can be held accountable for your injuries. If a property owner knows or should know through routine inspections about a potential danger lurking on their premises, or a hazard of some sort, they are obligated by law to take responsibility for the danger immediately. If the hazard is never tended to or never discovered due to a lack of inspections, and it subsequently causes another person harm or loss, then the owner can face legal damages which the owner’s insurance carrier would be responsible for paying.

Common Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries

Slipping and falling can cause a number of injuries to a person, ranging from minor to major. Some minor personal injuries include sprained ankles, broken toes, lesions and bruising, scrapes, burns, and scratches. Some major injuries are broken backs, hips, or necks, shattered pelvis, knocked unconscious and brain injuries, and worse.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, it is recommended you hire an Indiana personal injury attorney to represent your rights. A victim can recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, legal fees, pain and suffering, and more. The law is tricky and hard to understand unless you are trained in the industry. An experienced personal injury law firm in Indianapolis can help with most types of slip and fall cases. To further understand your rights as a victim of a wrongful accident or injury, you want to consult with a knowledgeable accident attorney that can speak to you in a language you can understand.

Don’t let a serious accident stop you from collecting what you are legally entitled to. Get compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, and more with the help of a licensed accident lawyer. With many stores and other locations having surveillance cameras set up everywhere, it is vital to obtain legal representation immediately after a fall as negligent parties can and will destroy the video evidence of not only the fall itself but video of when the product got on the floor and when and by whom the last inspection was supposedly performed, even though they know a person fell and was injured on their property.

Not sure how to get started with a personal injury slip and fall 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 slip and fall accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We can meet with you over the phone or computer, or in-person at our Indianapolis law office. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

What Accident Victims Must Prove to Win a Slip and Fall Case

Posted on February 1, 2022 by admin

In many cases, a personal injury slip and fall accident occurs as a result of property owner, property occupant and/or property manager’s negligence. From spills and puddles to lax grounds maintenance, building code violations, deteriorating pavement, and more, slip and fall accidents can be a permanent condition or something temporary. Either way, if you are injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, it is important to educate yourself on your rights as a victim of a personal injury. This applies to both visitors and staff of commercial businesses, as well as guests, tenants and occupants in residential settings.

Continue reading to learn what a slip and fall accident victim must prove in a personal injury lawsuit in order to win their case.

Slip and Fall Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

A Property Owner’s Duty of Care

Property owners have a legal liability referred to as duty of care, which requires them to maintain a safe and secure premises, free of any foreseeable hazards or dangers. The law will hold property owners responsible for a victim’s damages if said victim is seriously injured or suffers permanent consequences after slipping and falling on their premises as a result of violating this duty of care.

However, in order for an accident victim to win their slip and fall lawsuit, they must prove certain facts of their claim. This claimant obligation is known as burden of proof, and it is a central element in every personal injury case.

Burden of Proof in a Slip and Fall Accident

A slip and fall accident victim and their legal team of personal injury attorneys are responsible for proving their case. They must factually demonstrate that the negligent party’s carelessness caused unsafe conditions that led to the victim’s accident, and that the accident caused serious injuries that required hospitalization or medical treatment.

As a wrongfully injured victim of a slip and fall accident, it is important to ask yourself:

What caused me to slip and/or fall?

Should someone have known about the thing that caused my fall?

Was the cause of my accident foreseeable and preventable if proper precautions and inspections were performed?

These three questions will help you gain a basic understanding of your chance of success in pursing a slip and fall claim against a property owner or other negligent party.

If you are injured in a Slip and Fall:

If you are hurt in a commercial or business setting, even at work or school, or injured anywhere else, it is important to take pictures and video of the area of your accident, what caused your fall and retrieve all witness contact information. These two initiatives can help you prove your slip and fall case faster to the insurance carrier for the defendant.

You should always make a written report if possible as well. Following medical treatment, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer as soon as possible before evidence is lost to support your claim or time runs out on the statute of limitations for your claim.

Not sure which personal injury law firm can help you recover the maximum settlement for your slip and fall case 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 a licensed and experienced slip and fall injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and can hold meetings over the phone, internet, or in person at our Indy-based office.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Am Injured on Public Stairs Without Railing?

Posted on December 20, 2021 by admin

Fall accidents on public stairwells occur more than you think. According to a recent study published by the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that 1 million victims suffer injuries each year in the United States because of defective or negligently-maintained staircases. Such accidents take place on stairs in public spaces, multi-housing complexes, commercial buildings, and more.

If you are a recent stairwell accident victim that was injured due to a missing or defective handrailing, continue reading to learn what you need to know about your rights to pursing legal action against the responsible party and what types of damages you might recover.

Stairwell Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Stairwell Building Codes for Indiana

Each state has their own set of building codes and ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) requirements. Public spaces, businesses, and commercial buildings are mandated by law to adhere to all building and construction standards listed in such codes, and at all times.

Here in Indiana, there is a specific set of regulations for interior and exterior public stairwells that have more than 2 risers. These regulations and building codes are highly complex and comprehensive, so here are some primary points:

► Maximum Height of Each Riser – 8 ¼ Inches
► Minimum Height of Each Riser – 4 Inches
► Minimum Length of Each Step – 9 Inches

*All stair tread must be even and uniform.
*Maximum riser must not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8^th inch

Handrails have their own set of building codes and standards. For Indiana, stair railing must adhere to several requirements, such as:

▷ Railing cannot have any gaps and must be continuous.
▷ Handrails are mandated by law for stairwells with more than 3 risers.
▷ Rails must be a minimum of 34 inches and maximum of 38 inches from the tread.
▷ At least 1 ½ inches of space is required between the wall and the handrail.
▷ Railing must be free of sharp edges or corners.

Suing for Injuries Caused By Defective Stairwell Handrails

If you were seriously injured on public stairs because they were not up to code according to Indiana law, you are entitled to pursing compensation for your damages and losses through a slip and fall accident claim or premises liability lawsuit. Consult with a licensed Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, before all evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out on your case.

You may be able to recover a settlement or verdict for damages like hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent injuries and similar costs and losses. Just be sure to choose the right Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your case. They will be your best chance at recovering the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as a victim of an Indiana stairwell accident.

Not sure how to get started with a personal injury premises liability 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 regarding your stairwell slip and fall accident. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.