Most Common Injuries Caused By a Rear-End Car Accident

Posted on October 28, 2019 by admin

Car accident victims can experience a wide range of injuries, but certain kinds of motor vehicle accidents tend to render the same or similar types of injuries. This seems to be the case with rear-end car accidents, which are one of the most common types of car accidents in the country. Continue reading to learn what some of the most common types of rear-end car accident injuries, and what you can do to ensure you receive the full and fair settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700 — Rear End Car Accident Lawyer 317-881-2700

Car Accident Injuries

Although airbags, anti-lock brake systems, rear-view cameras, blind spot detection, and other motor vehicle safety systems are always being improved in the automotive design and manufacturing industry, they are not always enough to fully protect drivers and passengers from all car accident injuries. Injuries from car accidents range from minor, such as minor stiffness and body aches, to catastrophic, such as paraplegia and death.

Rear-End Car Accidents

When one car collides into the back bumper of another car, this is known as a rear-end car accident. These accidents often happen when a vehicle is tailing another, or driving too close and because the following driver is simply not paying attention. It also frequently occurs in situations in stop-and-go traffic and traffic jams, at stop lights and stop signs, and left-turn intersections. In such cases, the drivers and passengers inside the struck vehicle are the ones who tend to experience more serious injuries.

Front seat passengers are prone to blunt force impact on the steering wheel, dashboard, windows, and windshield. These impacts can cause injuries to the face, chest, neck, knees, and more. Passengers in the backseat of a vehicle that is rear-ended can also face a long list of injuries as a result of sudden forward and backward thrusting, and impact to the headrests, windows, front seats, or other objects inside a vehicle.

Common Car Accident Injuries

One of the most common rear-end car accident injuries is whiplash, which results from a person being thrust forward and thrown backward upon impact of the rear-ending vehicle. See our blog, “What You Should Know About Whiplash Personal Injury Claims” to learn more about the onset of injuries concerning whiplash. Another common injury from rear-end accidents are dermal burns. Airbags are triggered to deploy upon a rear-end impact, thus causing front-seat passengers to experience burns from the airbag propellant.

Additional Injuries Common With Rear-Ending Accidents:

☑ Airbag Burns
☑ Lethargy/Fatigue
☑ Stiffness and pain in Neck, Back, and Shoulders
☑ Body Aches and Pains
☑ Headaches and Migraines
☑ Orthopedic Injuries
☑ Spinal Injuries
☑ Concussions
☑ Head Injuries
☑ Brain Injuries

Onset of Injuries

Not everyone experiences symptoms of injuries immediately following a car accident. Sometimes symptoms do not appear for days, weeks, or months later. This is a medical phenomenon known as on-set of injury. See our blog, “Do Not Assume That You are Not Hurt After an Accident” to learn more. It is helpful to contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your rights to recovering damages after suffering losses following a car accident. They have the knowledge and experience to give you personalized advice for your unique case.

Were You Injured in a Rear-End Car Accident in Indiana?

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis car accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

What To Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Posted on October 25, 2019 by admin

When you suspect misconduct or abuse in your loved one’s care facility, it is important to take action fast before any more harm can be done. But many people are insure how to investigate or report nursing home abuse to the proper authorities.

If you are concerned that a loved one is being mistreated or neglected at their live-in care facility, continue reading to learn how to spot the signs, where to report your concerns, and what legal options you might have for recovering compensation for your and your loved one’s damages and losses.

Indianapolis Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers 317-881-2700

Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home and live-in care facility abuse can come in many forms and in various environments. However, virtually all forms of nursing home abuse fall into one or more of four primary categories: financial abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. Within these primary categories lies a long list of possible misconducts and neglectful actions.

Most often, neglect plays a major role in all these situations; and although it can also come in many forms, neglect is basically a failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and/or health care for a resident. It is also important to note that such situations of live-in care facility neglect can happen to non-elderly individuals, such as those with mental and physical handicaps and special needs.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

According to a study conducted and documented by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) in 2000, of all the nursing home residents surveyed, 44% claimed they had experienced some form of abuse or maltreatment within the past 12 months. In the same study, more than 95% of the residents interviewed stated they have witnessed some form of neglect or suffered neglect themselves within the past year. Even more troubling, the National Center on Elder Abuse also reported that 1 out of 24 cases of nursing home neglect and abuse are actually reported.

Signs of Nursing Home Mistreatment

There are numerous signs to look out for if you suspect that a resident is being mistreated or neglected in some way at their live-in care facility. Signs of physical or sexual abuse are easier to identify, as they often come in the form of bruises, wounds, broken bones, depression, fear, anxiety, social withdrawal, and even unexplained sexually transmitted diseases. Mental and emotional abuse are a bit more challenging to spot unless you take a closer look. Signs of emotional abuse can reveal itself in the form of fear, anxiety, depression, mood swings, lack of energy, withdrawal from social circles, and similar uncharacteristic changes in behavior.

Signs of financial abuse and exploitation can also come in many forms. If a care giver withholds affordable amenities and comforts in their dwelling, or has control over one’s finances but fails to provide for their ward, it is a form of abuse. Other signs a victim might show include uncharacteristically excessive gift-giving, financial payouts for companionship, signing over power of attorney or will without understanding the transaction, and similar actions.

Basic neglect entails conditions and actions such as:

Failure to provide…

► Basic hygiene or appropriate clothing;
► Appropriate clothing;
► Nutritional food;
► Medical aids (i.e. Glasses, cane, walker, dentures, hearing aid, or medications);
► Clean and safe dwelling;
► Adequate facilities (i.e. kitchen appliances, HVAC, plumbing, electricity)

Actions such as….

► Leaving a resident with dementia unsupervised;
► Confining a resident in bed without care;
► Not treating bed sores or pressure ulcers;

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse

If you feel that your loved one’s situation or condition is an emergency, contact 911 right away.

If you strongly suspect that your loved one is not being adequately cared for in their nursing home or live-in care facility, your first priority is to get in touch with a professional who can represent your family’s best interests. You can choose to contact Adult Protective Services (APS), or visit the National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence website for a list of elder abuse reporting hotlines in Indiana. You also have the option of using the U.S. Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator, which can connect you to services for elder care and more.

Once you know your loved one is safe, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for information on your rights to recovering compensation for your damages and losses, such as medical bills, hospital expenses, lost wages, prolonged therapy, restitution, and more.

Indiana Elder Abuse Lawyers You Can Trust

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed Indiana nursing home neglect lawyer about your loved one’s live-in care facility conditions and experiences. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are well-versed and experienced in elder abuse law. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and determine if you are entitled to remuneration for your family’s damages. Also, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

How to Get Started On Your Indiana Personal Injury Claim

Posted on October 18, 2019 by admin

Were you recently injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, you are right to fight for the fair compensation you are owed for your pain, suffering, damages, and more. Continue reading to learn exactly which steps to take to get started on your Indiana personal injury claim.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700

In order to document a strong and impactful case identifying your total damages and losses after suffering a serious injury caused by someone else, it is vital to retain proper legal counsel. There are hundreds of personal injury lawyers to choose from, all of whom differ in education, knowledge, experience, ambition, skill, and more. Your first priority when filing a personal injury claim is to hire a seasoned accident attorney who has the necessary credentials and experience to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve.

Simply go straight to the leaders in Indiana accident law. Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover & Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700, right now.

Our knowledgeable and motivated accident lawyers provide the most comprehensive and effective legal representation for seriously injured victims and their families in Indiana. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial stress that follows a catastrophic accident or serious injury. We can clearly guide you through the complex legal issues that surround your personal injury lawsuit in a way that is most comfortable for you. We encourage our clients to heal and recover in their personal lives while we handle all aspects of their personal injury claim. You have enough to worry about and your attorneys should be taking some of the stress of the entire situation away.

Our personal injury attorneys have for decades successfully recovered fair and generous compensation for personal injury damages, including past, current, and future ones, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, hospital bills, funeral expenses, mental anguish, loss of ability to work, pain medication dependencies, loss of love or companionship, lost earnings, loss of benefits, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, diminished quality of life, exemplary damages, and much more.

How to Get Started on Your Claim Today

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have a focus on accident law and retain extensive trial and litigation experience. 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.

Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Accident Claims

Posted on October 14, 2019 by admin

Traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, can have devastating and permanent effects on a victim, and their immediate families. If you were recently injured in an accident that involved injury to your head, neck, spine, or brain, it is vital that you seek medical attention right away, followed by experienced legal guidance. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and much more.

Continue reading to learn some basic facts regarding traumatic brain injuries, as well as, the recommended legal recourse for anyone who has been wrongly, negligently, or willfully injured by another party.

Indiana Brain Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Trauma to the Brain

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged as a result of sudden, impact to the head or sudden changes in velocity to a person’s head where the brain can hit the inside of the skull. When the brain is injured in this way, it can lead to irreversible physical damage, as well as mental and emotional damages. The onset of TBI symptoms can appear immediately, or develop slowly overtime. Common signs and symptoms of traumatic brain damage includes severe headaches, migraines, seizures, vomiting, blurry vision, memory loss, sensitivity to light, paralysis and changes in personality.

TBI Statistics

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 50 percent of traumatic brain injuries result from car accidents. One common car accident injury that has been linked to traumatic brain damage is whiplash. Whiplash is the result of a sudden distortion of the neck, usually following some sort of impact. In the case of a car accident, the impact of a vehicle colliding into another vehicle is an event that could result in whiplash, and ultimately, a TBI. Construction site accidents, slip and falls, and deliberate assaults are other potential causes of a TBI.

Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of a TBI, seek medical care immediately. Your health and safety are your number one priority. If you or someone you love was injured as a result of another’s negligence, your next priority should be to protect your rights to compensation for your subsequent damages and losses. To do so, contact a seasoned personal injury attorney to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and the best course of action for your claim. While recovering medically from a TBI, a personal injury lawyer can represent your interests to ensure you are paid the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Indiana Brain Injury Lawyers

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your potential Indiana brain injury claim with a licensed accident attorney you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started on your path to financial recovery with a simple phone call to our Indianapolis brain injury lawyers, today. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident

Posted on October 11, 2019 by admin

Road safety is something that should be practiced and appreciated all year long. Now that summer is coming to a close, Hoosiers will soon be facing more inclement weather conditions, such as fog, wind, rain, snow, and ice. For this reason, now is the perfect time to review some of the most important road safety tips to better help you and those you love avoid serious car accidents.

Motor vehicle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries and damages, especially when they involve infants, young children, and elderly individuals. As we all know, some car accidents can even be fatal, which is why it is so important to remember driver and road safety at all times when operating a vehicle. Not only will this help protect yourself, it will also better protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.

Continue reading to learn the top 5 ways you and your loved ones can achieve this level of safety and assurance while driving.

Five Tips to Prevent Car Accidents

❶ Adhere to All Traffic Laws and Regulations

Not only should you obey all traffic rules, it is important to also adhere to all driving laws, including wearing seat-belts, maintaining an active and good-standing drivers’ license, license plates, automotive insurance, car lights and maintenance, tags, and more.

❷ Drive Sober and Clear-Headed

One of the most critical parts of road safety is to always drive sober. Never operate a vehicle after consuming drugs or alcohol; this includes OTC medications that can make you drowsy. In fact, an equally important rule is to never drive when sleepy. Fatigued driving is a top cause of serious car accidents, so be sure you are always rested and clear-headed before getting behind the wheel.

❸ Do Not Text and Drive

Never, under any circumstances, use your phone for texting while also operating a vehicle. Do not read emails nor text messages, and never attempt to text or send messages. Texting and driving is one of the current top causes for serious and fatal car accidents in the country. When you take your eyes off the road, even for a second, YOU ARE DRIVING BLIND. And the truth is, you do not have the right to drive a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds without looking. Please educate other drivers about this vital safety rule.

❹ Never Follow Too Close

When operating a vehicle, always keep the appropriate distance between the car in front of you. One of the most common causes of rear end accidents, is following too closely. If the driver in front of you has to suddenly brake, you need enough time to notice and react, safely.

❺ Use Caution With Left Turns

Turning left, whether at an intersection or onto a street, can be dangerous if someone is not paying attention. Even if you have the right-away, be sure to always use extra caution when making a left turn. You never know when another driver decides to run a yellow or red light. Furthermore, be sure to only make a left turn if you are clear to do so.

Hurt in a Car Accident?

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help filing a car accident injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. We represent serious injured and wrongful death clients throughout the State of Indiana. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim.

Basics of Indiana Personal Injury Laws

Posted on October 4, 2019 by admin

When someone is injured in an accident through the fault of another person or entity, you would think they would naturally expect to be compensated for their damages and losses that result from the accident. However, many accident victims are hesitant to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, or even hire an attorney at all.

Many are under the impression that they will heal quickly, while others feel a false sense of confidence that the defendant’s insurance company will treat them fairly. As a result, these kinds of victims fail to make a personal injury claim within their state’s statute of limitations, or at all for that matter, and consequently miss out on their rights to compensation.

This unfortunate situation mostly occurs due to lack of knowledge about the rules, deadlines and trusting a defendant’s insurance company. To be clear, a defendant’s insurance carrier does not owe any duties to a person injured through the conduct of their insured. They are a business, interested in making money like all businesses.

For these reasons, is vital for all personal injury victims to be properly informed of their legal rights to recovering compensation for their damages and losses following a serious injury or accident. The best course of action is to immediately consult with an experienced accident attorney who can give you the information you need regarding your unique case.

In the meantime, review some of the basic terms, statutes, and processes of Indiana personal injury laws for a better understanding of what to expect at your initial consultation with your lawyer.

Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Personal Injury, Defined

A personal injury occurs when an innocent victim suffers damages and losses as a result of someone else’s negligence. A person, group, company, or organization can all be at-fault parties in a personal injury case. If found liable, at-fault parties are ordered to pay compensation for the victim’s damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

The at-fault parties insurance carriers then pay the verdicts against their insureds. Keep in mind that an injury can be physical, mental, or emotional. Common examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, medical malpractice, slip and falls, dog bites, workplace accidents, trucking accidents and wrongful deaths.

Statute of Limitations

Every state has a set time limit in which an injured person can bring about a claim, or file a lawsuit in civil court, against another party. Here in Indiana, the standard stature of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years. If a personal injury victim fails to pursue a claim within this time period, they lose their opportunity to do so, forever.

Additional Time Limits

If a personal injury victim is bringing about a claim against a municipal party, such as a city or county, they have only 180 days to file a tort claims notice. A timely “filed” tort claims notice is required before a lawsuit and claim may be filed against a city or county. If an injured victim is pursuing a personal injury claim against a state government agency, the tort claims notice filing period extends to 270 days from the date of the accident. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn more. Again, because of the significant time limitations, you should immediately hire an attorney after your injury.

Comparative Fault Rule

Indiana uses the comparative fault rule, which divides the amount of fault among each person involved in an accident. In the situation that an injured victim is partly at-fault for the accident and their subsequent injuries, the law might apply the comparative fault legal principle and assign a percentage of liability to the injured victim. For example, if a pedestrian ignores pedestrian traffic signals, and is then hit by a driver who is intoxicated, both could be found to be at-fault. See our blog, “Who is Liable When a Driver Hits a Pedestrian?” to learn more.

Car Accident Claims

When it comes to car accident claims, Indiana is an “at-fault” state, which means injured car accident victims are allotted certain legal recourse to collect compensation for their damages. They may file a claim with their personal insurance carrier, file a claim with the other driver’s insurance carrier (known as a “third-party claim”), or file a lawsuit to seek damages. See our blog, “Auto Insurance Terms You Need to Know as a Car Accident Victim” to learn more.

How to Get Started on a Personal Injury Claim

Call the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are motivated to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a serious accident. We represent injured people throughout the State of Indiana. Best of all, we only collect lawyer fees if we obtain a settlement for you!

Common Examples of Negligent Supervision of Employees

Posted on October 1, 2019 by admin

Making a claim for negligent supervision is a common legal remedy used to compensate victims who were seriously injured or killed as a result of another’s failure to uphold their legal responsibility to carefully supervise a person. Those who are often given such responsibility over others include teachers, coaches, daycare providers, babysitters, youth group leaders, camp counselors, foster parents, nannies, and even custodial and non-custodial parents.

Although most cases of negligent supervision involve children and the elderly, it is possible for an employer to have similar liability for their staffs. Continue reading to learn some examples of employer negligent supervision, including what you should do if you are a victim of such carelessness.

Negligent Supervision Lawyer 317-881-2700

Negligent Supervision of Employees

Negligent supervision of employees occurs when an employer or manager fails to ensure that their staff is properly adhering to all company policies, regulations, and safety standards. This responsibility includes avoiding wrongful behaviors themselves, as well as preventing wrongful actions of their employees. If an employer does not take the proper steps or precautions to ensure these standards, and as a result, an employee or customer is injured, they can be held liable for all damage and losses resulting from the accident under the legal principle of negligent supervision.

Examples of Employee Negligent Supervision:

❖ An employer fails to provide and ensure proper training for jobs that require using dangerous weapons, chemicals, tools, or machinery. Also if they fail to properly supervise the use of such objects.

❖ An employer allows or ignores sexual advances or harassment of another employee.

❖ An employer allows an employee to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

❖ An employer is responsible for monitoring an employee that works from a satellite office or at home, and that employee is conducting company-related scams or personal scams on company time or while using company property.

❖ An employer chooses to ignore acts of violence or threats in the workplace, or dismisses complaints from co-workers about such behavior.

❖ An employer allows a convicted child sex offender to be alone with minors.

Proving Negligence

As a victim of an accident that resulted from someone else’s disregard to supervise, you have the burden of proving their negligence. There are four elements to proving negligence in a personal injury case. It must be proven that:

➊ The defendant had a duty of care, or legal obligation to monitor the victim.

➋ The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care.

➌ The failure to uphold their duty of care caused the victim to suffer damages.

➍ The injury that occurred as a result of employer negligence was reasonably foreseeable.

In most situations, if a victim can prove that all four of these elements are true, they likely have a basis for a negligent supervision claim. Always talk to a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer for advice on pursing a claim for negligent supervision. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.

Indianapolis Negligent Supervision Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

Were You Injured Because Someone Ran a Red Light?

Posted on September 27, 2019 by admin

Whether on foot or in a vehicle, being injured by a negligent driver who ran a red light can entitle you to certain compensation. Continue reading to learn more about red light car accidents, and what you can do if you have suffered damages and losses as a result of someone’s reckless or negligent driving.

Red and Yellow Traffic Lights

Here in Indiana, there are laws that strictly prohibit drivers from running red lights. When approaching a red light, drivers are obligated under law to make a complete stop. If turning right at a red light, a driver must make a complete stop, and yield to oncoming traffic with caution before making the turn.

However, this turn is illegal if there are signs that say “no turn on red.” If a red light is flashing, drivers are obligated to make a complete stop, and then proceed as if the light were a stop sign. As for a solid yellow light, Indiana allows drivers to enter into an intersection so long as the light is still yellow, but drivers may not do so after the light turns red.

When it comes to protecting pedestrians, Indiana law states, “(…) vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall stop at a clearly marked stop line. However, if there is no clearly marked stop line, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no crosswalk, vehicular traffic shall stop before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until an indication to proceed is shown.” See IC § 9-21-3-7 for precise details regarding traffic laws and red lights in Indiana.

Penalties for Running a Red Light

As for a person’s driving record, running a red light can render a traffic offense fine up to $100 for those caught on an automatic camera. For those who are pulled over and ticketed, fines can reach and exceed $100, and also add 6 points to a drivers’ license. Penalties for running a red light drastically increase if the action causes an accident that leaves a person physically injured.

In this case, not only can a driver face state penalties, such as fines and points on their license, they can also face civil penalties if a victim wishes to make a personal injury claim against them. A common legal concept known as negligence per se can be applied to such cases of red light car accidents and injuries.

Negligence Per Se Car Accident Claims

Negligence per se are “cause of action” claims that propose a person acted negligently and caused harm to another by violating a law that is enacted to protect people for a specific reason. Traffic light laws are a perfect example of laws set in place to protect the public. If a person were to ignore a red light, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and as a result, they cause an accident that harms another person, they can be held liable for all damages and losses under negligence per se laws because their negligence can be conclusively established. In worse case scenarios, if an accident causes a fatality, a driver can also possibly face criminal charges, such as vehicular manslaughter.

Where to Get Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you. We represent seriously injured people throughout the State of Indiana.

Can You Sue a Jail for the Death of an Inmate?

Posted on September 24, 2019 by admin

Over the summer, a mother lost her son to an untreated case of appendicitis in an Oklahoma jail. Was it the jail’s fault? Did she sue the jail for negligence? Continue reading to find out.

Indianapolis Wrongful Death Lawyers 317-881-2700

An Inmate Dies From Appendicitis

In an Oklahoma prison this past May, a 21 year old inmate by the name of Joshua England lost his life as a result of a burst appendix; and with only 90 days left on his 348-day sentence. It all started when he began experiencing severe stomach aches. Concerned and suffering, he visited the jail’s infirmary 5 days a week or more to find relief, but the jail’s medical staff failed to find anything wrong with him at each visit.

His symptoms continued to worsen, eventually (and quickly) evolving into more serious and tell-tale symptoms, including shortness of breath, rectal bleeding, and blood in his vomit. These are all signs of acute appendicitis. He even wrote letters to the medical staff with statements like, “”My stomach hurts so bad”, and “It’s hard to breath (sic) and sleep. I can’t eat that makes the pain worse.”

Antibiotics can easily treat patients so long as the appendicitis is caught in the early stages. But once an appendix bursts, emergency surgery is required, or death is imminent. Since the medical staff at the jail continued to ignore his suffering, only offering him Pepto-Bismol, laxatives, and ibuprofen as treatment, his appendix finally burst, causing him to die while experiencing horrifying abdominal pain.

Lawsuits for Such Cases

In the case of Joshua England, his mother did bring about a lawsuit asserting that the jail staff failed to acknowledge his need for serious medical treatment. However, the lawsuit also alleged that cameras were brought into the jail clinic to document his refusal of treatment. It said he also signed a waiver to make his refusal official. The result of the case is unknown, as the lawsuit is still pending.

☛ Read more about the actual case on Oklahoma’s News 4.

Questions About Indiana Wrongful Death Claims?

When a wrongful death occurs, there are several scenarios and variables that influence the validity of a lawsuit. It is important to discuss your potential case with a seasoned accident and injury attorney who can provide personalized guidance unique to your loss. Furthermore, it is important to take action now, as there are statutes of limitations that restricts the amount time person has to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party.

Indiana Wrongful Death Lawyers

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and learn more about wrongful death cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with an experienced Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer, today. We represent the families of persons killed as a result of someone else’s negligence throughout the State of Indiana.

How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

Posted on September 20, 2019 by admin

Were you recently injured in a car accident while driving your company-appointed vehicle? If so, it is imperative that you discuss your case with a seasoned car accident attorney who can help you get on track to a full and fair financial recovery. After all, you are likely concerned about paying for your hospital bills and medical expenses, as well as, losing money out of your paycheck while in recovery. You might also be worried about your own liability for vehicular damages.

In this confusing time, your best course of action as a victim of a company car accident is to sit down with a legal professional to learn what you need to know about the potential workers’ compensation and car accident claims.

Continue reading for advice on moving forward with a company vehicle accident claim in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Car Accident/Workers' Compensation Attorneys — Indiana Car Accident/Workers’ Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700

At the Scene of the Accident

When you were at the scene of the accident, hopefully you exchanged all necessary insurance and contact information with all other drivers involved, and took pictures or video of the accident site. This information will likely be used as evidence to support your claim for compensation when it comes time to negotiate a settlement. If you received medical attention at the scene of the accident, this record can also be used to argue your case. Always, always, always call the police and wait at the scene for the police to show up and write a report.

After the Accident Scene

If your injuries were not evident at first, but are now beginning to appear, you are experiencing an onset of injury, which is common among car accident victims. See our blog, “Did I Forfeit My Right to Compensation By Saying I Wasn’t Injured at the Time of the Accident?” to learn more about these types of claims. In this case, be sure to see a doctor immediately. Have them diagnose your injuries and treat them accordingly. And be sure to follow all doctors’ instructions during your recovery.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being injured in a company car accident, your only priority should be to heal. That is why you need a licensed and experienced personal injury attorney who focuses on workers’ compensation and car accident cases. They will handle all aspects of your claim, and ensure you obtain a full and fair settlement. All you have to do is rest and recover from your injuries. Be sure to hire a lawyer before discussing any details of the car accident with anyone.