Financial Assistance for Amputation Victims: What You Need to Know

Posted on April 27, 2023 by admin

Losing a limb due to an accident is very traumatic and life-altering for the victim. It is even more devastating when the amputation was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. If you or a loved one has suffered from an amputation injury, it is important to understand your rights and what financial assistance may be available to you. A personal injury lawyer can help victims of amputations seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability benefits, rehabilitation costs and other expenses associated with their injuries.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the options available to amputees who have been injured in accidents that were not their fault. We will discuss how they can access financial assistance through legal means such as filing a lawsuit against those responsible for causing their injuries. Finally, we will offer information on how best to navigate the complex legal system so that you get the justice and compensation that you deserve.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With an Amputation Injury Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

The First Step After a Serious Personal Injury Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident resulting in an amputation, the first step is to contact a personal injury lawyer. This lawyer will be able to review your case and provide legal advice about compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, loss of ability to work, reduced quality of life, and other economic and non-economic losses incurred due to your injuries. They will also advise you on how best to take legal action against those responsible for causing your injuries. If successful in court, victims of amputations can receive financial assistance from the liable party’s insurance company or from them directly through a settlement agreement or jury award.

Punitive Damages

In cases where gross negligence was involved, victims may be able to sue for punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the negligent party and deter them from committing similar acts and also to deter others from the same or similar acts. These can amount to a significant sum of money and victims should discuss their options with an experienced personal injury lawyer to get a better understanding of what type of compensation they may be eligible for.

Amputee Coalition of America (ACA)

In addition to legal options, there are several organizations that offer financial assistance for amputees who have been injured in accidents or due to medical complications. For example, Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) provides grants and resources for those affected by limb loss or dysfunction. They also provide emotional support and guidance throughout the process from beginning to end so that amputees get the proper care and attention they need.

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

The National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) is another resource for victims of amputations and other injuries, offering resources to support victims during their recovery process. NOVA also offers financial assistance through programs such as the Victims of Crime Act Program (VOCA). This program provides funds to states that can be used to cover expenses associated with medical bills, rehabilitation costs and emotional trauma caused by amputees’ injuries or wrongful death.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Finally, it is important to remember that you do not have to take on your legal battle alone – there are experienced personal injury lawyers out there who will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive just compensation for your suffering. An experienced attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

By following these steps, amputees can ensure that they receive the proper care and attention they need and get the justice and compensation they are entitled to. Knowing where to turn for support during this difficult time is key in helping victims of amputations regain control of their lives and rebuild their future.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has been injured in an amputation accident, it is important to understand your rights and what financial assistance may be available to you. A personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis can provide legal advice about how best to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability benefits, and other expenses incurred due to your injuries. They can also advise on how best to navigate the complex legal system so that you get the justice and compensation that you are entitled to. Furthermore, organizations such as Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) and National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) also offer resources for amputees who need financial assistance. Regardless of the route you choose, it is important to seek legal advice so that you understand your rights and get the justice and compensation you deserve.

As a victim of a wrongful accident that resulted in an array of damages and losses, you deserve our help and guidance. Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent Indiana residents throughout the state, as well as those injured in other states. Request a free consultation while you still have time to file a claim for compensation.

How to Prove Negligence in a Child Injury Case

Posted on April 11, 2023 by admin

No parent wants to think that their child has been injured due to someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, it happens all too often, and when it does, parents may be able to seek justice by filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties and collecting the judgment from the defendant’s insurance company. But before any legal action can take place, it must first be determined whether or not negligence is present in your case.

In this blog post, we will discuss how you can prove negligence in a child injury case so you can get the compensation your child deserves.

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3 Important Elements of Proving Negligence in a Child Injury Lawsuit

>Duty of Care

When it comes to child injury lawsuits, the most common form of negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care. This means that the defendant had an obligation to provide a safe environment for children and failed to do so. To prove negligence in this kind of case, you will need to show that the defendant had a duty of care and breached that duty by either not providing adequate safety measures or by acting in some way that caused your child’s injury.

>Damages

In addition, you must also be able to demonstrate the extent of your child’s injuries as well as any damages incurred due to those injuries. You should have medical records detailing your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as any medical bills related to their medical expenses. You will also need to provide evidence of any lost wages or other financial losses that resulted from the injury.

>Causation

Finally, you must be able to show that the negligence of the defendant was a responsible cause of your child’s harm. This can be done by showing a “causal link” between the breach in duty and your child’s injuries, which is often supported by expert testimony from doctors and other professionals familiar with your case.

Defining Negligent Supervision

Was your child injured because someone else was not providing proper supervision over them? Negligent Supervision torts involve lawsuits that occur when a child is injured due to someone else’s negligent behavior. This type of tort lawsuit states that the person accused of negligence is responsible for not properly supervising or controlling whatever situation caused the injury to the child. This could be a friend’s parent, babysitter, daycare employee, school staff member, and even a family member.

If a court finds the accused party negligent in providing supervision, then they are legally required to pay damages for any pain, suffering or medical expenses incurred from the child’s injury. These kinds of actions have become more widely accepted as society evolves. The understanding around the responsibility for providing necessary safety nets for children grows even wider with each child injury case.

Common Damages Awarded in Child Injury Cases

Child injury cases are often complex, but they almost always involve the award of some form of compensation in a successful settlement. While the type and extent of damages vary widely from case to case, there are some common types of awards seen in such scenarios. These typically include both economic compensation for hospital bills, medical expenses, and other financial losses related to the child’s injuries, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disfigurement, disability, and more. In addition to such compensatory damages, parents might also seek out punitive damages, which are intended to punish those responsible for their child’s accident and deter similar future behavior.

Hire a Child Injury Attorney to Protect Your Rights

When filing a child injury lawsuit, it is essential to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side who understands how to prove negligence in a child injury case. With the help of an experienced child injury attorney working on your side, you have a better chance at making sure those responsible are held accountable and that your child receives proper compensation for your child’s injuries and losses.

Are you the parent or guardian of a child who has been seriously injured because of another’s negligence? Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned child injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent victims all throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and residents of other states injured in Indiana. Request to have your meeting over the phone, via online video, at your place of in-patient medical treatment, or in person at our Indy-based office.

How to Cope After a Head Injury: 10 Tips for Recovery

Posted on April 4, 2023 by admin

Head injuries can be life-changing events, both for the person who has sustained the injury and their loved ones. If you or someone you care about is going through recovery from a head injury, it’s important to know that there are resources available to help cope with this difficult situation. From understanding your legal rights to connecting with support groups and getting access to specialized medical care, these 10 tips will provide guidance on how best to navigate the road of recovery after a head or brain injury.

Each tip provides ideas on how to manage physical symptoms as well as psychological issues that may arise following a head injury. A head injury lawyer can also help protect your rights if negligence was involved in causing your injury. Continue below to learn these tips and more.

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Not All Head Injury Recovery Paths are Alike

Recovering from head or brain injuries can be an unpredictable and draining experience for victims, as no two journeys are alike. While the phases of head injury recovery generally include acute, sub-acute, and long-term recovery periods, the exact chronology for an individual may not perfectly align with those steps. The path to healing after head trauma is often littered with unique challenges, from setbacks large and small, to periods of stasis that demand patience and perseverance. It is ultimately important to recognize that head injury recovery demands flexibility and compassion for victims – no two roads to recovery are the same.

10 Tips for Head Injury Victims in Recovery

1. Connect with a head injury attorney: Knowing what legal options are available to you after a brain injury can help provide important financial security and emotional peace of mind during recovery. A qualified lawyer experienced in head and brain injuries can discuss the details of an accident, determine liability, and fight for full and fair compensation.

2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is an effective way to reduce stress, regulate emotions and improve focus. When managing a brain or head injury, it is important to practice mindfulness regularly and create a space that encourages relaxation and self-care.

3. Create a support system: Surround yourself with positive people who understand your situation and provide understanding, kindness, patience, and encouragement as you move through your recovery journey.

4. Reach out to TBI support groups: Traumatic brain injury support groups can be an invaluable resource for people struggling with the aftermath of a Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Connecting with others who are in similar situations can help provide emotional support and understanding and reduce feelings of isolation.

5. Get specialized medical care: Depending on the severity and type of head injury, specialized medical care may be necessary. Medical professionals who work with individuals recovering from head or brain injuries often have specific techniques that they use to promote healing and improve quality of life.

6. Eat healthy foods: Eating a balanced diet is essential for helping you recover physically after a head injury. It also aids in proper brain function. Focus on incorporating whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet.

7. Get plenty of sleep: Restful, restorative sleep is important for helping the body heal after a head or brain injury. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night in a dark, quiet environment if possible.

8. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help reduce stress, improve physical health, and promote faster healing from head or brain injuries. Start small with light stretches or a short walk and gradually increase the intensity as you regain strength.

9. Stay organized: Serious head injuries can cause confusion and disorientation that make it difficult to focus on daily activities or manage basic tasks like keeping track of appointments or organizing paperwork. Staying organized can help to reduce stress and minimize distractions.

10. Avoid overstimulation: Too much sensory input, like loud noises or bright lights, can be difficult to cope with when recovering from a head or brain injury. Try to limit exposure to noisy environments or bright lights whenever possible.

Reach Out for Help With Your Head Injury Recovery Journey

Recovering after a head injury can be a long and arduous process that requires immense amounts of patience and support. But by taking the necessary steps to access help from legal professionals, medical experts, brain injury support groups, as well as making sure you prioritize your physical and mental health needs, it is possible for head injury victims to make progress on the path to recovery. With proper guidance and care, hope is available for both individuals impacted by head injuries and their families.

Get Started on Your Financial Recovery – Talk to a Head Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have suffered from a head or brain injury due to the negligence of another, it’s important to speak to an experienced head injury lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation. Reach out today to get the answers and peace of mind that you need during this difficult time.

Look no further for a free case evaluation with an esteemed personal injury law firm in Indiana. Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet or speak with a skilled head injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and those injured while visiting Indiana.

Should I Accept a Structured Settlement?

Posted on December 19, 2022 by admin

When you are injured, the last thing you want to worry about is money. You need to focus on healing and getting back to your life. That is why some people choose to accept a structured settlement following an injury. A structured settlement is a series of payments that are made over time, usually as a result of a lawsuit. They can be an advantageous way to receive compensation, but there are also some disadvantages to consider before accepting one.

Continue reading to review some of the most referenced pros and cons of structured settlements in personal injury cases.

Call 317-881-2700 For Structured Settlement Legal Advice in Indianapolis IN.

The Facts Surrounding Structured Settlements

Structured settlements are an option for people who have won lawsuits or received large sums of settlement money as a result of personal injury claims. A structured settlement is a financial arrangement in which the recipient receives payments over time, rather than in one lump sum. There are advantages to this type of arrangement, including the ability to receive larger total payments and the elimination of the need to invest or manage a large sum of money all at once. However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider before agreeing to a structured settlement.

Personal Injury Structured Settlements: Advantages vs. Disadvantages

One of the biggest advantages of a structured settlement is that it can potentially provide greater financial security than a lump sum payment. This is because the payments are spread out over time, which can make it easier to budget and manage your finances. Additionally, the payments are often tax-free, which can further increase your overall financial security. However, one of the potential disadvantages of a structured settlement is that you may not have access to all of the money immediately. This can be particularly problematic if you have large medical bills or other expenses that need to be paid right away.

Another potential disadvantage of a structured settlement is that the terms of the agreement may be inflexible. For example, you may be required to receive payments over a certain period of time, and you may not be able to modify the agreement if your financial circumstances change. Additionally, if you pass away before the end of the structured settlement agreement, your beneficiaries may not receive the full amount of the money agreed to with the structured settlement.

Overall, structured settlements can be an option for many people, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you have any questions about whether a structured settlement is right for you, be sure to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. as soon as possible.

Where to Get Trusted Advice Regarding Structured Settlements in Indiana

Structured settlements can provide advantages and benefits to those who are injured or disabled due to an accident or medical malpractice. However, a structured settlement is not suitable for every situation, so it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney when considering such an agreement. The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. is experienced in structured settlements and can provide you with the legal advice to determine if this option is right for you.

Are you ready to learn more about your rights to collect compensation for your recent accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with an accident lawyer in Indianapolis. Our extremely knowledgeable team is standing by to help you with your legal needs. We understand that making the decision to hire an attorney can be difficult and we are here to assist you in any way possible. From the far corners of Indiana to beyond, we tirelessly advocate for injured Hoosiers – no matter where they may be.

Will My Personal Injury Claim Take a Long Time?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by admin

There are various factors that influence the total timeline of a personal injury case. Some cases may take only a few weeks or months, while others might take two years or more if a person sustains substantial and on-going injuries and problems. Consult with an experienced accident attorney to understand the elements of your case and the predicted length of time it will take.

For now, continue below to learn more about how long personal injury claims take and where to get trusted legal advice surrounding your accident case concerns.

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Complex Personal Injury Cases Take Longer to Settle

You can roughly get a feel for the amount of time it will likely take for your claim to settle by the complexity of the case. The more complex the case, the more difficult it will be to adjudicate, which delays the settlement phase even longer. This is especially true for cases that go to trial.

Certain Liable Parties Can Attempt to Delay a Personal Injury Case

Another factor that can extend the timeline of a personal injury case is the type of liable party, or parties. If the liable party, or defendant, is a company, corporation, or government entity, or if there are multiple liable parties (defendants) in a case, the process can take longer.

Proving Negligence and Extent of Damages Can Take Time

As a claimant in a personal injury case, you hold the burden of proving that the opposing party is at fault for your accident and subsequent damages. Your Indiana personal injury lawyer will document a strong and impactful case to prove that the opposing party breached their duty of care, or was otherwise negligent, and as a direct result, caused your accident and damages. In addition to proving negligence, your team will need to prove your damages to support reasonable compensation.

To gather all the relevant evidence needed to prove your case, your lawyer may need to hire expert witnesses, forensic specialists, accounting experts, and accident reconstruction services, or prepare witnesses, including yourself. These needs add to the overall time it takes to reach a settlement or verdict.

How Long Care is Needed

The longer an injured person needs to obtain treatments, the longer it will take the case to resolve. This is because it takes some time for doctors to determine if a person’s injuries are permanent or not. If an injured person’s injuries are permanent and will last a lifetime, then obviously that would need to be taken into account when attempting to determine a full and fair settlement value for the case.

Insurance Companies Might Require Legal Representation

In some cases, insurance companies require claimants to acquire legal representation for their claim. If the claimant is hospitalized or comatose for several weeks after a catastrophic accident, they are not capable of retaining a lawyer for the purpose of pursing an injury claim. This scenario would increase the expected timeline of the case.

Refusing to Accept a Settlement Offer Will Extend Negotiations

It is important to trust your personal injury lawyer with their evaluation of your case. If you refuse every settlement offer you get, you can expect the process to take longer. You can feel confident in accepting an offer that your attorney agrees is full and fair and the attorney should explain to you why they believe the offer is fair. If an offer is not fair, your attorney should also explain to you why that is their opinion.

The best way to avoid extending the timeline of an injury claim is to hire the right attorney to represent your case. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation, today. We represent clients throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states.

Do I Still Have Options if the Insurance Adjuster Denies My Injury Claim?

Posted on June 30, 2022 by admin

If an adjuster denies your personal injury claim, you still have legal recourse. An experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer will fight the insurance company and ultimately recover the settlement or verdict you deserve. Continue reading to learn what to do if an insurance adjuster denies your injury claim, plus who to trust in Indianapolis for seasoned personal injury representation.

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Coverage for Personal Injury Damages and Losses

When a person is wrongly injured, the at-fault party’s insurance company is held liable for the victim’s subsequent economic d a mages and losses, and sometimes, non-economic damages like prolonged physical therapy, pain-and-suffering, loss of companionship, and more if the at-fault party had liability coverage. Examples of common economic damages include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, future compensatory losses, and much more.

Personal injury damages and losses generally depend on the severity of the accident and resulting injuries, as well as local jurisdiction. On the other hand, there are times when the faulted party’s insurance company denies liability after a victim submits their claim, stating that the law says the victim is responsible for the accident, and ultimately, any damages that may have been incurred as a result.

What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

In these cases, it is important to know more about adjusters and what their job entails to better understand what they tell injured victims. Furthermore, it is important to know that there are still viable options for personal injury victims whose claims are denied by the opposing party’s insurance adjuster.

An adjuster is usually not a lawyer or legal professional; they are regular insurance company employees. This means that they may have a broad idea on the law regarding their particular job role and the cases they oversee, but they do not have detailed knowledge of the law or the facts. They cannot possibly know whether you are liable for the accident that caused your injuries and losses. For this reason, it is vital to hire an experienced Indianapolis IN personal injury lawyer to navigate your claim and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.

Although insurance companies do not want you to hire or even speak with an attorney, they have their own in-house attorneys to assist their adjusters from day one, defending an injured party’s claim from the at-fault party’s perspective. Overall, insurance companies want to pay out the lowest settlement possible for every claim as they are in the business of making money, and the tactics they use are designed to pay out as little or nothing if possible. Insurance carriers have attorneys from day one and so should you.

What To Do if Your Claim is Denied

You should hire an attorney from day one following your collision and prior to talking with anyone else about the collision. Talk to a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis to learn your rights from day one. You should not try to be your own attorney.

Are you looking for qualified and trustworthy personal injury guidance 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. Our seasoned accident attorneys 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 and Indiana residents injured in other states.

To Sue or Not to Sue for a Personal Injury?

Posted on June 23, 2022 by admin

To sue or not to sue? Well, that is certainly an important question after sustaining serious injuries in an accident that was someone else’s fault. When wrongly injured by another party, it is natural to assume you will be fairly compensated for your injuries and subsequent damages. And although most personal injury lawsuits settle before ever reaching trial, this is not always the case. Sometimes, it takes a lawsuit to get the financial justice you deserve. But do you know if you need to sue?

Continue reading to learn how to determine if your personal injury accident is grounds for a lawsuit or if your case is a good candidate for settling out of court.

Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Considerations For Personal Injury Lawsuits

Whether a person, business, manufacturer, insurance company, or even a branch of government, an at-fault party should be held liable for your resulting personal injury damages and losses, including but not limited to lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, pain, suffering, and more. But before your jump straight into a personal injury lawsuit, there are several considerations that need your attention first. You see, there may be no question that a person who’s been wrongly and negligently injured is a victim but being a victim doesn’t always mean there are valid grounds for a lawsuit, or that a lawsuit would be the best route to take.

Certain dynamics of a case largely determine whether a person can or should sue another for their injuries. For example, the seriousness of an injury must be examined and assessed, the opposing party’s actual level of fault or negligence, and the limits of the at-fault person’s insurance. All these factors and more are considerations that will reveal whether a lawsuit is an advisable action or not.

Can the At-Fault Party Pay?

Aside from all of the relevant factors to consider, one of the most important and deal-breaking is whether or not an at-fault party is capable of providing remuneration. Sometimes, an at-fault party does not have the means to pay for another’s damages because they are not insured; so even if they are sued and lose, a victim might not be able to be awarded any funds if there are none to give in the first place. This is especially true if the at-fault party doesn’t have liability insurance either. This is why every person should purchase uninsured and underinsured insurance coverage to protect themselves and other persons in their vehicle.

In this case, a victim will only waste their own time and money pursuing a lawsuit that can’t render recompense. The same goes for anyone intentionally or maliciously injured. A liability insurance policy will not cover intentional tort or wrongdoings, so if someone wants to recover compensation for an intentional injury, they must pursue it in court; but if the individual does not have the means to even pay for a victim’s damages, a lawsuit will also be unsuccessful in some situations in providing actual recompense.

If you are struggling with the decision to move forward with filing an injury claim for compensation, your best option is to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis for personalized advice regarding your case. They will know if your case is valid, and whether you should pursue legal action against the at-fault party and they can look to determine any and all potential applicable insurance policies.

Are you asking yourself, “Where can I find the best accident lawyers near me?” Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We do not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for you, which means we strive to recover a settlement or verdict as quickly as possible for our clients, but always with the understanding that the settlement must be the full-and-fair based on all the evidence for the case. We represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana.

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.

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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 is a Full Liability Release?

Posted on May 3, 2022 by admin

In the days or weeks following an injurious car accident that was not your fault, you may be confronted with a full liability release form from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Should you sign this form? What will happen if you do? Will it affect your settlement? These are all wise inquiries to ask yourself before approving a release of all claims. After all, as a victim of a car accident, you deserve the maximum settlement for your auto accident damages.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about car accident full liability releases, including who to trust for legal advice regarding your accident case in Indiana.

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Full Liability Releases

A full liability release tends to come into play after a car accident victim receives a settlement offer from the opposing insurance company. Before the insurance company sends a check for the settlement amount, they may insist that the claimant sign a full liability release, also known as a “waiver liability” form, “hold harmless agreement”, or a “release of all claims” form. The request is not usually a surprise, but rather, included in the settlement agreement.

The document’s purpose is to show that both parties agree to resolve their dispute and end all claims. It is significant because it releases the opposing party, both driver and insurance company, from all liability moving forward, including not being subjected to additional damage claims. Once a claimant accepts and signs a full liability release, the opposing party is no longer responsible for compensating them for any future damages resulting from the car accident.

Key Elements of a Waiver Liability Form

A waiver liability form should contain all related information regarding the claim, including all relevant laws pertaining to the case, official identification of all involved parties, full details of the auto accident, the types of claims being released (bodily injury, property, etc.), and payment agreement details.

A typical excerpt within such forms might include something similar to, “The undersigned hereby assumes all risk of injury or harm as a result of the activities specified above and agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and forever discharge the releasee from all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses, and causes of action due to death, injury, loss, or damage to the undersigned.”

Should You Sign a Release of All Claims Form? Answer: Not Without Talking to an Attorney First.

You should never sign a release of all claims form too soon. Once you sign the claim, you lose your right to pursue compensation for any future-arising damages that resulted from your car accident. Before signing a waiver liability form, it is important to complete all medical treatment. This is sometimes referred to as maximum medical improvement (MMI).

More importantly, right after your accident, it is critical to hire an experienced Indiana car accident attorney for help navigating your claim. They will fight for your rights to full and fair compensation, including past, current, and future damages. With their assistance, you will know that the right decisions are being made, and in the best interest of your quality of life.

Were you recently injured in a negligent car accident in Indiana? 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 auto accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN. We represent clients all throughout the state, and there is no need to travel. We can hold case evaluations via phone or online video conference.

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.