Information about Elevator Accidents and Injuries

Posted on May 16, 2016 by admin

Injured in an Elevator? Call 317-881-2700

You may be surprised to learn that elevator accidents are often caused by improper maintenance and safety training rather than faulty installation or manufacturing. Building owners, property managers, and elevator maintenance companies are required to provide routine maintenance for their elevators, as well as, on-going safety training regarding all the proper procedures that go along with elevator service, repair, and emergencies.

When these duties are neglected, and they are more than you would think, the liability for damages and injuries falls onto these parties under premise liability law.

Poor Property Management

One of the most common root-causes behind elevator accidents is poor property management. Often times, building owners or maintenance teams may choose to implement unsafe, temporary fixes in place of spending the extra money for professional service and repair. There have even been cases of elevator parts being held together with nothing more than simple household items. Accordingly, they tend to neglect their responsibility to provide proper elevator safety training for property managers and in-house maintenance staffs. This lack of knowledge, training, and attention can make an elevator and its surroundings extremely dangerous.

Without proper maintenance, an elevator is a risky means of transportation. Even the smallest issue can cause a serious or life-threatening accident. But regular maintenance is just the start to commercial elevator safety. Without proper safety training, property managers may not know how to react to an elevator emergency, which can also put a person’s life in danger. Elevators are manufactured with a series of built-in protective safety measures that kick in when an elevator mechanism fails.

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For example, if an elevator suddenly stops at an improper place, there are set safety procedures that help prevent it from falling several stories. One of these safety features keeps the inner and outer elevator doors closed if it does not line up to a floor. Safety regulations instruct management to NOT open the doors in this case, and instead, wait for rescue or maintenance teams to repair the problem. But if property managers are unfamiliar with the correct safety procedures, they may choose to manually pry open the
doors, jeopardizing the safety of those inside.

Elevator accidents can also take place under several other conditions. Dim lighting, abrupt stops, quickly closing doors, slippery flooring, unleveled floor stops, frequent unnecessary stops, and much more. All of these issues can be managed and prevented with regular elevator maintenance. If you or someone you love was recently injured or killed in an elevator accident, contact a personal injury lawyer right away to learn your rights to compensation. If your elevator accident was a result of improper maintenance or manager negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. You can then use your awarded compensation to cover hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and much more. Choose an experienced Indianapolis accident attorney that has your best interests at heart.

Indianapolis Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file an elevator injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek retain extensive trial and litigation experience in personal injury law. They work hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being wrongfully hurt. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 when you need Indianapolis accident attorneys you can trust.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Posted on May 10, 2016 by admin

As a result of warmer weather and sunnier days, the months between May and September are generally prime motorcycle season. Although Mothers’ Day and Memorial Day are important holidays this month, May is also the official month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness. This month, both drivers and motorcyclists will celebrate the importance of safely sharing the road by spreading the message of awareness together, and practicing safer driving habits.

Continue reading to learn more about National Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Month, and tips for safe driving and riding.

Motorcycles and Car Accidents

Thousands of Hoosiers all across the state own and ride motorcycles. From Harley’s and Cruisers, to Kawasaki’s, Mopeds, and more, there is an endless array of motorbikes you can come across on the road while driving. It is important to remember that all motorcyclists share the same privileges and rights as drivers do, which is one of the primary messages of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. For this reason, it is important to treat motorbikes and scooters as any other vehicle on the road, and to always stay alert wen sharing the road. This will be keep both cyclists and yourself safe.

In terms of motorcycle statistics, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has reported that motorcycle accidents and subsequent fatalities are over 25 times the amount of car accident victims. And most often, drivers of standard vehicles are the cause of motorbike accidents and deaths. This is why the month of May is an important time to spread the message of motorcycle safety.

Safe Driving Tips

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most motorcycle/car accidents occur on the highway or interstate. For this reason, it is wise to steer clear of highway or freeway cruising during rush-hour times, especially if you are new to motorcycle riding.

If you are a new motorcycle owner and rider, it is wise to take advantage of motorcycle training and safety courses. These are generally low-cost or even free, and offered all year long in conjunction with your state’s highway safety patrol and DMV programs.

Consider investing in motorcycle upgrades for safer cruising. If you own an older bike, tune-ups and part replacements will make your bike safer to ride. Upgrades include airbags, advanced braking systems, tires, and other safety features and preventative maintenance.

No matter how experienced you are, and how close your destination may be, it is vital to always wear a helmet. In fact, it is the law, and for good reason. A helmet can mean the difference between life and death in the case of an accident. Even the smallest impact can cause irreversible brain damages and head injuries if you are not wearing a motorcycle helmet. Be sure to invest in a good-quality, motorcycle regulation helmet that fits just right.

Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries

If you are injured by another driver while on your motorcycle, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer that focuses on motorcycle accidents and injuries. They retain the proper knowledge and resources to explain your rights as an injured victim, and recover full and fair compensation for your damages and subsequent losses.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Dan Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, have extensive trial and litigation experience in personal injury law. They can protect your rights as an injured victim of a motorcycle accident, and recover the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. Call 317-881-2700 to learn about motorcycle accident injury claims in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Three Largest Ford Automobile Recalls in History

Posted on May 2, 2016 by admin

Based out of Detroit, Michigan, Ford Motor Company manufacturers various model cars, sports utility vehicles, and trucks, all at economy-based prices. Ford Motor Company has been a trusted vehicle manufacturer in the United States since the early 1900’s. But over the course of its history, they were unfortunate enough to release vehicles that were later recalled due to manufacturer defects; defects that were both dangerous and deadly to millions of people. Continue reading for a brief look at three of the largest automobile recalls in the history of the Ford Motor Company.

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The Ford Pinto

The Ford Pinto was release in September of 1971, but was quickly recalled once it was decided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) that the fuel tank was defective. The fuel tank was substandard, making it highly vulnerable to ruptures and damage. This meant that rear-end collisions easily caused the tank to rupture, and inevitably lead to a deadly explosion. It was rumored that Ford Motor Company knew about the defect, but chose to release it since it was cheaper to fight personal injury claims rather than make changes to the fuel system design.

As a result, two famous lawsuits took place: 1) Grimshaw vs Ford Motor Company, and 2) Indiana vs Ford. The Grimshaw case resulted in plaintiffs being awarded more than 6 million dollars in damages, turning out to be the largest product liability and negligence award at the time. The Indiana vs. Ford lawsuit was the first time a major corporation was indicted on criminal charges for a defective product, and charged with reckless homicide.

Failure to Park

Just a few short years in 1980, after the Pinto incident, Ford recalled over 20 million vehicles due to a gear shift defect. This made it the largest automobile recall of its time where the automaker was entirely liable. It cost the Ford Motor Company more than a billion dollars in losses. The defect was caused by a faulty safety catch that would suddenly slip and cause the car to enter into reverse without notice. According to Investopedia, this defect was responsible for thousands of grievances, accidents, and injuries, and even 98 deaths. But rather than repairing the defect, Ford simple issued drivers a sticker to place on their dashboards warning them to make sure their vehicle is all the way in the parked gear. This sticker turned out to be an notorious emblem in the 80’s.

Cruise Control

In 1999, Ford Motor Company was at it again, recalling more than 17 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. This time, it was for faulty cruise control technology made by Texas Instruments. While in cruise control, a defect would cause the system to deactivate, which would then result in switches overheating and catching fire, even after the vehicle was turned off. More than 15,000 fires were reported, and the recalls continued for a number of years, up to 2004. As a result, the Ford Motor Company faced a series of personal injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits.

Product Defects Lawsuits

Product defects can cause injuries and even fatalities. If you or someone you love has suffered serious injuries as a result of using a product with a manufacturer defect, it is vital to contact a product liability injury lawyer right away. They can protect your rights and fight to recover the rightful remuneration you deserve.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call The law office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a product liability injury claim in Indianapolis, IN. Personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are dedicated and determined to obtain the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve as an injured victim of a product defect. We offer free initial consultations and never charge attorney fees and less we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and schedule an appointment with a product liability injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN today.

Do I Need Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Posted on April 26, 2016 by admin

The reality of life is that humans are prone to making mistakes, which means accidents are bound to happen. For this reason, it is important to have plans in place that provide yourself and your family with a certain level of protection. One of the most common methods of protection in our country is insurance. Insurance policies exist for homes, vehicles, businesses, and of course, people. Men, women, and children commonly have insurance coverage for medical care, dental care, life insurance, and more. Another type of insurance that exists for an individual is called personal injury protection, or PIP. However, this type of coverage is not necessary for everyone. It depends on a variety of factors. Continue reading to learn more about PIP and whether or not you should be considering this is a type of insurance coverage.

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PIP

Personal injury protection insurance is intended to provide coverage for you or your passengers’ hospital bills and medical expenses that result from a serious accident or injury. These policies are optional in most cases, however, there are some states that make it mandatory. If your state requires this type of personal insurance coverage, then it is the law to have it. States that require PIP are referred to as “no fault” states. This means that when an accident happens, each person’s insurance company pays for their own damages and losses regardless of who is at-fault for the accident. PIP can come with medical, disability, and death benefits, but coverage and limits vary from state to state.

If you live in a state that does not require personal injury protection, you should check with your primary insurance provider before purchasing a plan. Your current medical policy may already provide coverage for damages and losses incurred in an accident. However, if your current medical coverage is not adequate, your provide may suggest adding additional medical coverage to your plan in the case that you or your passengers are ever seriously injured in an accident. It is important for individuals to understand that PIP is not a replacement for medical insurance.

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident, consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to professionally navigate your case and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after suffering serious injuries from a car accident.

Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you are looking for experienced Indianapolis car accident lawyers you can trust. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to get you the money you deserve after a car accident in Indianapolis. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your case. Call our office today at 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment with a licensed personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN.

Information for Victims of Head Injuries and Brain Trauma

Posted on April 19, 2016 by admin

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million people become victims of head injuries or brain trauma in the United States each year. Many unfortunate events can lead to a traumatic head or brain injury, but the most common causes include motor vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, assault and battery, and workplace accidents. All of these accidents involve some sort of blunt force trauma to the head or skull. Depending on the circumstance, the head can shake or whip, causing the brain to collide with the inner skull, or it can suffer fractures, lesions internal bleeding, and more.

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Head and Brain Trauma

Head injuries are extremely serious, and can often lead to a long and difficult medical recovery. The problem with head injuries, however, is that they do not always appear serious at first. Sometimes, a person can suffer a head injury, but not display any indications of brain trauma. In these cases, it is still vital to seek medical care to ensure there is no underlying internal bleeding or brain injury. It is possible to have an accident and suffer head trauma, but not show signs of injury for days or even weeks later. And by that time, it can be too late to treat. One of the most common causes of death as a result of a head injury is a person believing they are fine, when in fact, their brain is seriously injured.

A common head injury phenomenon is called “talk and die” syndrome. This is when a person seems normal after an accident involving head trauma, even speaking and carrying on with their daily routines, but then dies a few days later from internal bleeding in the brain. This is one example of how head injuries can play tricks on people. No matter how minor you think your head injury is, always seek professional medical care afterwards to ensure there is no internal damage.

Common Signs of Brain Trauma Include:

• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Slurred Speech
• Extreme Fatigue
• Migraines/Headaches
• Mental Confusion
• Extreme Mood Changes
• Dilated Pupils
• Bruising
• Difficulty Walking
• And More

It is possible for brain injuries to get worse with improper medical treatment. For example, it is common for brain injuries to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. And if the injury goes untreated, a patient can die. If negligent medical care is rendered for a patient suffering from brain trauma, they deserve justice. If you or a loved one recently suffered a head injury that was not properly treated by medical professionals, it is critical to retain the services of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. They have the knowledge and resources to protect your rights as a victim, or as the family of a victim, and recover compensation for your damages and losses.

Medical Malpractice Law Services

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you believe you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Personal injury attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have decades of trial and litigation experience, and can recover the full and fair compensation you and your family deserves after suffering from negligent medical care. We offer free initial consultations and never charge lawyer fees unless we recover compensation for you! Call 317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment today with one of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Indianapolis, IN.

Parking Lot Personal Injury Accident Information

Posted on April 12, 2016 by admin

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It is astonishing to learn that nearly 50 percent of all auto accidents happen in parking lots? It is incredible that so many car accidents happen in parking lots; areas where drivers should be using low speeds while looking out for pedestrians and other drivers. On the other hand, it is understandable why several parking lot car accidents occur so often. They are confined spaces in which several variations of driving happen.

Pulling out of parking spots, parking, cruising over speed bumps, turning corners, peering through lanes for available spots, and more are examples of what happens on a daily basis in a commercial or residential parking lot. Pedestrians, shopping carts, speed bumps, handicap spaces, and other drivers are all potential distractions or obstructions in a parking lot.

Parking Lot Accidents

Pedestrians and other drivers are the usual victims of parking lot car accidents. Accidents in parking lots happen for several reasons. For example, cars backing up can bump into people or other parked cars, two cars backing up at the same time can run into each other, blind spots can cause drivers to hit pedestrians, and much more. The possibilities are endless. Although parking lot accidents typically occur at low speeds, injuries can still be severe or even fatal.

If another driver or entity is responsible for an accident resulting in a person’s injury, they can be held accountable for their negligence in a court of law. It is important is obtain fair and full compensation for injuries sustained in these types of accidents; especially if the other driver or property is at fault. Determining who is at fault in a parking lot accident can be complicated and very confusing. Many times, people are unaware that someone or something is responsible for the accident.

It is vital to consult a personal injury lawyer for advice and legal counsel. They are able to quickly determine if you are entitled to compensation for injuries and damages following the parking lot accident. An experienced personal injury auto accident attorney can assess whether or not the other driver or property was negligent.

Car Accident Injury Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our seasoned car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek have extensive trial and litigation experience in car accident injury cases. We offer first consultations at no charge, and if we accept your personal injury case, we do not collect lawyer fees unless we recover compensation for you! Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a knowledgeable attendant about your recent parking lot accident in Indianapolis, IN.

Where to Learn About Employers’ Responsibilities and Workers’ Rights

Posted on April 5, 2016 by admin

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Every worker in the United States has the right to work in a safe environment. In fact, the law makes it the employer’s responsibility to ensure this right remains intact and properly met at all times. When a worker is injured on the job as a result of an employer neglecting to maintain a safe workplace, they could be eligible for compensation to cover their damages and losses.

Most often, companies are insured for employee accidents, and compensation is provided for the injured worker through workers’ compensation. But sometimes, a company refuses to pay out a full and fair recovery. When this happens, it is strongly encouraged to hire a personal injury lawyer that practices workers’ compensation law. They retain the proper resources and experience to get the just amount of compensation an injured worker deserves.

Accordingly, if you are looking for information about employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, a personal injury lawyer is one effective option to choose from. The other recommended source for such information is the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA. Continue reading for a closer look at each source, and how they can help you find out more about employer responsibilities and workers’ rights.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration

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The OSHA is a federal agency established under the United States Department of Labor in charge of regulating and enforcing safety and health legislation. Not only do they enforce the obligation of maintaining safe and healthy work environments, they protect workers’ rights. For example, OSHA makes it illegal for employers to strike back or retaliate against injured workers who choose to exercise their rights under law. This includes everything from seeking workers’ compensation to reporting a
safety hazard or injury.

Anyone can freely contact the OSHA about employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, and without fear of jeopardizing their jobs or being committed to filing a claim. They are happy to answer questions, whether an employer or employee. They even fund on-site consultation services for small businesses looking to improve or evaluate the condition of their workplace. If anyone thinks their workplace is unsafe and needs to file a complaint, they provide easy-to-use portals that make it convenient for workers to do so. Look below for contact information for the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

OSHA Contact Info

#1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
eComplaint Form
Onsite Consultation Services
Indiana OSHA

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have already been injured at work as a result of an unsafe environment, you can choose to contact OSHA for information, but it is more efficient to your case to contact a personal injury lawyer that practices workers’ compensation law. Not only can an experienced and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding employers’ responsibilities and workers’ rights, they can help recover a full and fair amount of compensation for your damages and losses. Be careful of your state’s statute of limitations. Injured victims only have a set period of time to file a claim. If they don’t file in time, they lose their opportunity to recover forever.

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to recover the full and fair amount of compensation you deserve after being seriously injured at work. Recover for damages and losses, including medical expenses, hospital bills, pain, suffering, lost wages, and more. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, IN.

Advice for Anyone Involved in a Massive Traffic Pile Up

Posted on March 28, 2016 by admin

Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

When two drivers are involved in a minor traffic collision, such as a fender-bender, it is basically cut-and-dry on who’s at fault for the accident. But what about major traffic collisions that involve numerous parties? This is the case for traffic accident pile ups and victims. It can be quite complex and confusing deciding who is at fault in a massive pile up, and how to get properly compensated for losses and damages that result from such accidents.

If you or anyone you love was recently involved and injured in a multiple vehicle collision, it is strongly suggested to get in contact with an experienced car accident injury lawyer for professional guidance. Continue reading to learn some basic advice for car accident pile up collisions, and what you should do if ever involved in one.

At the Scene

As soon as you are involved in a multiple vehicle traffic accident, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Of course, this is easier “said than done”, however, trying to remain calm will help you make better decisions on the spot, and protect you and your passengers from further harm. If you are capable of moving, check for injuries to you and any passengers, and if necessary, move your vehicle out of the way, or leave the vehicle if it cannot be moved. Find a safe spot to wait for authorities to arrive for assistance.

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If you or any member of your party is injured, contact emergency medical technicians right away. Receive medical attention on the spot, and if needed, be transported to the nearest hospital for additional medical treatment. If you and your party do not require medical care, still remain at the scene to cooperate with responding law enforcement. It is important to have the accident officially on record with police for insurance and injury claim purposes.

When speaking with law enforcement, it is important to not say too much since your statements are being recorded. Recorded statements can be used against you during the claims process. Instead, be polite but brief, and only give facts about your observations and experiences. Do not give information about your opinions or what you “think” might have happened.

Talking to a Lawyer

If you are injured during the pile up, it is vital to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation. But even if you and your lawyer intend to pursue a claim, for the time being it is easier to stick with your own insurance carriers to cover medical care and property damages. If you are injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to recover funds for your subsequent damages and losses. A licensed accident lawyer can facilitate this process for you, safely and securely. An injury lawyer will look at multiple facets of the accident to develop your case and pursue a full and fair recovery, including what started the accident, who were the responsible parties, who you collided into as a result, and who collided into your vehicle.

During massive traffic collisions like these, it is expected for law enforcement to be distracted by the primary priority of tending to injured people and preventing further injuries from occurring. Because of this, they are not likely going to investigate any deeper into your case. For this reason, it is wise to take it upon yourself to gather any physical evidence you can, if you are well enough to, for future claims. This means taking photos of license plates, the vehicle in front and behind you, all the physical damages to your vehicle, and any injuries to yourself and your party. Ask the other drivers involved for contact information in case you need witness statements or other information.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for seasoned car accident injury lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to speak with a friendly office attendant about filing personal injury car accident claims in Indianapolis, IN today.

Can Anti-Depression Medication Cause Birth Defects?

Posted on March 22, 2016 by admin

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Pregnancy is a very delicate time in a woman’s life, and sometimes one of the most challenging as well. This is truer for women who suffer from acute depression, or any related form of depression. Whether diagnosed before pregnancy, or during their term, women who deal with emotional and mental illness are likely to be prescribed an anti-depressant by their family doctors or psychiatrists. But many pregnant women want to know if such medications can cause complications for their unborn children.

Birth Defects and SSRI’s

Although studies have suggested that certain types of anti-depression medication can lead to birth defects, the most commonly talked-about are SSRI’s, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Because these studies only suggest a link between anti-depressants and birth defects in babies, many pregnant women are still prescribed these medications by physicians and medical facilities. The medical communities do not have conclusive evidence that proves anti-depression meds can cause complications with pregnancy and babies; so they are still recommending these prescriptions for pregnant women. There is, however, one anti-depressant medication that has been proven to cause several heart defects, as well as, a rare lung and heart condition in infants and newborns. Here are the most commonly prescribed SSRI anti-depressants:

• Paxil
• Zoloft
• Lexapro
• Celexa
• Prozac
• Luvox

The heart and lung condition that has been linked to birth defects is called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension or PPHN. This disease is a very serious condition that requires comprehensive medical treatment and intensive monitoring. An infant’s circulatory system might not be able to supply the needed oxygen to the soft tissue, even with treatment. This can result in brain hemorrhages, shock, heart failure, lung failure, and several other medical emergencies.

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So why are doctors prescribing these medications to pregnant women when studies have shown these linkages? Why take the risk of potential birth defects and possible infant death for the sake of one’s depression? The answer is not so simple. It starts with the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration. They do not retain conclusive proof that birth defects or fatalities occur from these drugs; instead, they have only conflicting information about the link between the two.

A 2006 FDA study, focusing on newborns whose mothers took anti-depressant SSRI’s in the second half of their pregnancy, revealed that PPHN was six times more likely in SSRI pregnancies than in pregnancies without SSRI usage. The FDA issued an advisory warning. However, three latter studies proved inconclusive results. As a result, the FDA retracted their 2006 warning derived from the initial study, and directed physicians to continue prescribing the drugs as they have before.

If you or a loved one has recently given birth to a newborn that is experiencing any relative symptoms of PPHN or other medical condition, and the mother was taking an SSRI or other anti-depressant during the second half of their pregnancy, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to learn your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the mother and child’s damages. Be sure to trust a licensed and reputable medical malpractice attorney Indianapolis for accurate and effective legal counsel.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.at 317-881-2700 for information about medical malpractice lawsuits in Indianapolis, Indiana. Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek are seasoned personal injury lawyers with decades of trail and litigation experience. We offer free initial consultations to assess your claim and determine if you or your family is eligible for compensation, and we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 and speak with a friendly and experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

Types of Damages Awarded for Victims of Injury

Posted on March 15, 2016 by admin

Indianapolis Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Under tort law, when a person is a victim of a civil wrong-doing, a court may award damages to compensate them for their injuries and losses. Assessing the amount of damages is often a difficult and complex process since so many variables influence the final determination. A court must consider the losses or injuries of a victim’s person, property, and overall quality of life. Courts take this responsibility seriously since the law intends to help victims get back to the same state of life they were in before their accident.

It requires substantial evidence on behalf of the victim to recover the full and fair amount of compensation for the total amount of damages and losses. Evidence includes medical records, police reports, expense records, witness statements, interviews, and much more. But when the process of assessing damages is over, there are certain categories of damages that may be awarded. Continue reading to learn what three types of damages are awarded to injured victims and what they each represent.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are also called “actual” damages, since they are calculated by traceable and tangible losses. Compensatory damages have two subcategories: special damages and general damages. Special damages compensate victims for quantifiable economic losses, such as lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, legal fees, and property damage.

Special damages can also include incidental, speculative, and future damages if substantial evidence can prove future losses like prolonged therapy or loss of earning capacity. General damages, also referred to as hedonic damages, represent non-monetary losses, like pain and suffering. Pain and suffering can represent several losses, including mental anguish, loss of consortium, physical disablement, lost ability to work, reduced quality of life, wrongful death, grief, humiliation, damaged reputation, and more.

Punitive Damages

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Courts may also award additional punishable damages in special cases of egregiously offensive conduct. These are called punitive damages, or exemplary damages, and are more intended to reprimand the wrong-doer rather than award the victim (although the victim still receives monetary compensation). Punitive damages are awarded in cases where victims suffered losses as a result of anothers extreme maliciousness, brazenness, or flagrant negligence. They are intended to set an example, as well as,
reform the wrong-doer and deter others from
similar immoral behaviors.

Aggravated Damages

Aggravated damages are not a separate category of damages, but rather an extension of general damages that fall under compensatory damages. Aggravated damages are essentially the same as punitive damages, since they are awarded for cases of egregious invidious conduct, however, they are directly compensatory in nature. Punitive damages are meant to punish, whereas aggravated damages are meant to monetarily compensate a victim for aggravated injuries sustained by a defendant’s extreme malevolent conduct.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Personal Injury Attorneys 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 when you need experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorneys you can trust. Seasoned accident lawyers Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are eager to recover the full and fair compensation victims of wrongful injuries deserve. Our personal injury law firm provides free initial consultation and never collects attorney fees unless we recover a settlement for you. Get started on an effective path to restoring your life after a serious accident by calling our Indianapolis accident attorneys at
317-881-2700 to schedule an appointment today.