Can I Make a Food Poisoning Personal Injury Claim?

Posted on May 9, 2019 by admin

Did you recently experience a traumatic fit of food poisoning at a local restaurant? If so, you may feel quite betrayed by the establishment since their duty is to ensure their food is safe to consume. For this reason, you may feel compelled to make a personal injury claim and recover compensation for your hospital bills, medical expenses, and the wages you lost from missing work due to your illness. However, in order for food poisoning to be a valid claim, certain facts must be in order.

Continue reading to learn more about this particular food borne illness, and how it might lead to a valid personal injury case or claim.

A person gets foodborne illnesses by ingesting either food or beverage that has been contaminated with bacteria, parasites, virus, or toxins. This is generally a result of poor or improper growing, shipping, or handling of food products. Common types of illnesses contracted in this way include E. Coli, Hepatitis A, Listeria, Salmonella, Botulism, Norovirus, and Campylobacter.

Foodborne illnesses like this can cause a person several types of damages, from lost wages at work, to medical bills, and more. So when a person suffers from this type of illnesses after eating out at a restaurant or another person’s home, you can understand why there is a relative question regarding personal injury claims as well.

Severity of Illness

The severity of the affects largely influences the chances of having a valid personal injury claim for food poisoning. The standard symptoms of eating tainted food include nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, and diarrhea; while more serious cases include symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, loss of speech, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dehydration, and in rare cases, even death.

The less serious cases of food borne illness are not likely great candidates for an injury claim, since these can be treated with ample fluids and rest. The body will simply eliminate everything and then fluids can be restored. This usually takes around one to three days.

More severe cases might involve doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medication, prolonged rehabilitation, time off work, and more. This is where a licensed personal injury lawyer can come into play, and help victims recover full and fair compensation for their damages.

Legal Claims

If you or a loved one becomes ill from eating food at a professional establishment or another person’s home, it is important to deal with the health concerns first. Once you are treated by a licensed medical professional, be sure to follow all instructions handed down from them. It is also helpful to save the contaminated food for testing, if possible. It is recommended to keep a daily journal detailing your symptoms and struggles.

Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers Who Can Help

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 experiencing a severe food-borne illness in a local restaurant. Call 317-881-2700 to get started today.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

Posted on May 7, 2019 by admin

After being hurt in a car accident, it is normal to have a lot of questions, especially when it comes to making a claim for compensation. One of the most common inquiries asked by car accident victims has to do with the amount of time it takes to settle a motor vehicle accident claim. This comes as no surprise considering victims need to cover the cost of their damages and losses, like hospital bills and lost wages from work.

If you were injured in a car accident and require assistance with a claim, talk to a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer who specifies in car accident cases. They will guide you down the road to financial recovery. In the meantime, continue reading to learn what to expect from your pending or potential car accident claim, including how long it might take to recover a settlement.

Car Accident Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Car Accident Case Time Table

There are infinite factors that influence how long it takes to settle a car accident claim, making such time tables challenging to predict, as they vary greatly from case to case. While some car accident cases are clear-cut when it comes to economic recovery, others are not, and require more litigation, and thus, more time. You can expect a standard, clear-cut car accident case to take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, while more complex cases can take double, or event triple that amount of time. In some cases, no settlement is ever reached.

Top Factors That Influence Case Timing:

Extent of Injuries
Level of Damages Requested
Type/Size of Insurance Company
Internal Claims Process of Insurance Company
Unclear Liability
Inadequate Evidence
Aptitude of Legal Representation

Talk to a Lawyer Right Away

If you want to learn more about your rights to compensation or making a claim after being injured in a car accident, your best course of action right now would be to consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer who concentrates on car accident claims. They can evaluate your case and provide the proper counsel for your claim. Because of all the factors that come into play in a car accident case, you will be in good hands with

Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. are experienced Indianapolis car accident attorneys ready to help car accident victims and clients learn more about their rights following a serious accident. By acting fast and calling our Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm, you can avoid encountering delays or problems from waiting too long to file suit. Contact us today at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed car accident attorney in Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

See a Doctor if You Experience These 6 Delayed Car Accident Symptoms

Posted on May 3, 2019 by admin

After being involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to see a doctor immediately to confirm, treat, and record any subsequent injuries. However, car accident injuries are tricky since they can show up right away, days later, or both. In the case that you experience any delayed injuries or symptoms after a car accident, it is vital that you go back to the doctor for more medical care. Some delayed car accident symptoms can be indications of something much more serious.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 delayed car accident symptoms that should always be taken seriously.

Headache

Headaches are a common symptom of various circumstances. From allergies and the common cold, to loud noises, stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep, headaches are generally nothing to be too concerned about. However, experiencing debilitating or ongoing headaches after a car accident is something to pay attention to. It could be a sign of whiplash, concussion, blood clots, or even brain damage. See a doctor right away if this happens to you.

Neck/Shoulder Pain

Neck and shoulder pain is another common delayed car accident symptom that should always be taken seriously. Although it is normal to feel a little sore after a car accident, even a minor one, experiencing persistent or worsening neck and shoulder pain could be a sign of whiplash or spinal injuries. Call your doctor and set an appointment if your neck and shoulders are very painful.

Back Pain

Similar to the neck and shoulder area, the muscles in the back can experience some major trauma in a car accident. A little soreness or stiffness in the back could be perfectly normal, and not much to worry about; but if back pain becomes worse or debilitating after a car accident, it could indicate whiplash, spinal injuries, or injured ligaments.

Abdominal Pain

You would not necessarily connect abdominal pain and car accident injuries together, but it happens to be a common delayed symptom. If you feel pain in your abdomen after a car accident, it could possibly mean that you have internal bleeding. Immediately go to the hospital if this happens to you.

Numbness or Bruising

Numbness and bruising are also common delayed car accident symptoms that can indicate something more serious. If you are experiencing excessive or painful numbness, bruising, or discoloration in the skin, it could be caused by a herniated disk, spinal injury, and more. Make an appointment with your doctor if this happens to you.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress after a car accident is more common in serious accidents. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or having trouble controlling your emotions, it could potentially be caused by a concussion, brain damage, or even PTSD. It is important to discuss these feelings with your doctor as soon as possible after being involved in a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

Call The Law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a car accident injury claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis car accident lawyers are ready and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you!

Vital Information for Bus Accident Victims

Posted on April 29, 2019 by admin

Victims of bus accidents, whether public or private, are protected to a certain extent in regards to the law. In fact, such protections surrounding bus accidents fall under common carrier law, as do all other forms of public transportation, including school buses, taxi cabs, subways, trolleys, cables cars, trains, boats, ferries, cruise ships, helicopters, airplanes, and even limousines in some states. If you or someone you love was recently involved in a bus accident, and has suffered serious injuries as a result, it is in your best interest to learn your rights to collecting compensation for your subsequent damages and losses.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about bus accidents, injuries, laws, and more.

Indianapolis Bus Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Common Carriers

As you might have caught on, a common carrier is considered any business that is licensed or authorized by a regulatory government body to transport people, services, or goods, and offers their services to the general public for a fee. And they can be a public or private entity. Common carrier laws are regulated on local, state, and federal levels, wherein the federal government regulates transportation of people, goods, and services across country borders, and local and state governments regulate interstate travel.

Bus Accidents and Liability

Under common carrier law, bus companies have a responsibility to maintain the safety of their passengers. In fact, common carriers have a higher-than-normal duty of care since they offer their services to the general public and charge a fee for them. They must maintain the highest level of caution possible to ensure their passengers and cargoes are safe at all times while in their care. And if a common carrier, a bus company for instance, fails to maintain this level of care, their failure can be considered negligence, which is the number one element of a personal injury case.

Bus Accident Injury Claims

There are several possibilities of a bus company demonstrating negligence. Driver negligent can include speeding, fatigued driving, intoxicated driving, disobeying traffic signals, drug use, and so forth. Company negligence can include a wide range of circumstances, such as improper or negligent bus maintenance and repair, insufficient handicap equipment, unsafe environments, inadequate training, and more. Failure to prevent or address these issues and those similar can cost a bus company a lawsuit if a passenger is injured as a result. They can be held responsible for a victim’s damages and losses that resulting from the bus accident and subsequent injuries.

Government Regulated Common Carriers

Suing the government for losses resulting from a public transportation accident can be quite complex. It is very challenging to sue a government entity because they are subject to a separate set of laws, limitations, and restrictions. But that does not mean it is impossible to recover compensation after being seriously injured in a bus accident. All you need is a licensed personal injury lawyer with extensive trial and litigation experience. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to protect your rights and obtain the fair compensation you deserve.

Indiana Bus Accident Lawyers Who Can Help

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a licensed bus accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have extensive trial and litigation experience, and can recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a bus accident. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and have your case evaluated by a knowledgeable bus accident attorney you can trust.

The Difference Between Intentional and Unintentional Torts

Posted on April 26, 2019 by admin

When it comes to tort law, negligence is the most common type of tort. Negligence is failing to use the reasonable care that a reasonably prudent person would use. You see, in our country, the law expects individuals to abide by a specific code of conduct and adhere to a legal duty to behave in a certain way in order to decrease the potentially of harming others. When individuals break this code of conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, consequences may be in order.

So what does this mean for you? If you were injured in an accident, regardless of what kind, and the accident was caused by another’s misconduct or wrongdoing or negligence, you could potentially bring about a tort claim against the at-fault party. In legalese, these are referred to as personal injury claims, which are meant to compensate victims for their losses and damages that resulted from the accident. Examples of damages and losses may include lost wages from work, medical expenses, hospital bills, pain, suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, prolonged physical therapy, permanent disfigurement, and much more.

Under civil litigation, tort law is the largest category, which governs a wide range of cases. However, under tort law, all personal injury cases fit into one of three primary categories: intentional torts, unintentional torts, and strict liability. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, as well as, who to call for trusted legal advice regarding your personal injury claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

A tort is a wrongful action or non-action that causes another person harm. In personal injury cases, the harm is usually physical, but can also be mental and emotional. A tortfeasor is the individual or entity that commits a tort, whether intentional or not. Tortfeasors can be individual people, companies, manufacturers, schools, businesses, retailers, and more. Now that you have reviewed the fundamentals of tort law, you can better understand the difference among the three primary categories. Below are brief explanations of intentional torts, unintentional torts, and strict liability.

Intentional Torts:

When an individual or entity intentionally behaves in a way that causes another person harm, it is categorized as an intentional tort. Intentional torts can come with both criminal and civil ramifications for the at-fault party, all of which vary from state to state, but may include mandated court orders, fines, restitution, probation, jail, travel restrictions, bans, money damages and more.

Common examples of intentional torts include assault, battery, defamation of character, fraud, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, conversion (taking someone else’s property and converting it to their own), trespass to chattel (interference with personal property), trespass to land (using someone’s personal property without consent), deliberate infliction of emotional distress, and more.

Unintentional Torts:

When an individual or entity unintentionally or inadvertently behaves in a way that causes another person harm, it is categorized as an unintentional tort. Unintentional torts are based around negligence, which even though can be accidental, can still be punishable under civil law. Ramifications usually involve recompense or restitution. Common examples of unintentional torts include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, dog bites, and workplace accidents.

Strict Liability:

Also referred to as “absolute” liability, this legal principle applies to individuals or entities regardless of intent, and imposes liability without the need of direct fault. The most common example of strict liability are product defect lawsuits. In such cases, the injured victim need only demonstrate that their injuries were a direct result of the defectiveness of the product to get the law on their side. Intention does not play a role in cases of strict liability.

Where to Find Trusted Legal Advice

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for trusted personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout the State of Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys work hard to ensure our clients’ rights to compensation. We offer free initial consultations to access your case and determine your eligibility for remuneration; and we never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you!

A Review of Personal Injury Claim Terms and Definitions

Posted on April 22, 2019 by admin

If you are considering making a personal injury claim in Indiana, or have already begun the process, here are some important terms and definitions that will help you understand your case. If you have questions about accident claims, contact a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury law firm for trusted advice.

Adjuster:

The adjuster is a person that is employed or hired by an insurance company to possibly settle a personal injury claim. Their primary objective is to avoid paying any sort of remuneration if possible, or pay out as little as possible.

Civil Statute of Limitations:

In all cases of filing a civil claim against another person or entity, there is a legal time limit to do so called a “statute of limitations.” In Indiana, you can find some details regarding civil statute of limitations in Title 34, Article 11, Chapter 2 of the Indiana Code book.

Claimant:

The claimant is the person filing the personal injury claim. This can be one person, the victim, or the family of a victim. Once a claim is filed in a court of law, the claimant become the plaintiff.

First Party Insurance:

As we already know, the term “party” refers to either the plaintiff side or the defendant side. Well, first party is always the plaintiff side, in particular, their insurance company. A plaintiff might file a claim with their insurance company for more money for damages or possibly an uninsured claim when the defendant does not have liability coverage.

Gross Negligence Claims:

Recklessness can be colloquially-defined as unreasonable and/or deliberate misconduct of a person. It is an act that upsets or alarms our society’s morals.

Liability:

The term liability refers to one’s obligation or responsibility. For example, if a drunk driver causes another driver injury, the drunk driver and/or their insurance company is liable for the victim’s damages. They are the ones who will pay for the injured victim’s claim.

Malfeasance:

Malfeasance is an intentional illegal action or wrongdoing that causes another person harm.

Misfeasance:

Misfeasance is a term used to describe a lawful act that is improperly performed, either by negligence or intention, causing harm to another person.

Negligence:

Almost every personal injury case is based on the legal principle of negligence. Under this principle, if a person or company’s negligent actions causes another person harm, they can be held legally responsible for the victim’s damages and losses.

Nonfeasance:

Nonfeasance is a term used to describe “a deliberate or neglectful failure to act” where action is required, that directly results in or allows another person to be harmed or injured. A person is liable or guilty of nonfeasance usually under three circumstances: 1) the person had a duty of care to the victim, 2) they failed to act on their duty of care, or 3) the act resulted in the victim’s injuries.

Party:

The term “party” refers to either the defendant’s side or the plaintiff’s side.

Personal Injury:

A personal injury is any type of harm or damage done to a person either physically, mentally, or emotionally as a result of another person or entity’s negligence. Personal injuries take place when another person or entity (i.e. people, businesses, corporations, enterprises, companies, organizations, workplaces, etc.) demonstrates carelessness or negligence in a situation that subsequently causes injury or damage to another person.

PIP Insurance:

Personal injury protection insurance is a type of medical payments coverage for drivers and passengers who are injured in a motor vehicle accident. Under this policy, all or a portion of medical expenses and hospital bills (driver and passengers) are paid for no matter who is to blame for an auto accident. No-fault accident states require this type of insurance coverage.

Third Party Claim:

Different from third party insurance, a third party claim is when a person files an additional claim against a separate entity involved in causing their injuries. For example, if a person is severely assaulted at work, they can possibly file a worker’s compensation claim (first party claim) with the company’s insurance provider, and then they can file a third party claim against the person who assaulted them at work.

Third Party Insurance:

This is a defendant’s insurance company. It is commonly the insurance companies that pay out compensations or negotiates recompense in personal injury cases.

Tort:

Torts are civil wrong-doings, or immoral behaviors and actions against civilians.

Tortfeasor:

Also referred to as the “At-Fault Party”, the tortfeasor is the actual person who was negligent and caused someone harm or damage. They can also be the defendant if they are the ones being sued. In the case of a minor, the parents might be the defendants, while the juvenile is the actual tortfeasor.

Indiana Personal Injury Law Office:

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for information about personal injury lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned accident attorneys that can fight to recover compensation for your losses. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win a settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, today.

Can I Find a Pro Bono Personal Injury Law Firm?

Posted on April 19, 2019 by admin

When facing criminal charges, the Indiana judicial system gives most defendants the choice of accepting a public defender, free of charge. In contrast, civil litigation does not offer free counsel under law, which includes personal injury cases. However, this does not mean you, as a victim of a negligent accident, would have to pay a lump sum of cash upfront for personal injury lawyer services.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about paying for accident representation in Indiana, including which Indianapolis personal injury law firm to trust with your claim.

Common Law Firm Payment Arrangements

Common payment arrangements used by lawyers include flat rates, hourly rates, retainers, and contingent fees. Flat rate fees are generally arranged for basic and simple legal services, like divorces and wills. Hourly fees are the most common payment arrangement for lawyers, and vary in price depending on the lawyer’s experience; they can be anywhere from $50 to $1,000 per hour or more, however, it varies among law firms. Retainers are used for certain cases and charged upfront before services are rendered. As clients are billed, the amount is deducted from the retainer as the case proceeds.

Contingency Fee Basis

When you begin your search for a personal injury law firm, you will likely come across the phrase, “contingency-fee basis”, which is very important to understand when setting aside a budget for a potential lawsuit. Working on contingent basically means that the lawyers do not get paid unless they recover a settlement for you. Most law firms that practice personal injury law use this pricing model. Lawyers who work on contingency will not require any upfront lawyer fees, however, you will be responsible for paying other fees, such as court costs, filing fees, and similar pecuniary obligations. However, the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. will not require up front payment of fees, court costs, etc… See our blog, “How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Accident Lawyer?” to learn more.

Paying Your Personal Injury Lawyer

When a personal injury lawyer successfully recovers a settlement, the client will then owe them for their services. The way a law firm collects their fees will vary, but most often, a pre-determined percentage is deducted from the final settlement as their payment. On contingency, if a law firm does not recover a settlement or judgment for a client, there are no attorney fees, with the exception being if the attorney obtained an offer and then the client tried to settle the case without their attorney. Normally, accident lawyers collect one third of the settlement recovered, but again, this can vary depending on the law firm and the type the case.

Where Can I Find a Contingency Fee Personal Injury Lawyer in Indiana?

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for personal injury claims in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we are successful with your claim. Call our office today to determine your eligibility for personal injury compensation in Indiana.

Should a Personal Injury Claimant Ever Accept a Low Settlement?

Posted on April 15, 2019 by admin

Although not common, in a personal injury case, there are times when it might make more sense for a claimant to accept a lower settlement than what they believe they are owed. It is important to hire a seasoned personal injury law firm to represent your accident claim in order to obtain the fullest and fairest amount of compensation for your damages and losses. With a skilled and experienced law firm in your corner, you do not have to be concerned about low settlement offers. However, it may help to learn what circumstances could lead some claimants to agree to lower compensation.

Continue reading to learn these scenarios, and where get professional legal advice regarding your personal injury claim.

Low Settlement Offers

It is never recommended to take a low offer when making a claim against someone who has caused you serious injuries and damages. In every case, you should always negotiate for the best settlement possible, however, there are times when it does occur because it is the more sensible option compared to taking a claim to trial. Here are three common examples of when this might happen:

☛ The claimant’s case is weak or uncertain because they may not have enough evidence to prove all of the elements of their case in court. They would be better offer accepting whatever offer is put on the table before a lawsuit is considered, otherwise, they could walk away with nothing in the end.

☛ The claimant’s injuries and ultimate losses are minor, small, or fairly minimal. For instance, a claim should be intended to recover compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and similar consequences. If their damages and losses do not mount up to much, and/or their injuries are insignificant, a lower offer is likely the best option.

☛ The claimant’s settlement offer is at the maximum of the policy limits, so no more can be paid out even if the settlement seems too low. For example, if the opposing party’s liability insurance policy is set at a maximum of $25,000, and that is the settlement they offer, a claimant is not likely to get more than that even if they are awarded a larger amount in court. Large corporations are an exception to this since they tend to have more money and assets outside of their insurance policies; but a private party may not have the assets to pay out more, even if ordered to in court. In any event, defendants can also file for bankruptcy which can significantly negatively affect any chance of any recovery above and beyond liability insurance policy limits.

Keep in mind that once a claimant accepts an offer, there is no turning back. This means that in the case that their injuries worsen or their damages add up in cost later on, they cannot make another claim for more compensation. Be sure to have a licensed personal injury lawyer working your claim as soon as possible after the injury or death occurs to ensure your rights to compensation are fully protected and executed.

Where to Get Trusted Legal Advice

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana and anywhere else throughout the State of Indiana. We are well-versed and experienced in several practice areas, from slip and fall accident claims, to car accidents, big truck accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and much more. When you walk into our office for your free consultation, you will instantly feel confident that you are in good hands. Call 317-881-2700 to get started, today.

What You Need to Know Golf Cart Accidents and Liability

Posted on April 12, 2019 by admin

Now that the weather finally permits, golfers all across the state are getting their golf gear ready for the season. And maybe this year you will finally decide to walk the course rather than ride! But if this resolution falls through, there is no need to get down on yourself; after all, a golf cart allows you to get even more rounds in per day! But before you hop on a golf kart, whether you are driving or riding along, it is important to know where you stand in terms of legal liability and rights.

Many golf courses offer carts to ride, which do not require specialized permit or license to operate. In fact, here in Indiana, you can operate a golf cart if you are 16 years old with a valid drivers’ license. In addition to having a valid drivers’ license, golf cart operators must obey all Indiana traffic and driving laws, which also apply in the case of an accident.

Continue reading to learn more about golf cart accidents and liability in Indiana.

Golf Cart Safety and Statistics

Golf carts are safe; right? After all, teenagers are legally allowed to operate them under lenient conditions. But golf carts can pose several risks, and even fatalities. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), roughly 15,000 people in the United States suffer injuries related to golf carts per year, and some injuries even result in dozens of deaths. The most common types of golf cart accidents involve collisions, tip-overs, and throws, all of which can result in a wide spectrum of orthopedic, muscle, and flesh injuries. The CPSC further reports that nearly 40% of these golf cart-related injuries are sustained as a result of someone falling out of a moving golf cart.

Although golf carts are just as dangerous as a standard motor vehicle, in comparison, there are significantly fewer laws and regulations governing them. For instance, golf carts are not required to have seat belts, airbags, and other vital safety features, which paints a picture of how serious injuries can be if an accident does occur. Fortunately, there are laws in place that do protect those injured in golf cart-related accidents, so long as they are not at-fault for their injuries.

There are many people or entities that can be held legally liable in the case of a golf cart accident. Common at-fault parties include other golfers, club staff members, course managers, club owner, cart manufacturer, and more. If you were injured in a golf cart accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is vital to contact an Indianapolis personal injury law firm as soon as possible. You may be eligible for remuneration to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Contact the law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned accident attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering a golf cart injury. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we prevail for you. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with our Indianapolis personal injury lawyers, today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Death Claims

Posted on April 8, 2019 by admin

Each state has a separate set of laws that oversee wrongful deaths cases. Indiana defines wrongful death in IC 34-23-1-1, which states in part, “When the death of one is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another (…).” In plainest terms, it is a personal injury case in which the injured victim dies. In the case that a person or corporation causes an accident that results in another’s death, they can be held legally responsible in a court of law for the subsequent damages and losses suffered by the victim’s relatives.

Understanding wrongful death claims can be tricky since every case differs in great detail. Furthermore, there are various complex laws surrounding such claims, making it even more challenging to comprehend your rights to compensation. If you or anyone you know has been involved in an accident that resulted in the death of another person, it is vital that you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who concentrates on wrongful death cases to learn the best strategies for your claim.

For a better understanding of what to expect, continue below to review some of the most frequently asked questions about wrongful death cases in Indiana.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

The person who makes the wrongful death claim is usually the victim’s estate representative. If they were married, it would likely be their spouse; if they had no spouse, but children, it could be them. Typically, it is the person who retains ownership of the property or is listed in the will. If there is no family or pre-appointed representative for the estate, there may be no one to file suit and handle their wrongful death case. Although the claim must be brought forward by an estate representative, the awarded damages may be allocated to other members of the family, including dependents.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Indiana, a person usually has 2 years from the date of the accident to make a claim against the wrongdoer, although their can be earlier deadlines for governmental entities. See our blog, “Can a Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Be Extended?” to learn about statute of limitations deadlines, extensions, and more. If you believe you have missed your deadline to make a wrongful death claim, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for details regarding your options.

What Types of Damages are Awarded in Wrongful Death Settlements?

Civil damages are awarded in wrongful death settlements, which serve the sole purpose of compensating surviving relatives and members of the estate for all of the related losses resulted from the death of the victim. Indiana allows spouses and children to recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, lost benefits provided by the deceased, counseling costs, legal costs, and more.

Do I Need to Hire a Wrongful Death Lawyer?

Wrongful death claims are incredibly complex, and the laws and procedures surrounding them are as well. In order to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney who is well-versed and experienced in wrongful death cases representing your claim from start to finish. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to accurately navigate your claim and argue your case if it goes to trial.

How Do I Make a Wrongful Death Claim in Indianapolis?

Contact the Law Firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about your wrongful death claim in Indianapolis, Indiana and throughout the State of Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to help all victims of wrongful deaths in the family to recover compensation for their medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, and more. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you do not pay a dime unless we win a settlement for you. Call today to get started.