Vital Tips for Avoiding Train Track Intersection Accidents

Posted on April 25, 2017 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Trains are not always on a set schedule, but they are always closer than they appear. It takes a train more than a mile to come to a complete stop, which means anything in its way is at serious risk of danger. Train track accidents are far too common in the United States. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there have been more than 3,900 total railroad accidents since 2014. From those, more than 200 of involved fatalities. Whether on foot or by vehicle, it is vital to your safety and to the safety of others, to abide by all train track intersection laws and regulations.

Continue reading to learn some vital safety tips for rail road tracks, and what to do if you or someone you love is seriously injured in a railway accident.

Causes for Train Track Accidents

The most common cause for train track accidents is negligence, whether by pedestrian, driver, manufacturer, or railway company. In many cases of driving, drivers will attempt to beat the train and cross the tracks by increasing their speed. As mentioned, trains are always closer than they appear, they are much faster than they appear, and they take several minutes to come to a complete stop. It is a dangerous decision to out-drive a train because of these facts and more.

Other cases of train accidents occur when there is a lack of adequate signage or signals on railway tracks and intersections to alert drivers of passing trains. This is especially common at night when it is dark and both drivers and train conductors have difficulty seeing their surroundings. There are several other potential causes for train accidents, some of which are entirely out of a victims control regardless of how obedient they are to the law, including train defects, track defects, electronic defects, judgement errors, mistakes, faulty construction, and inclement weather.

Railroad Safety Tips:

⛒ Always adhere to all railroad and traffic laws, whether on foot or in a vehicle.

⛒ When driving, only cross a railroad intersection when you are sure there is no risk of stopping or stalling.

⛒ Drivers should always remain at least 15 feet away from the actual railroad track. Trains are wider than their tracks.

⛒ Never attempt to cross a railroad when the indicators and gates are closing.

⛒ If a gate is stuck and will not open back up, contact a police officer for assistance. Never attempt to lift the gates yourself.

⛒ Don’t just listen for trains, look for them too. Modern technology makes them quieter.

⛒ Do not wear headphones when walking near train tracks. Stay alert and avoid distractions such as these at all times.

⛒ Wear reflective gear at night when walking or riding a bike near train tracks or public roads.

⛒ Always use extra caution when walking, riding, and driving near train tracks.

Train Accidents and Injuries

Regardless of how your railroad accident occurred, if your injuries were caused by another’s negligence, you need to speak with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney to learn your rights to compensation for your damages and losses. Be sure to do this right away before the statutes of limitations runs out.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call the law firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries as a result of a train track accident that was not their fault. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are eager to help all victims of wrongful injuries recover ample compensation for their medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay a dime unless we win a settlement for you. Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a compassionate and experienced Indianapolis
personal injury attorney, today.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. Handles Personal Injury Cases on Contingency

Posted on April 18, 2017 by admin

Our seasoned accident attorneys are highly dedicated to serving justice to those wrongfully injured in Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

The personal injury law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. offers their professional legal services for anyone wrongfully injured in Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys practice in several different areas of tort law, and have successfully recovered settlements for victims of car accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, wrongful deaths, and much more, right here in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We work hard to protect our clients’ rights to full and fair compensation for their damages and losses suffered after a serious personal injury. We stand up for those who need it the most because we know the struggles families experience after a serious accident.

No Upfront Lawyer Fees, EVER.

We make sure everyone has a fair chance at justice by offering our services on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our client’s don’t have to pay for our legal services if we do not recover a settlement for them. There are never any upfront lawyer fees or charges to hire our law firm to represent your case. In fact, we also provide free initial consultations to discuss your incident and determine whether or not you have a valid claim.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who cares about your economic reclamation. You can have the opportunity to discuss your experience and the losses you’ve incurred from your accident with no out-of-pocket obligation. We offer flexible scheduling, compassionate client support, and aggressive litigation. Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery after being seriously injured in an accident, today.

Can I Lose My Claim for Compensation if I Say I’m Not Injured at the Scene of the Accident?

Posted on April 10, 2017 by admin

Not all injuries are immediately discernible. A gradual onset of injuries is a common occurrence among accident victims.

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Sometimes when a person is involved in an accident, they may not experience any pain or discomfort at first, so they tell police and witnesses that they are not hurt. But then days or weeks following the accident, injures can begin to surface, and they start to worry that they have forfeited their right to an injury claim because of the statements they made at the scene of the accident. This is common after car accidents and slip and fall accidents.

If this sounds like your current situation, continue reading to learn what your options are for filing a personal injury claim.

Scene of the Accident Reports

The challenge with gradual onset of injuries are the statements victims make at the scene of the accident. Anything they say is recorded in the police report and witnessed by others. These statements can be used against them by their own or the opposing insurance company to reduce or refuse compensation. For this reason, if you are ever involved in an accident, always tell the reporting police officer that you are not sure if you are hurt and that you would like to have a doctor examine you. This way, if you discover underlying injuries later on, you can still have a chance at recovering compensation to cover your economic losses and damages. Always get professional medical attention after an accident, whether you believe you are injured or not.

Accident Claims

If you were involved in an accident and said that you were not injured, but later discovered that you were, you have not lost your rights to file an injury claim, nor have you jeopardized your chances at recovering fair compensation for your losses. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer for help navigating your accident claim. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. It is not your fault that your injuries were not evident from the start!

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their seasoned accident lawyers offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless they win your settlement. Call our office today at 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney who cares.

Common Hospital Infections That May Be Grounds for a Lawsuit

Posted on April 4, 2017 by admin

Medical Malpractice Attorneys 317-881-2700

When a patient becomes a victim of a serious infection that stems from medical malpractice, there could be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. However, establishing liability for such a claim is challenging, so be sure to discuss your potential claim with an experienced personal injury lawyer. There are many types of medical malpractice claims, but when it comes to infections, there are three that top the charts in terms of frequency.

Continue reading to learn which hospital infections are the most common, and who to call for questions about medical malpractice claims in Indiana.

3 Common Hospital Infections:

Surgical Infections – Surgical site infections are probably the most common infection cases in the medical malpractice area of law. These are infections that develop at or near the surgery incision site as a result of improper pre or post-surgery care.

Respiratory Infections – Although hospital-grade air is well-filtered, patients may still be exposed to airborne viruses and infections. This is among the most challenging infection cases to prove. Visitation and routine appointments may not have a strong case, but admitted patients might.

Internal and External Device Infections – Any surgically-inserted device can develop an infection if not done properly, including catheters, defibrillators, ventilators, drain sacs, feeding tubes, cochlear implants, pacemakers, stents, and more.

Hospital Infection Claims

Infections usually occur as a result of negligence, either by patient or medical personnel. When proper medical procedures are not adhered to, infections can develop that would otherwise be preventable. If an infection occurs in patient because a doctor, nurse, or other medical personnel did not take the proper precautions to ensure such infection wouldn’t develop, a victim could have a valid hospital infection lawsuit so long as they could prove their case. Hospital infection cases are treated just as any other type of medical malpractice case. The plaintiff party would hold the burden of proving that the infection occurred at the hospital as a result of a particular negligence.

Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Attorney

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn more about how to file a medical malpractice claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers have extensive trial and litigation experience representing medical malpractice victims. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free consultation with an Indianapolis medical malpractice attorney you can trust.

The Benefits of a Structured Settlements

Posted on March 28, 2017 by admin

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

When an insurance company is obligated to pay out a large settlement to a victim of an accident, they will sometimes negotiate a payment arrangement in place of paying one lump sum upfront. These periodic payments from an insurance company are referred to as structured settlements, and they are a common method for paying accident victims. Payments are spread out over a long period of time, and paid in increments until the settlement cap is reached. Although there are some noted issues with structured insurance payments, there are several benefits that make them an appropriate option for a wide variety of accident victims.

Continue reading to learn more about structured settlements, and how accident victims can benefit from them.

Financial Management

Structured settlements are beneficial because they allow for responsible financial management. When an accident victim is recovering from serious injuries, it can be stressful and confusing for them to manage their finances. With a long-term payment plan, an accident victim can better organize their finances and budget their money more responsibly, all while coping with their recovery at the same time. Accordingly, a structured settlement can be beneficial in terms of tax liabilities.

Sometimes, structured settlements can come at a disadvantage. For those who are knowledgeable in finances, it could be a downfall to receive a structured settlement if they are interested in using the payout for investment purposes. Some structured settlements qualify for certain tax advantages.

Additional Benefits

One of the most revered benefits of a structured settlement is having access to more money. A victim is usually granted more money over a long period of time, and less money in a lump payout. The same goes for saving money on taxes. Another benefit is that a structured settlement is like receiving additional income every year.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for trusted personal injury representation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys work around the clock 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! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your free initial consultation with an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, today.

Can Birth Injuries Be Caused By Labor Inducing Drugs?

Posted on March 21, 2017 by admin

Child Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

When a woman is past her due date, her obstetrician may decide to induce labor to avoid delaying the birth any longer. When childbirth is delayed, both mother and child can face certain risks. Not only can the unborn baby can grow too large, it can experience distress, which can lead to serious complications. Other times, a doctor may order a patient to be induced in the case that an epidural has slowed or stalled labor. Epidurals are pain-relieving drugs given to women in labor, but they can sometimes impede the labor process.

Side Effects

Complications can always arise during labor, but when medications are utilized, the risk of complications increase. There are multiple types of medications used to manually initiate labor in women during pregnancy. One of the most common and well-known labor-inducing medication is called Pitocin. Pitocin, along with all other types of labor inducing drugs, may cause side-effects in both mother and child. Common side effects for mothers may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and painful contractions. For infants, they may cause a slowed or irregular heartbeat, bleeding in the eye, and even seizures. Some side effects can be serious, but most go away as the medication wears off in the bloodstream.

Birth Injuries

As for birth injuries, they can occur when mistakes are made during the labor or delivery process, especially during unexpected complications, such as breaches, limited oxygen, and more. Doctors may use medical instruments like forceps or vacuums to dislodge or re-position an infant during labor. Improper technique or mistakes while handling such situations can cause harm to the infant, including bruises, orthopedic injuries, and Brachial Plexus damage. In this case, a woman and her child would have rights to any losses or damaged suffered as a result.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are seasoned accident attorneys who offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer, today.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for Whiplash?

Posted on March 13, 2017 by admin

Whiplash Injury Claims 317-881-2700

If you were recently injured in an accident that was not your fault, and as a result, you are now suffering from whiplash, you CAN pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party or their insurance company. But in order to do so while fully protecting your rights, you will need to hire a personal injury lawyer immediately after the accident happens. Choose a licensed and experienced accident law firm to review your case and determine if your claim is valid. If they conclude that you do have rights to compensation, you can hire them without paying a dime until they recover for you. In the meantime, it is wise to understand whiplash injuries and claims to better prepare yourself for the legal process. Continue reading to learn more about whiplash, and how to get started on filing a claim for compensation.

Whiplash Injuries

The term, whiplash, is not a real medical term; however, it is a colloquial reference to the common injuries incurred after an accident that causes abrupt jolting of the head or neck. Motor vehicle accidents are among the most common that result in this type of injury. Although the cause for whiplash is unknown, the implications are evident. Victims generally complain of a series of varying symptoms, including extreme soreness or stiffness in the neck, headaches, shoulder pain, back pain, and burning sensations in the arm and leg described as pins and needles. In many cases, the signs of whiplash are not apparent right away, and instead, show up days or even weeks later. This, coupled with the fact that this area of the body is highly complex and delicate, makes it difficult to treat whiplash injuries.

Whiplash Claims

The most important part of a whiplash injury claim is to seek medical attention immediately after an accident, as well as, immediately after you begin to notice signs of injury. Head and neck injuries are very serious, regardless of how little pain you feel at first. So getting proper medical treatment should be your first priority. But also, these medical documents will act as a record to prove the validity of your injuries and subsequent damages and losses. You should also keep all of your related medical records, bills, invoices, and receipts for medical materials, to prove your financial losses. Your personal injury lawyer will assist you in collecting and organizing all of the evidence needed to represent your claim. This includes police reports, witness statements, expert testimonies, and more.

Indianapolis Whiplash Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for head and neck personal injury claims in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys offer free initial consultations to review your claim, and never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement for you. Call 317-881-2700 to get started with your Indianapolis injury claim, today.

Your First Steps in an Accident Claim

Posted on March 7, 2017 by admin

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Getting injured in an accident is a confusing and stressful time for anyone, including the loved ones in your life. It is common to feel a sense of incomprehension and uncertainty after suffering serious injuries in an accident that was not your fault. That is because your first priority was getting the proper medical attention you needed. And as soon as you are medically stabilized, you are faced with another priority: getting your life back on track. This can be very difficult to do, however; which is why it is strongly encouraged for accident victims to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. You can recover financially to help pay for hospital bills and medical expenses, and even make up for lost wages and time off work.

Continue reading to learn what your first steps should be if you want to pursue a personal injury claim for your recent accident.

After Medical Stabilization

Once you have been treated medically, and you are in a place where you can make important decisions, you are ready to pursue a personal injury claim. Just remember, medical attention should always come first. And it is equally important to retain as much documentation of your primary medical treatment, hospital stay, and post-medical treatments. In fact, this is the first task on your list of steps.

First…

Collect all evidence and documentation (or as much as you can) concerning the accident, including pictures of the accident scene, surrounding obstructions or hazards, witness testimony, video footage, and police reports. Also collect all documentation regarding all of your medical treatment, including doctors’ statements, medical reports, surgeries, medications, and more. All of these documents and evidences will be used to prove the validity of your claim.

Next…

Write a personal report documenting and describing everything you’ve experienced, including the accident, your feelings, your injuries, your hospital experience, lost wages, time of work, medical bills, mental anguish, emotional issues, problems with your recovery, conversations you’ve had with the at-fault party, and anything else you can remember. This will help you remember all the facts, which is useful for building your case.

And Then…

Contact a personal injury attorney to begin developing your case. Be sure to choose an experienced law firm whose lawyers are well-versed in the type of accident you were involved in, as well as, experienced in trial and litigation. They will provide an assessment to determine how strong a case you have, and then move forward with filing the claim according to your state’s requirements. And personal injury attorneys generally work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they do not collect lawyer fees unless they recover for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you would like to file a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are eager 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 personal injury attorney, today.

3 Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Posted on March 1, 2017 by admin

Nursing Home Neglect Claims 317-881-2700

Putting our elderly loved ones into a nursing home is not an easy decision to make. But it is common to feel uncertain about nursing home care. Most families fear that their elders will experience loneliness and segregation, but what we don’t think about is another common nursing home issue: abuse. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a real problem in our country, so it is important to always be on the lookout for warning signs that your loved one is a victim of abuse.

If they are, they could be entitled to financial compensation to make up for their losses and damages accrued as a result of the abuse. There are several, if not infinite, ways for a resident to be abused in a nursing home. However, there are 3 primary types of nursing home abuse you should be aware of if you have loved ones in nursing home care. Continue reading to learn these common types of nursing home abuse, and what to do if you suspect your loved one is a victim.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the act of intentional, non-accidental harm to a resident. It is the most evident form of abuse that can occur in a nursing home. The signs are easy to see, and a victim’s behavior is likely to change as a result. Common types of physical abuse include:

• Hitting
• Punching
• Punching
• Choking
• Shaking
• Aggressive Handling
• Force-Feeding
• Over-Medicating
• Burning
• Misuse of Restraints
• Confinement

The signs of physical abuse is easy to detect, and include bruising, flesh wounds, scarring, orthopedic injuries, and other visible forms. But there are other signs of physical abuse that are not so evident, such as fear, anxiety, depression, verbal regression, and more.

Financial Abuse

Although this is not commonly thought of, nursing home residents often find themselves victims of financial abuse, and many other times, they are completely unaware until it’s too late. Financial abuse to nursing home residents can come at the hands of employees or even fellow residents. Here are common examples of financial abuse in a nursing home:

• Stealing Cash or Property
• Unauthorized Cashing of Checks
• Misusing Credit Cards
• Identity Theft
• Forgery
• Deceiving Victim into Signing Legal Documents
(i.e. power of attorney, contract, will, etc.)
• Abuse or Improper Use of Conservatorship

Signs of financial abuse could come in the form of unexplained cash withdraws, missing belongings, unaccounted for bank charges, change in credit score, additional names on bank accounts or legal documents, unpaid bills, overdrafts, forged signatures, or abrupt changes in wills.

Emotional Abuse

Some forms of abuse are harder to see, and this is the case with emotional abuse. And even though it is more difficult to detect, it is just as damaging as all other forms of abuse. Generally, signs of emotional abuse are present, but only detectable if you are looking for them. Common types of emotional abuse in a nursing home include:

• Yelling
• Insulting
• Threats
• Harassment
• Ridiculing
• Infantilizing
• Isolation

Signs that a resident is being emotionally abused by staff or other members of the home can come in the form of anger, agitation, anxiety, depression, social withdraw, unwarranted fears, regressive behaviors like rocking or nail-biting, self-inflicted wounds, non-communicative, and more.

Indianapolis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Craven Hoover Blazek Personal Injury Law 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help filing a nursing home neglect claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury attorneys are eager to help you and your family recover compensation for the damages and losses accrued as a result of nursing home abuse. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with an experienced Indianapolis accident attorney, today.

Who is Liable for Public Park Accidents and Injuries?

Posted on February 20, 2017 by admin

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Now that the weather is getting warmer, Hoosiers are taking full advantage of public parks all across the state. These amenities are cherished parts of our neighborhoods and communities because they promote fun and healthy outdoor activity, such as walking, jogging, biking, fishing, sports, playing, and more. And the best part is, they are free to enjoy! But visiting our local parks comes with a certain level of responsibility.

It is important to take necessary precaution in order to prevent serious accidents and injuries. In the case that you or someone you love is injured at a public park, it is helpful to know who is liable for the damages and losses resulting from the accident. Continue reading to learn about public park liability, and your rights to compensation as an injured victim.

Public Park Accidents

There are several ways a person can get hurt at a public park. But the most common accidents include slip and falls from wet surfaces, slippery rocks, unstable bridges and platforms, unleveled steps and staircases, broken ladders, and defective playground equipment. But there are other common public park injuries too, such as flesh wounds, cuts, splinters, animal bites, rashes, and more. In more serious cases, there have been hit and run accidents, drowning accidents, tree climbing accidents, cliff jumping accidents, and more.

Public Park Liability

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Public parks are generally the property of the state, meaning the local government is responsible for them. Accordingly, the government is protected by a separate set of laws that relieves them of certain liability for accidents and injuries that occur on government grounds. This makes it extremely difficult to win a claim against a government-owned public park; however, it does not mean that it is impossible.

The state has a responsibility to keep citizens safe by maintaining hazard-free premises. If an accident occurs out of negligence on behalf of the state, the park may be liable to some extent, especially if the state knowingly neglected a hazard that caused the victim their injuries and subsequent losses.

Suing the Government

Suing the government is a very different process than suing a regular person or entity for a serious injury. The process is more complex, and follows an entirely separate judicial process. For this reason, it is vital to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. They have the knowledge and resources to effectively navigate your claim and recover the full and fair compensation you are owed.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm

Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you were injured at a public park in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive trial and litigation experience, and know how to recover the compensation you deserve. Our Indianapolis personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects attorney fees unless we win your settlement. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with a licensed accident attorney, today.