Win Your Accident Case: A Closer Look at Personal Injury Claims in Indiana

Posted on February 16, 2024 by admin

Personal injury claims are not just about seeking financial compensation; they are about regaining control amidst the chaos of an accident, and they are a means to hold those responsible for your suffering accountable. However, navigating the legal landscape of personal injury cases can be labyrinthine, particularly when specific state laws and regulations come into play. For Indiana residents facing the aftermath of an accident, understanding the intricacies of the personal injury claim process is critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

In this guide, we delve into the key components of personal injury claims, the pivotal steps to take, and the nuances of Indiana’s legal framework. Whether you’re a victim of a car accident, slip and fall incident, trucking accident or medical malpractice, this resource will equip you with the knowledge you need to pursue just compensation for your injuries.

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The Perils of Personal Injuries in Indiana

Indiana’s bustling cities, interconnected roadways, and vibrant communities mean that accidents, unfortunately, are a part of life. A personal injury can strike suddenly and disrupt every facet of your life. You may face physical pain, emotional trauma, financial distress, and the daunting task of dealing with the aftermath. Understanding the full extent of the difficulties you face as an injury victim forms the foundation for a proactive approach to your recovery, both personal and legal.

Types of Damages Suffered by Injury Victims

Personal injury cases typically involve a spectrum of damages, which can be categorized into economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include medical expenses, wage loss, property damage, and any other financial detriment resulting from the accident. Non-economic damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Recognizing these various losses is crucial for later quantifying them in a claim.

Understanding Personal Injury Claims: The Why’s, How’s and Who’s

When is the right time to file a personal injury claim? Why should I file a claim? These are some of the first questions that often arise for injury victims. In Indiana, the reasons to file a claim are numerous, particularly when losses are significant and have a lasting effect. Whether you are the direct victim of an injury or a related party, the ability to file a claim is generally broad but defined within certain parameters.

Reasons to Pursue an Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim serves several purposes, including reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Furthermore, it is a legal recourse to address the pain and suffering inflicted by the negligent party. In extreme cases, punitive damages may also apply, providing a measure of punishment and a deterrent affect for particularly egregious conduct.

Indiana Statutes of Limitations

Each state imposes statutes of limitations, which dictate the time-frame within which a claim must be filed. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. Failure to file within this period can result in an absolute bar to recovery, making prompt action imperative for any potential claimant. If your claim is against a governmental entity, your time for filing a tort claims notice which is a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit is much shorter than 2 years.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

In Indiana, the injured person themselves is typically the primary claimant. However, in the event of severe injuries or fatalities, or if the injured person is a minor or dependent, a family member or guardian may seek compensation on their behalf. Additionally, certain situations may lead to third-party claims, expanding the scope of recovery options for victims. It is important to hire an experienced accident attorney to navigate the claim filling process with you. Generally, this process includes steps such as:

► Gathering Evidence and Documentation

The strength of your claim often hinges on the evidence collected at the scene and documented in the aftermath. Photographs, witness statements, dash and body camera and medical records can be pivotal in proving the cause and effect of your injuries. A comprehensive record is the cornerstone of any successful claim.

► Hiring an Attorney and Filing the Lawsuit

Navigating personal injury law can be daunting, particularly when you are contending with the complexities of a claim. Hiring an experienced accident attorney immediately is your best defense against the tactics of insurance companies and the legal maneuverings of opposing counsel. Your injury lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, ensuring that all legal formalities are met.

► Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial

The vast majority of personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. These discussions aim to reach a satisfactory agreement between the injured party and the at-fault party’s insurance company without going to trial. However, if a mutually acceptable resolution cannot be achieved, the case will proceed to trial where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Factors That May Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Navigating the circumstances that can affect the outcome of a personal injury claim requires awareness and foresight. In Indiana, several key factors can significantly influence the trajectory of your case, such as:

Comparative Negligence Laws – Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence standard, whereby the injured party can still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault for the incident. However, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it may impact the ultimate award. If you are more than 50% as the injured party you do not win your case in Indiana. If your claim is against a governmental agency or in medical malpractice cases, different laws apply.

Impact of Insurance Coverage – Insurance policies often play a significant role in personal injury cases. Understanding the relevant insurance coverage, policy limits, and potential for recovery from different sources is a critical aspect of claim evaluation and negotiation.

Social Media Activity – In the digital age, social media can become a double-edged sword in personal injury cases. Posts, comments, and photos shared online can be used as evidence, affecting the credibility of your claim. Maintaining discretion on social platforms can protect the integrity of your case and leave less chances of a defense attorney twisting or leaving context out of such evidence.

Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Claim

Achieving the full potential of your personal injury claim necessitates a proactive and diligent approach. Here are essential tips to help you navigate your claim and maximize your recovery:

— Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Prompt medical attention not only prioritizes your health, which is always paramount, but also creates a contemporaneous record of your injuries. This documentation is persuasive evidence in support of your claim.

— Documenting Injuries and Damages

A meticulous record of all injuries suffered, treatment received, and ongoing symptoms is indispensable. Establishing a documented chain of evidence paints a detailed picture of your losses and the subsequent impact on your life.

— Keeping a Record of Expenses and Losses

Maintaining a ledger of all related expenses, such as medical bills, property damage, and other financial outlays, is imperative for a comprehensive demand for compensation.

— Hiring a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney

An attorney with a robust track record in personal injury cases can be the most crucial asset in your journey to securing fair compensation. With their expertise, they can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best legal advocacy possible.

Final Thoughts

Seeking a just resolution to a personal injury claim is more than a legal process; it is a personal journey to reclaiming your life. With the insights and knowledge provided in this guide, injury victims in Indiana are empowered to take the necessary steps towards recovery and the pursuit of deserved compensation. Remember, the key to winning your case is to act decisively and align yourself with the right legal representation from the outset.

If you or a loved one has been injured in Indiana, do not hesitate to seek legal advice tailored to your specific situation. The road to recovery may be long, but with the right approach, just compensation can be within reach. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Call now before time runs out on your claim.

Do I Need to File a Lawsuit After Being Hurt in an Accident?

Posted on September 6, 2022 by admin

After being injured in an accident by the carelessness of another, many victims are legally entitled to some degree of reimbursement or compensation for their losses. These losses include damages like lost wages, medical expenses, hospital bills, prolonged rehabilitation, mental trauma, pain, suffering, property damages, and more. In extreme cases where the wrong doer demonstrated egregious misconduct or caused such trauma that compensation is not a sufficient means of amends, punitive damages may also be awarded by a court or jury.

Although a victim of a negligent act or accident is truly a victim and should be compensated for their damages, pursuing a lawsuit for such restitution may not always be in the victim’s best interest. Most often, a personal injury lawsuit is the path wrongly injured victims should take, but in some instances, it may not be the best option for a number of reasons. For this reason, it is wise to consider whether a lawsuit is a worthwhile endeavor.

Continue reading to learn a few considerations that can help a personal injury victim decide if a lawsuit is the productive course of action to take after being hurt in an accident.

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Examining the Details of the Accident

After being injured in an accident at the expense of another person or entity, it is important to indicate three aspects of the incident. First, it is critical to consider the actual level of fault of the opposing party.

What was their role in the incident?

Did they have a legal duty of care to prevent such accidents from happening to the same class of people as the victim?

Would a reasonable person have foreseen the possibility of the accident happening?

Did they take reasonable action to prevent such accidents?

There is much more involved in determining fault in a personal injury case, but these are a few inquiries that come into play when assessing liability. Sometimes, it can seem like an accident was the other person or company’s fault, when in fact, they are cleared of such liability for several other reasons. If a person does not have a strong enough claim against an opposing party, or if the opposing party is not the majority at-fault, there may be no point to a personal injury lawsuit.

Comparative Fault Analysis

It is also important to consider the victim’s own liability in the accident. This is referred to as comparative fault analysis. According to USLEGAL.com, Comparative Fault Analysis is defined as, “…a doctrine of tort law which permits plaintiff and defendant to compare their liability for the accident. It allows proportionate recovery if both the plaintiff and defendant were negligent and thereby contributed to the cause of an injury.” So, one must ask themselves what was their level of fault might be? Could they have prevented their injuries? Should they have reasonably foreseen that such an accident could happen? Was what they were doing at the time of the incident reasonable?

For example, consider a winter blizzard. On a snowy and icy day, a young man visits a grocery store wearing roller skates. Although there are wet floor signs posted everywhere and the store attempted reasonable clean up, he ignores them and continues to skate his way through the store, eventually wiping out and injuring himself badly. Since a reasonable person would not wear roller skates to a grocery store in those conditions because they know that floors will be wet and slippery, and since the grocery store took reasonable action to try to clean and to post “wet floor” signs as a warning to customers, the level of fault might fall onto the man. In this case, the store would not be held liable or fully liable for his injuries. A personal injury lawsuit might be futile in this example.

Extent of Damages

And the third aspect to consider is the severity of the victim’s injury and the extent of damages incurred because of the accident. If the injury is not so serious that it caused the victim to suffer calculable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and loss of ability to work.

For instance, let’s say a person is wrongly rear-ended by another driver and the collision causes the airbag to deploy. As a result, the person who was rear-ended incurred minor airbag burns on their forearm but no other injuries. Because these burns are minor, they only required one doctor’s visit in which the physician orders the patient to use OTC topical ointment to soothe the burns as they heal. Because the accident did not cause them to suffer serious damages and losses, a personal injury lawsuit would be useless, although if a settlement were not reached with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, a lawsuit in small claims court might be sufficient but again, the pros and cons of your time and effort in obtaining a small claims judgement would need to be weighed.

Had the car accident resulted in a head injury, orthopedic injury, or similar serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation, the circumstance would change, and a personal injury claim and possible lawsuit would be worthwhile filing.

Prospect of Compensation

Aside from the three aspects of the accident, it is important to think about the possibility of compensation. Although a court can rule that a victim is owed compensation, the court is not the one to pay it, and neither is the government unless the claim was brought against the government. All compensation that is court- ordered to the victim or their families has to come from, in almost all cases, the defendant’s insurance company. If a defendant has no insurance, and has very little assets, income, or savings, there is little chance to get the compensation. They usually cannot pay a judgment if they could not afford to carry liability insurance. For this reason, pursuing a lawsuit is most often not worthwhile, but every case needs to be looked at individually.

Would you like to learn more about your opportunity to obtain compensation through an Indiana personal injury claim or lawsuit? C o ntact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury evaluation to explore your eligibility, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

4 Reasons Why You Should Not Represent Yourself in a Personal Injury Case

Posted on May 6, 2022 by admin

There is an old English proverb that is particularly relevant to this topic: “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”

Although you certainly have the law-given right to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit, it is not the encouraged option for claimants. Continue below to learn 4 critical reasons why, plus what legal recourse you should take to ensure you are awarded the maximum settlement for your damages and losses.

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Personal Injury Self-Representation is Not a Good Idea

It is understandable that some accident victims ponder the idea of self-representation since civil litigants do not have a constitutional right to legal representation like criminal defendants do. But most personal injury law firms work on contingency, which means accident victims needn’t worry about affording a lawyer. Under a contingency-fee arrangement, clients do not pay any upfront costs or fees. They only pay after the law firm has obtained a settlement or verdict for them. If the law firm is unable to obtain a settlement for a client, the client owes nothing.

Some people consider representing themselves because they think they can be successful. However, there are many elements and aspects of a personal injury case that require astute and knowledgeable understanding of the law in order to maximize an accident settlement. In fact, this is the first reason why you should not choose to represent yourself in a personal injury lawsuit.

4 Risks You Take When You Choose to Represent Yourself

Complexities of the Legal System

If you plan to represent yourself, understand that the courts will strictly hold you to all related duties. You will be expected to know and understand all rules regarding evidence and civil procedures, plus identify the principal legal matter and raise all arguments. They will also expect you to know about and file all necessary paperwork within their differentiating deadlines. Failure to do so can end a case.

These legal processes are complicated, even for someone with a basic understanding of the court system. A personal injury lawyer is the best resource for obtaining the most money possible for your damages because they are specialized in tort law and have an acute knowledge of the law and courts.

Instant Legal Expenses

As soon as you begin on your personal injury case, the legal expenses will immediately begin to accrue. Clients of personal injury lawyers who operate on contingency are often covered by the law firm in terms of any required upfront legal costs. Clients pay for all legal expenses when their attorneys obtain a settlement for them. Oppositely, anyone representing themselves will be forced to pay their own legal costs from start to finish, which may include court costs, filing fees, copying fees, serving pleadings, depositions, hearing transcribing, expert testimony costs, investigatory costs, and more.

Less Compensation

It is very difficult for the average personal injury claimant to gain the full value of their case when representing themselves. Attempting to do so would certainly pose all sorts of challenges. Not only do personal injury lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies, especially since they are acutely trained to dodge the common tactics used by insurance companies to lower the value of a claimant’s case, but they know how to accurately evaluate your claim’s full worth.

Complicated Lien Resolution

For most personal injury cases, an awarded settlement means that at least one healthcare lien must be resolved with a government healthcare program or private insurer, typically Medicaid or Medicare, but sometimes the Veterans’ Administration. This process of lien resolution for personal injury settlements requires seasoned legal knowledge and training. Self-representing personal injury claimants often find themselves stuck in regulatory traps and red-tape mazes.

Do you still need more convincing that a personal injury law firm is the right choice for your accident case in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free personal injury case evaluation. You can speak directly with a trusted and experienced Indianapolis IN accident attorney over the phone, via online video, or in person at our office. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana.

What to Do if Your Child Was Injured Because Another Adult Was Negligent

Posted on June 21, 2021 by admin

Children are on a continuous learning curve, as they have new and curious experiences every day. For this reason, children of all ages require adequate supervision at all times; this is especially critical in younger stages of life when kids are at a much higher risk of being injured in accidents. When such injuries and accidents occur as a result of an adult’s negligence, it could very well be considered grounds for a negligent supervision claim under tort law.

If your child was recently injured because another adult was negligent, reckless, or otherwise careless, continue reading to learn your rights for pursuing legal action against them for the sake of recovering from the at-fault party’s insurance carrier the full and fair compensation they deserve for their damages and losses.

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Negligent Supervision and Child Injury Claims

It is impossible for parents to be with their children all hours of the day, every single day, 365 days a year. For the sake of having a career and a social life, parents commonly entrust their children to the care of babysitters, daycare providers, schools, family and relatives, and similar sources of childcare. So, when accidents happen to children while in the custody of an entrusted caregiver, the question of negligence is a common occurrence; especially when a child’s injuries lead to significant damages and losses in the child’s and family’s life, including hospital bills, medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages for missing work, and much more.

Inadequately or not providing supervision for a child that is ultimately injured in their care places a person at fault in a negligent supervision lawsuit. Caregivers, whether professional or non-professional, take on a legal duty of care when they accept responsibility for watching a child. They must uphold this duty of care by ensuring that the child is safe and protected from any foreseeable hazards in their surrounding environment.

An example of negligent supervision would be if a child drowns in a swimming pool while being babysat. Another example of negligent supervision would be if a child suffocates from swallowing a toy at daycare. Both of these instances hypothetically occur because the child wasn’t being properly monitored and supervised while in the care of a sitter or daycare employee. In any case of negligent supervision, a caregiver breaches their duty of reasonable care for a child, thus resulting in a child sustaining serious injuries or even dying.

Most Common Types of Child Injury Cases:

▷ Swimming Pool/Drowning Accidents
▷ Falls From Heights
▷ Defective Toy/Playground Accidents
▷ Dog Bites/Attacks
▷ Household Poisoning Incidents
▷ Firearm/Gun Incident

Indiana Child Accident Lawyers

If your child was injured while in the care of another adult, and it occurred because that adult was careless or reckless in some way or another, it is important that you contact in Indiana Child accident lawyer right away. There is a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a claim against an at fault party in order to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Aside from the statutes of limitations for your personal injury claim, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible before evidence is lost for the case.

Not sure which personal injury law firm to trust with your child injury claim? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an expert child injury accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent the families of injured children, the child, and the families of children who are deceased as a result of the negligence of another throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents who are injured in other states.

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The Best Advice for Interviewing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on January 17, 2020 by admin

After being seriously hurt in an accident, it is important to find reputable and aggressive personal injury representation at a trusted law firm. This will give you the best opportunity to recover the full and fair compensation you are owed in order to pay for hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. When it comes time to sit face to face with a potential accident attorney, it is helpful to know what questions to ask before choosing them to represent you in your claim.

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for interviewing a personal injury lawyer.

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Interview Questions for Tort Lawyers

The most effective method for choosing a group of law firms to interview is word of mouth. Personal recommendations and referrals are a great way to find law firms that have provided good service for people you know and trust. You can also do online searches using reputable web portals like Yelp and Google My Business.

These portals provide contact information, credentials, recent customer reviews, and company descriptions of practice areas and more. It is a comprehensive way to learn about a law firm before giving them a call. Credentials to look for include licensing, 10+ years of experience, history of successful cases, and customer reviews.

How to Move Forward With a Company Vehicle Accident Claim

Posted on September 20, 2019 by admin

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

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

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

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At the Scene of the Accident

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

After the Accident Scene

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

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

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

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

3 Easy Steps to Find a Reputable Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted on June 7, 2019 by admin

When it comes to suffering a serious injury that you had no fault in, compensation should be at the top of your list of priorities, right beneath medical care. In order to recover full and fair compensation for your personal injury, you have to make a claim. There are thousands of lawyers to choose from in Indianapolis. First, you must start your search within the proper field of law; from there, you must implement the proper strategies to ensure you choose the right law firm to represent you in your case. Fortunately, the hunt for a good personal injury lawyer does not have to be a hassle.

Continue reading to learn how you can find a reputable and proficient personal injury representation in just 3 easy steps.

When searching for an accident lawyer, it is important to know what to look for in a law firm. Here are 3 simple steps to ensuring you hire the right legal team for your personal injury claim:

1. Interview Law Firms

Your first step to choosing a reputable personal injury lawyer to help you with your claim is to interview some potential candidates. See our blog, “Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Accident Lawyer” for help with this stage of the process. When looking, keep in mind that a reputable law firm, as well as the injury attorneys that work for the law firm, all retain valid licensing. It is vital that you use an accident attorney that is actually licensed by the state and has passed the state bar exam. Be sure they are well-versed in personal injury cases as well. You do not want to retain a civil lawyer to represent your accident claim who has very little actual injury case experience; instead, you want to hire an accident attorney that specializes solely in personal injury law.

2. Schedule an Initial Consultation

Once you have chosen a law firm to work with, it is necessary to get your first consultation on the books. During this consult, you will not likely be required to pay a fee; most personal injury lawyers, including Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C., offer initial consultations for free in order to discuss your case and determine the best strategies for your claim. See our blog, “What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation” to learn how to prepare for this meeting with your accident lawyer.

3. Understand Your Case

After you have chosen a lawyer and had your first consultation, the remainder of the work is up to your lawyer. However, there are still some responsibilities of your own to keep in mind. First, it is wise to learn as much as you can about your case and the laws surrounding the circumstances of the accident. This understanding can help you prepare for the future, as well as, what to expect from your case. Second, you must be sure you are protecting yourself. See our blog, “Frequent Mistakes Victims Make in Personal Injury Claims” to learn what you need to know about avoiding mistakes when in the middle of a personal injury lawsuit.

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!

What to Bring to a Personal Injury Consultation

Posted on March 8, 2019 by admin

As your initial personal injury consultation approaches, it is wise to begin preparing. Although the majority of the responsibility regarding your claim lies in the hands of your trusted law firm, there are certain duties of your own that must come first in order to get your case started on a strong track. Part of this duty is to be prepared for your initial appointment by bring in documents, evidence, questions, and more.

Continue reading to learn what you should have ready to bring with you to your initial personal injury consultation.

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Most personal injury law firms offer the first consultation for free to openly discuss your accident and related losses, determine how strong of a case you have, and similar preliminary topics. For this meeting, you, whether the actual accident victim or relative/spouse, will need to have certain items on hand. If you cannot come by these items or documents, there is no need to worry; you can still have an effective consultation so long as you have chosen a reputable and skilled Indiana personal injury law firm to represent your case.

Here are some items and information you should have ready:

✏ Medical Assistance Information – Admission and discharge papers, etc.

✏Medical Contact Information – names and phone numbers/addresses of all medical providers, ie. ambulance, emergency room, primary care physician, specialists.

✏ Medical Bills – Hospital stay, medications, treatments, tests, surgeries, physical therapy, etc.

✏ Missed Work Dates Due to Injury and Recovery – Including one month of pay stubs prior to accident date if available.

✏ Witness Contact Information-phone number, name, address…

✏ Insurance Adjuster’s Contact Information – name, address, phone number, claim number…

✏ Insurance Policy Documents – Car (if an automobile collision) and medical (health insurance information for the injured party)

✏ Copy of the Police Report – (if available)

✏ Tangible Evidence (for injuries and opposing party’s vehicle if applicable) – Photos of vehicles, scene and injured party, videos and objects from the scene.

What To Do Now

Once the lawyer evaluates the list of documents and evidence you’ve provided, they will determine whether or not your case is strong enough to proceed to the next step in the personal injury litigation process. See our blog, “How to Set Your Personal Injury Claim into Motion” to learn what to expect from the initial claims process. After being injured in an accident, it is understandable that coming by a large amount of evidence, paperwork, and more, can be overwhelming.

If you are having trouble collecting such documents, your personal injury lawyer can help and do not worry. Some evidence and information can be obtained at a later date and from other various sources.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 for help with your Indianapolis personal injury claim. We are seasoned accident attorneys who represent a wide range of injured victims, including those hurt in car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, and much more. Request a free consultation, today.

What is Premise Liability?

Posted on November 9, 2018 by admin

If a person is wrongfully injured on another’s property, they may be entitled to collect compensation for their damages and losses through a premise liability personal injury claim. Continue reading to learn more about premise liability, including some of the important organizations that helps influence regulations for such laws and how to make a claim for yourself or a loved one.

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A property’s “premise” is defined as inside and outside of a property, including sidewalks, parking lots, and gates, staircases, parking garages, and more. Properties can be residential, commercial, governmental, municipal, and various other public or private owned properties. This includes schools, office buildings, restaurants, retail stores, museums, hotels, movie theaters, bars, malls, parks, playgrounds, residential homes, apartment buildings, swimming pools, and any other property that is open to the public.

Premise Liability Law

Premise Liability refers to is a set of laws that hold property owners accountable for any damages or losses suffered by victims of accidents that occur on their premises. This type of liability can vary depending on many factors, especially whether or not the victim was invited onto the property, licensed to enter the property, or trespassed onto the property. Cases of premise liability can involve various types of accidents and injuries; some of the most common being slip and fall accidents, structural hazards, victims of violence and assault, food poisoning, animal attacks, pedestrian accidents, orthopedic injuries, burn injuries, swimming pool accidents, and more.

Premise Liability Organizations

Important organizations related to premise liability law in Indianapolis, IN are the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). These associations have dedicated years of combined efforts to reform the law and rights of injured individuals.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners seems like an unlikely ally in the premise liability law world. But, in fact, this association has worked to promote markets, protect the public’s interest, implement equal and fair service of insurance customers, promote reliability of insurance companies, and the improve the state’s regulation of insurance. Finally, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control was established 20 years ago to promote safety and injury prevention across the country and works closely with research institutions to get closer to their goals.

Making a Premise Liability Claim

The base objective for premise liability claims is to hold property owners accountable for any injury-causing accidents that take place on their grounds. This can be done by making a personal injury claim against the responsible party. If you or someone you loved has been negligently hurt in a serious accident on public property, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Contact an Indianapolis personal injury attorney right away to get started on your claim.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to discuss your recent accident with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorney, and learn the best course of action for your claim. We are eager to help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for Depression?

Posted on October 22, 2018 by admin

If you have suffered through an experience that was caused by another person or entity’s negligence, and as a result, you are diagnosed with depression or some other type of mental or psychological condition, you may be wondering about collecting compensation through a personal injury claim. Such cases are complex, so it is vital that you discuss your compensation claim questions with a licensed personal injury lawyer.

In the meantime, continue reading for some information that may also help, including who to call for trusted advice and assistance.

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Post Injury Depression

When accidents happen, injuries can be both physical and mental. In fact, according to the Sport Science Institute, “the psychological response to injury can trigger or unmask serious mental health issues such as depression (…).” In one study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, a group of doctors examined the effect of post-injury depression on return to pre-injury levels of function. Results showed that 18.1% of patients tested were diagnosed with depression during the post-injury year.

Most often, victims of serious accidents will experience a long and painful recovery process in which they cannot return to work, nor enjoy their pre-injury activities and hobbies. It may lead to a strain in relationships with spouses, friends and family too. These dramatic life changes can result in a variety of emotions, such as anger, frustration, irritation, sadness, isolation, appetite changes, disturbed sleep, disengagement, a lack of motivation, and much more.

Recovering Compensation for Depression

In virtually all jurisdictions, victims of a personal injury can make a claim and recover compensation for depression, or any other type of harm to their mental health, so long as the condition is linked to their accident and resulting injuries. Depression would be referred to as a “non-economic loss”, just like pain and suffering, or any other type of negative impact on mental and emotional health.

If you believe you are suffering from a mental or other psychological condition as a result of a serious injury, and wish to be compensated for your condition as part of your claim for damages in an accident, it is time to discuss your case with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney. They are the qualified professionals who can examine your claim and determine the best course of action for recovering compensation for your damages and losses.

How to Learn More About Your Claim

Personal Injury Law Firm
317-881-2700

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

The Perils of Personal Injuries in Indiana

Types of Damages Suffered by Injury Victims

Understanding Personal Injury Claims: The Why’s, How’s and Who’s

Reasons to Pursue an Injury Claim

Indiana Statutes of Limitations

How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Indiana

► Gathering Evidence and Documentation

► Hiring an Attorney and Filing the Lawsuit

► Negotiating a Settlement or Going to Trial

Factors That May Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Injury Claim

— Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

— Documenting Injuries and Damages

— Keeping a Record of Expenses and Losses

— Hiring a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney

Final Thoughts

Examining the Details of the Accident

Comparative Fault Analysis

Extent of Damages

Prospect of Compensation

Personal Injury Self-Representation is Not a Good Idea

4 Risks You Take When You Choose to Represent Yourself

Complexities of the Legal System

Instant Legal Expenses

Less Compensation

Complicated Lien Resolution

Negligent Supervision and Child Injury Claims

Most Common Types of Child Injury Cases:

Indiana Child Accident Lawyers

Continue reading to learn some helpful tips for interviewing a personal injury lawyer.

Interview Questions for Tort Lawyers

Top Recommended Questions to Ask:

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

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

At the Scene of the Accident

After the Accident Scene

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Continue reading to learn how you can find a reputable and proficient personal injury representation in just 3 easy steps.

1. Interview Law Firms

2. Schedule an Initial Consultation

3. Understand Your Case

Where to Find Trusted Legal Advice

Continue reading to learn what you should have ready to bring with you to your initial personal injury consultation.

What To Do Now

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers

Premise Liability Law

Premise Liability Organizations

Making a Premise Liability Claim

Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorneys

In the meantime, continue reading for some information that may also help, including who to call for trusted advice and assistance.

Post Injury Depression

Recovering Compensation for Depression

How to Learn More About Your Claim