Facts About Wrongful Death Statutes in Indiana

Posted on April 4, 2022 by admin

Years ago, there was no legal recourse for those who lost a loved one in a wrongful accident. Back then, when a personal injury victim died, the right to claim damages for any resulting losses suffered by the family was lost as well. Widows, children, dependents, and next of kin were finally given justice in such cases when Indiana passed its first Wrongful Death Statute. Since passing the Indiana Wrongful Death Statute, two more relevant statutes have been passed that give wrongful death survivors additional rights to a personal injury settlement, the Indiana Adult Wrongful Death Act and Indiana Child Wrongful Death Act.

Continue reading to learn facts about all three Wrongful Death Statutes in Indiana, plus how to verify your rights to pursuing a claim after the loss of a loved one.

Wrongful Death Litigator Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Indiana Wrongful Death Claims

If a person or business is negligent in a way that directly causes another person’s death, it is considered a wrongful death accident. Wrongful death accidents are caused by many types of negligence, such as recklessness, inaction, product or manufacturing defects, medical malpractice and even intentional torts like assault. When a person loses a loved one in a wrongful death accident, certain persons have a right to bring about a negligence suit for the purpose of obtaining compensation for their damages and losses. Although it varies from state to state, here in Indiana, the law specifically defines eligible wrongful death claimants to be spouses, children, and dependents.

Examples of damages and losses suffered by those who have lost a loved one to a wrongful death accident generally include pre-death hospital bills and medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of future earnings, loss of employment benefits, loss of consortium, loss of emotional support or care, and similar expected economic losses.

Wrongful Death Statutes of Indiana:

The Indiana Wrongful Death Statute

Indiana Code § 34-23-1 is the basic wrongful death statute of Indiana. Under this act, a “personal representative of the estate” is the party permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Such representatives include spouses, children, and dependents. Additionally, there is an established statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death suit that gives claimants two years from the date of the accident that resulted in the loss of their loved one. A unique element of the Indiana Wrongful Death Statute is that there is no cap on damages. A judge or jury can award whatever settlement they deem fit without limitations.

The Indiana Adult Wrongful Death Act

This wrongful death statute is reserved for adults, which the state defines as anyone over the age of 20, or anyone over the age of 23 but still in college, and who is also unmarried and has no dependents. Under this statute, a personal representative must also be the one to file suit, and they have two years from the date of the accident that caused the death to do so. In contrast to the general wrongful death statute of Indiana, the Indiana Adult Wrongful Death Act sets a maximum recovery cap of $300,000.00 on such cases. Additionally, there are some damages that are excluded, such as lost earnings, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and punitive damages. The judge and jury also specify how much each person gets in damages if the lawsuit involves more than one child or parent.

The Indiana Child Wrongful Death Act

Indiana Code § 34-23-2-1 wrongful death act is reserved for children who have lost their lives to a negligent accident caused by another. The state defines a child as someone not married and without dependents, plus younger than 20; or younger than 23 and enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution; or younger than 23 and attending a career and technical educational program. Parents and guardians are permitted to file a wrongful death lawsuit under this statute, and they have 2 years to do so from the date of the accident. As for damage caps, the limit is not set by a monetary amount, but rather, how long the child had before they crossed over into adulthood. There are also limitation to the types of damages that can be awarded in child wrongful death cases.

Have you recently lost a loved one to a wrongful death accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Indianapolis IN wrongful death attorney you can trust. Wrongful death cases are complicated so you should obtain representation immediately. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Facts About Electrocution and Electric Shock Accident Lawsuits

Posted on December 23, 2021 by admin

Electrocution and electric shock accidents are very serious, and unfortunately, more common than you think. According to the National Institutes of Health, virtually 1,000 victims lose their life to an electricity accident every year in the United States.

For the sake of better understanding this blog, note that electrocution accidents are those that result in death due to electric shock, while electric shock accidents are electricity accidents that do not result in death, but can result in a long list of severe bodily injuries and personal losses.

If you or someone you love is a recent victim of an electrocution or electric shock accident, continue reading to learn the facts you need to know about pursuing legal action against the negligent party responsible.

Electricity Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Electricity Accidents

Electrocution accidents cause death when the electrical current coursing through the body is sufficient to stop the heart. An electricity accident victim who suffers a smaller current may be recovered using a defibrillator. Smaller currents of electricity can trigger an irregular contraction of the cardiac muscle, known as fibrillation. Larger electrical currents typically result in death, but sometimes they result in permanent injuries, such as burns and neurological and cellular damage.

The severity of an electric shock or electrocution accident depends on various factors, including the amount of voltage, the type of current, the type of circuit, how long the patient was in contact with the electrical current, the path the electrical current traveled through the body, how quickly the patient receives medical treatment, any underlying medical conditions, and more.

Common Injuries Sustained in an Electric Shock Accident

Electric shock accidents typically result in serious bodily injuries, primarily severe burns, but also:

◾ Cardiac Arrest
◾ Respiratory Arrest
◾ Spinal Cord Injuries
◾ Orthopedic Fractures
◾ Kidney Damages
◾ Peripheral Nerve Damage
◾ Cataracts
◾ Nerve And Tissue Damage
◾ Ruptured Eardrums
◾ Seizures
◾ Confusion
◾ Amnesia
◾ Loss Of Consciousness
◾ Psychological Suffering
◾ And More

Suing for a Wrongful Electricity Accident

If you or someone you love was wrongly injured in electricity accident in Indiana, whether a wrongful death caused by electrocution or serious injuries caused by an electric shock accident, it is important to consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney right away. You can be entitled to a settlement or verdict for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, prolonged medical treatment, pain-and-suffering, loss of consortium, permanent disfigurement, permanent disability, and much more.

Are you searching for a trusted Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your electricity accident case? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with a skilled civil litigator and discuss your electric shock or electrocution accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act now before time runs out on your claim or evidence is lost to support your claim.

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

Funeral Arrangement Check List For an Unexpected Loss

Posted on December 10, 2021 by admin

No one wants to be placed in the position of having to plan a funeral at a moment’s notice. It is an unfortunate and sensitive circumstance that families and friends endure when a cherished life ends. When it comes to pre-planning a funeral, having helpful resources can take a lot of the pressure and anxiety away.

For help and support, scroll down to review a basic check list for arranging a funeral at the last minute, as well as how to pursue legal action if you lost your loved one due to negligence in a wrongful death accident in Indiana.

Wrongful Death Attorney Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Guide to Planning a Loved One’s Funeral

Decide Between Burial or Cremation

Your first step is to decide on your loved one’s final resting place. This includes choosing between burial and cremation. From there, you will be faced with related decisions, such as casket or urn selection, burial plot or memorial location selection, and whether you want to use funeral home services. If you do not wish to use a funeral home, you can take this time to choose a cemetery or memorial location.

Choose a Funeral Home

After writing an obituary, you will need to choose a funeral home to facilitate the rest of the proceedings. Choose a funeral home that has years of experience and well established in their community. If budget is an issue, typically family and locally owned funeral homes are more economically priced and will give you a better over-all deal with the same focused and professional service.

Once you have chosen a funeral home or final resting place, all you have to do is assist the funeral directors in completing the planning process. You will need to choose a casket or urn, flower arrangements, burial location, and figure out a way to inform the rest of the family about the date and time of the funeral service. An accommodating funeral home will assist you with all these decisions and tasks.

Write an Obituary

Get together with family and close friends to collect personal information about the deceased. Typically, people like to include the name, date of birth, birthplace, and the names of the bereaved. This part is decided upon by the family and closest people to the person who has passed. You can make an obituary as original or general as you see fit. Other topics to discuss in an obituary are vocations, the persons’ character, accomplishments, and any other special descriptions. When complete, you will need to submit obituary to appropriate newspaper or publication. Your funeral director can do this step for you if you have chosen to work with one.

Extended Funeral Planning Checklist:

☑ Acquire any last requests relating to funeral arrangements left behind by the deceased.

☑ Choose the resting attire for the deceased (for caskets only).

☑ Select music and literature for service ceremony.

☑ Arrange funeral transportation if necessary (clergy car, limousine, funeral coach, etc.).

☑ Hire an officiator and pallbearers (if needed).

☑ Appoint someone to read the eulogy (or write one on your own).

Are You the Survivor of the Wrongful Death of a Loved One?

Losing a loved one is always a painful experience and loss. Losing a loved one due to another person’s lack of using reasonable care is exponentially more painful because your loss should not have happened. If your family has recently experienced a wrongful death, quickly hire a reputable and licensed Indiana wrongful death attorney to represent you. It is very important to outsource professional legal counsel following a wrongful death. Spouses and immediate next of kin may be entitled to a settlement for economic and noneconomic damages like medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, loss of love and care, loss of consortium, loss of social security benefits, and more.

Was your loved one wrongfully killed in an accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Indianapolis IN wrongful death lawyer you can trust. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Are We Entitled to a Settlement if Our Child Was Wrongfully Injured?

Posted on November 16, 2021 by admin

What could be more valuable and important than our kids? For parents like you, they are the absolute most important aspect of your lives. So, when your child is injured due to another’s negligence, it is no surprise that you struggle with emotional anguish and stress from knowing your little one is suffering. As parents, we all want to trust that the people they leave in charge of their children are taking good care of them, and the products or toys their children use will not cause them harm; but sometimes accidents happen, and unfortunately, some of those accidents are caused by an adult’s negligence.

So, how are children and adolescents protected by law against those who may cause them serious harm and subsequent damages? Furthermore, are you entitled to a personal injury settlement for your family’s economic and non-economic losses following your child’s wrongful accident?

Continue reading to learn more about child injury claims and settlements, including who to trust for seasoned personal injury advice and representation in Indianapolis.

Child Injury Claim Lawyer Indiana 317-881-2700

Most Common Types of Serious Injuries to Kids and Teens

Kids are hurt every single day; it is a part of growing up and learning; learning to not touch a hot iron because it will burn or learning to wear their knee pads when rollerblading to avoid skinned or scabbed knees. However, when kids are injured because of another person or entity’s carelessness, it is an entirely different scenario.

Dog bites, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, prescription drug errors, medical misdiagnoses, swimming pool accidents, defective toys or products, and negligent supervision are some of the more common types of wrongful accidents in which children are negligently hurt or worse, killed. When an accident occurs due to negligence causes harm or death to a child, parents need to know their legal options and rights.

How to Pursue Legal Action on Behalf of Your Child’s Accident and Injuries

In every situation that a child is injured negligently, there must be proof that someone or something failed to act like a careful person would have, causing the accident and subsequent injury. If a legal representative, or personal injury lawyer, can establish this evidence or proof, the family of the minor is legally entitled to compensation for their child’s injuries and damages.

Compensation is meant to cover past, present, and future medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, wrongful death, pain, suffering, mental anguish, trauma, and much more. If the minor was old enough to be employed, they are entitled to compensation to cover lost wages from work as well.

If the child is too young to be employed, the parents or guardians are entitled to reimbursement for lost wages after missing time at work, as well as fuel from traveling to and from doctors’ appointments. If the at-fault party acted extraordinarily reckless or with intent, the court or jury may also award punitive da m ages.

Child Wrongful Death Cases

When a child is lost due to someone’s negligence or carelessness, it is a wrongful death case. In these intensely sad and devastating lawsuits, parents can recover compensation for pain, suffering, loss of love, loss of affection, loss of companionship, mental anguish, PTSD, lost wages, bills, expenses, and so much more. If you or a loved one is dealing with an injured child that was hurt as a result of a negligence from a company, person, or product, contact a licensed personal injury attorney for professional and assertive legal counseling and advice.

Are you ready to get started on your financial recovery after your child’s accident? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Indianapolis child injury lawyer. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

How to Cope With the Planning of a Loved One’s Funeral

Posted on September 30, 2021 by admin

Grief and sorrow can be paralyzing after learning of a loved one’s death. It is never easy when a person close to you has passed away. On top of dealing with the angst and pain of losing someone that was an intimate part of your life, you have the responsibility of planning their funeral.

In these circumstances, it is advised to seek out (and let in) as much help and support needed to avoid becoming overwhelmed with anxiety and grief. A funeral should be a beautiful ceremony that honors your loved one’s life and recognizes the impact they had on our world. With the right coping mechanisms and support system, stress can be minimized in the funeral planning process.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for coping with grief while planning your loved one’s funeral, as well as how to bring about a wrongful death claim if your loved one lost their lives because of another’s negligence.

Wrongful Death Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700 — Wrongful Death Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Managing Family and Friends

After losing someone, you may feel like you want to hide away and be alone. The only people it seems you can talk to are the ones closest in your life. When you have to plan a funeral, this is just not possible. You must gather up the strength to make and take phone calls, receive people’s condolences, make funeral arrangements, and inform every one of funeral details. This can all appear exhausting to someone grieving over the loss of a loved one.

Here are ways to cope through these challenging circumstances:

Begin by contacting the people closest to the person who has passed away. Be sure to remember that they will also need a chance to express their grief, just as you do. Although you are still feeling overwhelmed with sadness, try to be there for close family and friends for reciprocal support.

Next, decide on whether the funeral will be small or large. This all depends on the person’s final wishes, and the funeral budget. Determine what they would have wanted, but do not stress over the details. The most important part of the funeral is honoring the person and remembering them, not what color the flowers are and when the reception food will be ready.

In most cases, you can simply hire a funeral director to handle the small details for you, while you take charge of arranging the dates and attendance list. Sharing some of the responsibilities with other loved ones is also recommended.

Wrongful Death Claims

If your loved one lost their life because someone else was negligent or careless, the deceased’s dependents and possibly other family members could be entitled to a settlement. Contact a licensed Indiana wrongful death lawyer to learn your eligibility for recovering compensation for damages such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, loss of social security, disability or employment benefits, pain, suffering, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and more.

Was your loved one wrongly killed in an accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for wrongful death personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state.

You Should Also Read:

Facts About Indiana Wrongful Death Court Procedures
Do You Suspect Neglect at Your Loved One’s Nursing Home?
What are Future Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?

Facts About Indiana Wrongful Death Court Procedures

Posted on August 17, 2021 by admin

Here in the Hoosier State, when a person or entity’s (store, manufacturer, company, etc.) negligence causes someone to lose their life, relatives or legal representatives of the victim may have grounds to bring about a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. For example, if a child wanders off and drowns in a nearby pond while under the supervision of a daycare agency, the parents or guardians of the child may file a wrongful death claim against the daycare provider.

Continue below to learn more about Indiana wrongful death court procedures and how to get started on your personal injury claim today.

Wrongful Death Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-881-2700

Wrongful Death Cases in Indiana

When a person is wrongfully killed in an accident, nothing can take away the pain and suffering of those closest to the victim. But by obtaining a settlement in the form of compensation, it can make the grieving process easier and help families get their life back to a new normal. Indiana tort law allows a wrongful death victim’s family to seek compensation for damages and losses like medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages from missing work, pain and suffering, loss of consorti u m, emotional trauma, and more. It is important to consult with a seasoned Indiana personal injury lawyer to learn more about pursuing a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Those who may serve as the plaintiff in an Indiana wrongful death claim include parents, legal guardians, next of kin, legal representatives of the deceased, or the estate of the deceased. Claims for the wrongful deaths of children can only be brought about by parents or legal guardians. If a wrongful death victim had many beneficiaries, the Indiana courts will adjudicate the division of the any awarded settlement or verdict. Contact an Indianapolis accident lawyer to better understand your eligibility or rights to recovering compensation through an Indiana wrongful death claim.

Learn More Now Before Time Runs Out

Indiana sets a strict statute of limitations of 2 years on wrongful death personal injury claims. For this reason, it is vital to consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible, before evidence is lost, and time runs out on your claim. If you do not file a claim within the State’s allotted 2-year time period, you forever lose all opportunity to do so, even if there is still an ongoing criminal case regarding the accident that led to the wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has lost someone as a result of another’s negligence, act now to obtain justice for them. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a compassionate wrongful death lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent people involving the unlawful death of a loved one in Indiana and for Hoosiers injured in other states.

You Should Also Read:

Is There Still Time to File My Indiana Personal Injury Claim?
What are Future Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?
Common Types of Wrongful Death Lawsuits

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

Do You Suspect Neglect at Your Loved One’s Nursing Home?

Posted on June 1, 2021 by admin

Whether it’s your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or spouse, having a loved one in a nursing home is an experience filled with emotional highs and lows. But no matter what the circumstance is for you and your family, your loved one should never have to suffer abuse or neglect. If you are concerned that your loved one’s nursing care is not up to standard, or you suspect that neglect is taking place, it is vital that you investigate right away.

Start by spending more in-person time with them and discuss their daily experiences and schedules. This can help you identify the common signs of nursing home neglect and elder abuse. You should also speak with the staff and attending physicians about your concerns as well.

Continue reading to learn what signs to look for that suggest abuse or neglect is taking place, and what you can and should do about it.

Indianapolis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer 317-881-2700

Nursing Home Neglect Cases

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is far too common. There are many types of neglect and abuse that can happen at a nursing home or senior care center, and they usually present themselves in tell-tale signs. However, elders don’t always speak up and notify someone when they are experiencing abuse, neglect, or any other kinds of problems in their care home. When elders are abused or neglected, they often hide it, while many others don’t even realize it’s happening to them. But if you keep a keen eye on your loved one and their habits, you should be able to identify the many signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse:

▷ Wrongful Death
▷ Moving Injuries
▷ Inappropriate Use of Restraints
▷ Physical Assault
▷ Sexual Assault
▷ Not Enough Staff
▷ Emotional or Verbal Abuse
▷ Medication Malpractice
▷ Failure to Use Bed Rails Causing Falls
▷ Failure to Remove Elders from Wheelchairs Properly
▷ Prolonged Isolation or Abandonment
▷ Neglect (allowing/ignoring self-harm, etc.)
▷ Hygienic Neglect
▷ Unqualified Staff
▷ Financial Abuse
▷ Inattentive Staff (slip and falls, leaving the facility, simply not caring, etc.)

How to Identify the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Elder Abuse:

▷ Staff advising of Self-Harming/Self-Abuse
▷ Depression
▷ Mood Instability
▷ Personality Changes
▷ Poor Hygiene
▷ Financial Inconsistencies/Problems
▷ Missing Money
▷ Malnutrition
▷ Extreme Weight Loss
▷ Severe Dehydration
▷ Bed Sores
▷ Orthopedic Fractures
▷ Unexplained Injuries or Bruises
▷ Missing Valuables
▷ Prolonged Isolation or Abandonment

What to Do if Your Loved One is Showing Signs of Elder Abuse or Neglect

If you suspect your elder is being abused, neglected, or mistreated at their assisted living center, your first step is to contact a seasoned and trusted Indiana nursing home neglect lawyer to learn your rights and best course of action. They have the resources and experience to implement proper investigation, information gathering, and questioning that will lead to proving fault and damages. You could obtain substantial compensation for your loved one’s losses, including pain and suffering and mental anguish. You should always take photos and keep notes on names of persons involved, dates and issues to go over with your attorney.

Are you ready to obtain justice for your abused or neglected loved one? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients all throughout the state, and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you.

You Should Read:

FAQS Regarding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Are Bed Rails a Safety Concern for the Elderly?
Fractured Hip Injuries and Elderly Slip and Fall Accidents

Can I Sue a Spring Break Hotel After Being Injured on their Property?

Posted on March 23, 2021 by admin

Spring Break is here, and hundreds of thousands of people are planning, enjoying, or just coming home from their well-deserved vacations. When you think of going on Spring Break, you imagine a fun-filled trip chalked full of new experiences and happy memories. No one really plans on getting hurt, especially at their own hotel. As a spring break vacation hotel guest, you fully expect that your hotel will provide a safe and hazard-free environment during your stay. But accidents do happen on Spring Break; and if they happen as a result of hotel negligence, injured victims should be fully and fairly compensated for their damages and losses.

If you were recently injured on hotel property as a result of their negligence, you may be entitled to a settlement to cover your damages. Continue reading to learn the basics of hotel accident liability, and how to determine if you have a strong case.

Spring Break Hotel Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Hotel Accidents and Premises Liability

Right now, hotel traffic and occupancy are high, especially in popular vacation spots like Florida and New Orleans. The majority of hotels and hotel chains in these tourist areas are properly managed and maintain strict internal safety codes for the security of their guests, visitors, and staff. Such hotels stay current on all building codes, regular inspections, and routine maintenance, ensuring that everyone in and around their premises are safe and protected against foreseeable hazards. But unfortunately, not all hotels uphold this duty of care, leaving many Spring Breakers wrongfully injured in a hotel accident this time of year. Even the most professional and esteemed hotels sometimes do not use reasonable care, making them liable for a person’s injuries in the case of an accident.

Common Types of Hotel Accidents

Hotels are built in a way that can pose a long list of possible hazards and accidents, from balconies and stairwells to fire systems, swimming pools, slip and falls, food poisoning, assault, theft, and even tea kettles and unsafe furniture. With so many amenities, activities, and structures around, the possible ways of getting hurt are virtually infinite.

❖ Balconies and Stairwells – Dangerous and defective railing, lighting, and other structural integrity issues are common causes of hotel negligence that can lead to victims falling off of balconies or down stairwells.

❖ Swimming Pools and Pool Decks – Drowning accidents at hotels happen and swimming pools can also pose several other types of dangers, such as head and neck injuries, spinal injuries, orthopedic injuries, and slip and fall injuries.

❖ Slip and Falls – There are many slip and fall hazards that can cause serious injuries to hotel guests and visitors, such as wet floors, un-level walking surfaces, torn carpeting, poorly-lit staircases, damaged curbs and steps, and much more.

❖ Defective or Broken Items – Furniture, small appliances, and other items in a hotel can also be the cause of a wrongful injury to a guest, such as a broken shower rail, defective tea kettle, faulty electrical wiring, irons, steamers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and more.

❖ Criminal Activity – Hotels are supposed to provide a safe environment for their occupants and staff. They should take the proper precautions to prevent common spring break hotel criminal activity like theft and assault.

Premises Liability Law

Hotels are legally required to use reasonable care to keep their occupants and staff protected from foreseeable hazards and unsafe environments on their premises, including indoors, outdoors, shuttles, and parking lots. If they fail to uphold this legal duty of care, they can be held responsible in a premises liability lawsuit. If a person, guest, employee, or otherwise, is injured on their property as a result of the hotel’s failure to reasonably maintain safe premises, victims can sue the hotel and recover compensation for their damages and losses. Common personal injury damages include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Were you seriously hurt in your hotel on spring break?

Contact the accident attorneys at Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. for professional personal injury claim representation you can trust. We serve clients in Indianapolis and all throughout Indiana. Call us at 888-881-2700 or 317-881-2700. If the injury or death occurs outside Indiana, our law firm will work hand in hand with a well respected law firm in whatever state the injury or death occurs in to assure that our clients have the best representation in both states.

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What are Future Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?

Posted on November 13, 2020 by admin

After the wrongful death of a family member, damages awarded in a personal injury claim are meant to cover any losses that resulted from the family’s loss. There are many different types of losses that a family can suffer as a result of a wrongful death, from medical expenses and hospital bills, to funeral costs, loss of pension, loss of social security benefits, and much more. If you have just recently lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn your rights to pursuing legal action against the negligent party or parties and their insurance carriers. You and your family could be entitled to certain future damages.

Continue below to review what future damages are and where to find trusted legal counsel near you.

Indianapolis Indiana Wrongful Death Lawyer 317-881-2700

Wrongful Death Claims

In a wrongful death case, certain family member s can file a claim for compensation to cover their direct losses, such as medical bills and funeral costs. These are easily calculated because they are direct financial payments that were made as a result of wrongly losing a family member. However, many families of wrongful death victims will qualify for other types of damages, such as future damages, which can be more difficult to quantify, yet deserve compensation, nonetheless.

Future Damages and Present Value

The most common future damages awarded in wrongful death cases are loss of future wages, loss of retirement benefits, and loss of pension. These damages can be calculated, and then added to a current settlement in present value. Present value is the total amount of compensation for current and future losses, but in today’s dollar value. Fifty years ago, a dollar had more value than it does today, so the same principal applies to present value calculations. Present value estimations must take into consideration certain factors in order to develop an accurate amount of compensation, such as interest rates, tax credits, inflation, and similar economic influences.

Such legal concepts are not easily understood by anyone not in the legal profession. It is important to discuss all of your questions and concerns with an Indiana personal injury attorney who specializes in wrongful death claims. We have the knowledge, skills, and professional resources to explain your case in a language someone can easily understand. If you have a good case, we will work hard to recover the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim.

Indiana Wrongful Death Lawyers Who Will Obtain the Settlement Your Loved One Would Want You to Have

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced wrongful death lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after losing a loved one in a wrongful accident. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.

Will I Be Compensated for PTO and Sick Days in My Personal Injury Claim?

Posted on July 10, 2020 by admin

After being injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be forced to miss work as your recover. In fact, you may be forced to use your Personal Time Off (PTO) or accrued sick days to maintain your employment while also maintain a stream of income during your recovery. Is this fair, though? Many personal injury victims want to know if they can include their lost wages, as well as their PTO, as part of their claim.

Continue reading to learn the answer, as well as, some important information about collecting general damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Whether you are taking days of from work for rest, doctor’s appointments, or medical treatments and therapies, the law says you can include PTO and sick days into your personal injury claim. In fact, victims are likely to be compensated for such losses, including lost wages and income, PTO, sick days. To understand just how victims might be eligible for receiving compensation for their lost wages and personal time off, it helps to understand economic damages. You see, in a personal injury claim, the losses suffered by the claimant are referred to as “damages”, which can be either economic or non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are financial losses that can be calculated. Losses that can be defined by an actual dollar amount and redeemed through financial compensation include hospital bills (i.e. hospitalization, ambulance transport, anesthesia, emergency room services, surgeries, doctor care, x-rays, MRI’s, etc.), medical expenses (i.e. physical therapy, medical equipment, medication, etc.) lost wages from time off work, property damages, lost benefits from spouses death (i.e. insurance, veterans benefits, etc.), in-home nurse, and anything else that was a direct financial loss to the victim or their family.

In contrast, non-economic damages are more difficult to assign a dollar amount to because they are not tangible monetary losses. Examples of non-economic losses include pain and suffering, mental anguish or illness (i.e. depression, anxiety, etc.), loss of companionship (i.e., wrongful death, brain damage to a loved one, paralysis of a loved one that changes or limits the relationship, etc.), long-term medical care or medication dependencies, diminished quality of life, permanent disabilities, loss of ability to work, and more.

PTO Compensation

Since Personal Time Off is an exact number, it can be calculated, and therefore, categorized as an economic damage. This means that personal injury victims can include PTO, as well as all other types of lost wages, as part of their accident claim. If you had to use your personal time off to recover from a personal injury, you were forced to take a loss that you didn’t intend on taking, making you eligible for such compensation. Your only duty is to ensure that you can prove it through valid documentation, including doctor’s orders, statements from your employer, medical appointments, and more.

Talk to a Trusted Indiana Personal Injury Attorney for Advice Regarding Your Accident Claim

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