The 3 Primary Categories of Torts

Torts are civil wrong-doings, immoral behaviors, failing to use reasonable care and/or actions against civilians. Most often, torts come with consequences, like serious injuries and death. These consequences establish a civilian’s right to file a personal injury claim against a wrongful party and to recover damages from the wrongful party’s insurance carrier, except for intentional crimes.

Torts that result in serious injury or death can be punishable by imprisonment depending on the wrongful act; however, the objective of tort law is to provide for compensation for damages incurred by victims and families of victims. Its additional, and equally important, depending upon the tort, the intent is to prevent similar wrongdoings from occurring in the future.

Continue reading to learn the 3 categories of torts, and what to do if you are an injured victim who was wrongfully hurt in an accident caused by another.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Tort Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Tort Lawyers 317-881-2700

Tort Law

There are several individual capacities of tort law that all depend on the type of injury or accident that harms a person. Types of cases involving torts include motor vehicle accidents, product liability, assault and battery, sexual harassment, drunk driving accidents, wrongful death, slip and falls, head or brain injuries, dog bites, nursing home neglect, motorcycle accidents, and several other types of infliction of emotional or physical trauma.

Most torts can be grouped into at least one of three separate categories: Intentional Torts, Negligent Torts, and Strict Liability Torts.

Intentional torts are deliberate, premeditated, and purposeful. Assault and battery, sexual misconducts, and nursing home neglect are some examples of intentional tort.

Negligent tort occurs as a result of carelessness and disregard. Disobeying traffic signals, failing to pay attention while driving, speeding and causing an accident that harms another person are examples of negligent torts.

Strict liability torts, on the other hand, occur when a particular action causes harm or damage to another person, such as liability for making and selling defective products that are hazardous.

What to Do as an Injured Victim of a Wrongful Accident

Victims of torts can pursue fair compensation for damages incurred as a result of the tort. Exemplary damages include everything from pain and suffering to loss of companionship, and much more, such as lost wages, hospital bills, medical expenses, scarring or disfigurement, funeral expenses, prolonged rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, and much more.

Injured victims can also pursue compensation for damages like diminished quality of life and loss of benefits from a loved one’s death. Tort law is established to protect injured victims that were wrongfully hurt by a negligent party. Negligent parties can include people, companies, individuals, organizations, etc…

If you are a victim of tort or were recently injured in an accident caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact a licensed personal injury law firm for professional guidance and counsel. It is important to take immediate action following a serious injury before the statute of limitation runs out. An experienced tort lawyer will substantially increase your chances and likelihood of winning your personal injury claim recovering compensation for your damages.

Are you ready to learn about your eligibility for recovering compensation as a survivor of a wrongful accident in Indiana? Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, today. We represent inured persons and the survivors in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana.

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Interesting Facts About the History of Tort Law
What are Dignitary Torts?
The Difference Between Intentional and Unintentional Torts

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Common Damages Awarded for Traumatic Brain Injury Accidents

One of the most devastating and disastrous personal injuries a wrongly injured victim can suffer is a traumatic brain injury. Such injuries, also called TBI’s, are often life-threatening, but when they do not end up fatal, they can still leave a victim with long-term or permanent damage to the brain. Unfortunately, accidents that lead to severe brain damages are more prevalent than you can imagine. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2 and half million people fall victim to a serious brain injury every single year.

If you are your immediate loved one was wrongfully injured in an accident that cause a traumatic brain injury, you are owed compensation for all of your damages and losses. Continue reading to learn what those might be, and how to find the right representation for a TBI accident claim in Indiana.

Indianapolis IN Brain Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Brain Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s)

A TBI is any type of serious injury to the brain. Often times, they are caused by a significant jolt or blunt force trauma. The most common causes for traumatic brain injuries are motor vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, slip and fall accidents, assault, pedestrian and cyclist accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

The resulting damages and effects of a traumatic brain injury vary on a wide spectrum. Such factors that influence the aftermath of a TBI include the type of injury, severity of injury, area of the brain injured, and much more. Some victims develop short-term symptoms, such as a mild concussion, while others live with symptoms and losses for the rest of their lives, such as motor skill issues.

Common short-term and immediate medical consequences of a TBI include migraines, headaches, dizziness, nausea, trouble focusing, blurred vision, and fatigue. Common long-term or life-long medical consequences often include permanent brain damage, loss of motor skills or control, behavioral changes or mood dysfunctions, and several other types of cognitive disorders.

Making a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim

Traumatic brain injuries do not just go away over time. The resulting damages from a TBI are usually life-long, and/or require extensive, on-going rehabilitation and treatment. For this reason, the law provides legal relief in the form of compensation for those who were injured by a negligent party and suffered serious brain damages as a result.

In order to learn your rights and eligibility for pursing legal action against the wrongful party who injured you or your loved one, you will need to find a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. They have the knowledge and resources to recover the full and fair settlement or social security disability verdict you deserve.

Common Damages Awarded to TBI Victims:

▷ Hospital and Medical Bills
▷ Pain and Suffering
▷ Mental and Emotional Anguish
▷ Diminished Quality of Life
▷ Income Loss
▷ Loss of Ability to Perform Same Work Duties
▷ Loss of Ability to Work, Drive, Etc.

Wrongful Death After Brain Injury

In the case that your loved one lost their life as a result of a serious head or brain injury, an accident lawyer can navigate a wrongful death lawsuit so that you can obtain compensation for losses such as household bills, medical expenses, funeral arrangement expenses, burial expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, loss of consortium, and much more.

Have you or a loved one recently suffered a TBI in Indiana? Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned brain injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a free initial case evaluation, today. We serve clients all throughout the state.

You Should Also Read:

What are Future Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?
Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Accident Claims
What To Do After Sustaining a Serious Head Injury

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
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How Long Does it Take to Settle an Accident Claim?

If your personal injury claim settles too quickly, does that mean you’ve settled for less compensation?

If your claim settles too slowly, will you be able to cover your out-of-pocket expenses while in recovery?

How long will it take to settle my case and receive payment?

These are common questions asked by wrongfully injured accident survivors all across the nation, and rightfully so. It is important to understand your rights as an accident victim, as well as your eligibility for pursing legal action against the at-fault party and their insurance carrier. Continue reading to learn how long personal injury claims take to reach a settlement or verdict, and what you can expect as a client of a skilled and experienced accident attorney.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Claim Law Firm
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Claim Law Firm 317-881-2700

The Beginning of the Personal Injury Claims Process

There are certain strategies that work better than others when it comes to obtaining the maximum settlement or verdict for a personal injury claim. The best and most effective approach is to hire a licensed and experienced personal injury law firm to represent you in your case. From there, they will navigate each and every aspect of your claim, using their own proven strategies to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

In fact, hiring a reputable Indiana accident lawyer is your first step you should take as soon as you are medically stable after an accident. Even if you are not medically stable enough to contact a lawyer and discuss your claim, you can have your spouse or next of kin do it for you. Family and guardian ad litems can file personal injury claims on behalf of an injured victim in certain circumstances.

Settling Too Quickly Can Mean Less Compensation

In most cases, settling a personal injury claim too quickly can result in being shorted on the compensation the victim is rightfully owed. Although there are some cases in which settling quickly is the right option, most times, a personal injury lawyer will continue to fight the insurance company until a maximum settlement is reached. This takes time, which is just one element of a personal injury case that can extend the amount of time it takes to come to an end. With a skilled accident lawyer on your case, you will not have to worry about settling too quickly and sacrificing monies that you could have been awarded or offered.

Why Cases Sometimes Take a Long Time to Settle

Along with back and forth negotiations and stubborn insurance companies, other common reasons why personal injury cases take longer to reach a settlement include:

▷ Victim has not yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI);
▷ The case involves a considerable amount of money;
▷ There are legal or objective issues that need resolving.

Never accept a lowball settlement from an insurance adjuster after being wrongfully injured in an accident because once the settlement is agreed to, there is no going back on it if you find you need further medical care. Contact the accident attorneys at Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana to learn more about your rights to compensation.  We represent injured persons and the dependents in wrongful death cases throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

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What is the Worth of My Personal Injury Claim?
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Are Bicyclists Considered Drivers if They Ride on the Street?

Are people on bikes considered drivers or pedestrians if they are riding in the street rather than on the sidewalk? When attributing fault for an accident, does this distinction matter? And is it legal for them to block traffic? If you were recently injured by a negligent cyclist as a driver or pedestrian, you will want to know this information and more.

Continue below to learn what most state laws say about bicyclists’ rights on the road, as well as what you should do if you were injured in a related personal injury accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis IN Bicycle Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Bicycle Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Understanding a Bicyclist’s Rights on the Street

If a bicyclist was riding recklessly, whether in the street or through a crossing, and they caused you to have a car accident, it is complicated to know whether or not they will be considered a driver or pedestrian when it comes time to assign liability. It is important to speak with a licensed personal injury lawyer who can explain the laws surrounding such situations, and how they are applied in the case of an accident claim. The truth is that cyclists’ rules and rights are positioned in a cloudy area of the law. Most states leave it up to their local municipalities to make and uphold such laws, which tend to further muddle the distinction between a cyclist being a pedestrian or driver.

However, even with the freedom of creating their own laws for bike riders, most jurisdictions remain in agreeance with the Uniform Vehicle Code, which states that those operating bicycles on the street are subject to the same traffic rules and responsibilities as those operating motor vehicles, and therefore, are considered drivers themselves, except where the law says otherwise.

Bicycles are Typically Viewed as Vehicles

The universally-accepted principal among most municipalities is that a bicycle is a type of a vehicle, so anyone operating a bicycle on the street is considered a driver. Some states actually mandate that bicycles have license plates if they are to be ridden on the road, while others require helmets or even a registration. In all states, it is illegal for anyone to ride a bicycle on the freeway or interstate, unless there is no other alternative route.

Cyclists Must Stay Right and Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic

Most states have provisions in their statutes that decree how far to the right a bicyclist should be when riding on the road. Although many people misread the statute and assume that it says riders should stay as far right as possible, it really says to say as far right as practicable. Furthermore, bike riders are required in most states to ride in the same direction as traffic, with a few exceptions, such as cross-traffic turns or to avoid a hazard.

Injured By a Negligent Bike Rider?

Bicyclists are not often considered pedestrians in the case of an accident that results in a personal injury. They do not usually have the right-away on crosswalks like those on foot do, and they can be held liable in the case that their carelessness causes a car accident, or some other type of serious accident. If you or your loved one recently suffered serious injuries after being involved in a car accident caused by a irresponsible cyclist, get in touch with an Indiana car accident injury lawyer right away.

Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to speak with a certified and skilled personal injury lawyer if you were injured in a car accident caused by a bike rider in Indiana. We are well-versed in Indiana bicyclist liability laws, and can ensure your rights to being compensated are fully-protected, and most importantly, upheld. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys will obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your personal injury claim, regardless of the size or scope of your accident.

Ready to get started on your financial recovery after a bicycle accident in Indiana? Contact us soon to schedule a free case evaluation, which can be held via phone, video conference, or in-person at our Indianapolis law office. Act fast to preserve your rights, before the statute of limitations runs out on your claim.

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Facts About Lost Wages in a Personal Injury Claim

There are many types of damages and losses a personal injury victim can incur as a result of their accident and subsequent injuries. But one of the most common types of losses experienced by accident survivors is lost wages. When a person is seriously injured, they often lose time at work due to frequent hospital or doctors’ visits, or miss work entirely because they are unable to perform their work duties. Without a steady paycheck, accident victims then go on to suffer other types of financial losses, such as house bills and car payments.

For this reason and more, it is important for wrongfully injured victims to recover the full and fair compensation they rightfully deserve, including damages for lost wages. A personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your accident claim if you lost past, current, or future earnings as a result of another’s negligence.  

Continue below to learn more about lost wages, including how to prove them in a personal injury case and where to find skilled personal injury representation near you.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Recovery After an Accident

Because injuries vary so greatly, so does the spectrum of recovery times. One person might recover within a few weeks, and able to return to work while they finish healing, while another person might spend years in recovery. Some personal injury victims never fully recover and lose their ability to work altogether. In all cases and scenarios, wrongfully injured victims deserve to be compensated for their lost income, as well as a wide range of additional damages, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, permanent or partial disability, and much more as it pertains to the case.

Types of Lost Wages and Proving Them

There are various types of earnings a personal injury victim can lose out on, whether the victim is the actual injured person or a spouse or family member. The most common types of lost wages awarded in personal injury cases include hourly wages, overtime, sick leave, vacation days, bonuses, company perks, and benefits (i.e. insurance, social security, pension, etc.).

With so many kinds of wages paid to injured workers, it is necessary to prove such incomes with concrete evidence. The most common pieces of evidence used to prove a victim’s lost wages include pay stubs, tax documents, W2’s, a letter from the employer verifying a worker’s wages, a doctor’s note stating an employee cannot work, medical records, expert testimony, and basic data about their work schedule and weekly hours. If a victim is self-employed, their business’s banking records would be presented.

Future Lost Wages

Not only can personal injury victims possibly collect compensation for past and current lost wages, but they may also qualify to collect compensation for future lost earnings as well. This type of personal injury claim is referred to as a loss of potential to earn, and is often awarded in personal injury cases when a victim’s injuries are sustaining, rendering them unable to work for the foreseeable future. They are compensated for all projected future earnings, including pay raises, promotions, bonuses, overtime, and benefits.

Do you want to learn your eligibility for collecting compensation for lost wages after being wrongfully injured in an accident? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Ride Share Accident

Ride-sharing services are becoming more and more popular, so much so, they are essentially ingrained into our daily commuting options. But regardless of whether you choose Uber or Lfyt, both driver and the company as a whole has a responsibility to get you to your desired location, safely. So, when paying passengers are injured in a rideshare car accident, they deserve to be compensated. In order to ensure you are fully compensated for your damages and losses after suffering injuries in a ride share accident, it is important to know what to do.

Continue reading to learn the steps you should take after being injured in a ride share accident in Indiana, and who to trust for superior personal injury representation.

Ride Share Indianapolis Accident Attorney 317-881-2700
Ride Share Indianapolis Accident Attorney 317-881-2700

Post-Crash Car Accident Guide

The steps you take after being injured in a rideshare car accident will have a significant influence on the outcome of your claim if you intend on filing one. If you are severely injured and must be rushed to the hospital, you can resume your duties once you are stable enough. Your loved ones can also help you gather any information or evidence needed for your car accident claim.

Here’s What to Do if You are in a Ride Share Car Accident:

Make a Police Report

Even if the rideshare driver contacts the police, or any witnesses or involved parties, go ahead and contact law enforcement yourself and make your own police report. This police report will be used a key evidence to prove your claim, so do not skip this step. You can make a police report after an accident too, once you are stable in the hospital or at home, but the sooner the better. At the scene of the accident is the best time to make the police report, so do so if possible.

Don’t Say Anything

Do not say you are fine or okay after a rideshare car accident. These kinds of statements can be used against you later on when processing your claim. Furthermore, remain silent when in the company of the ride-share driver and any onlookers and witnesses. Do not speak to anyone involved in the accident as well, nor their insurance companies. Never speak to opposing insurance adjusters!

Accept Medical Treatment

Along with police, the EMT’s or paramedics will arrive to offer medical treatment or transportation to the hospital for emergency medical care. Allow EMT’s to examine you and treat you on the spot. If you are badly injured, take a ride in the ambulance to the emergency room, or have a loved one meet you at the scene and take you to the hospital. Even if you do not think you are injured, receive medical care to document your experience.

Gather Evidence

At the scene of the car accident, it is vital that you do your best to collect as much evidence as you can, including photos and videos of the cars and surrounding area, as well as witness statements and contact information. If you are too badly wounded to collect this information, have a loved one or police officer help you.

Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor

After receiving medical care at the scene or at the hospital, it is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor to follow up and document the progression or regression of your injuries. This record is important for your claim in order to prove your damages.

Contact a Personal Injury Car Accident Lawyer

Aside from medical treatment, the most important step to take after being injured in an Uber or Lyft accident is to hire a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer to help you with your car accident claim. They can investigate and gather evidence for you, and ensure you obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your damages. You may be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and much more.

Are you a ride share accident survivor? Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a passionate car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer Spanish speaking car accident lawyer assistance.

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Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Accident Free

There isn’t enough knowledge you can have when it comes to safe driving. The more you know, the safer you are, which means the safer others are around you as well. Continue below to review some of the most important defensive driving tips that will keep you and your passengers accident-free, and safe on the road. See the bottom of this blog for information about learning how to file a claim after being injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault.

Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Car Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

How to be a Defensive Driver

You can always improve your skills as a safe driver on the road. One way to do this is to ensure you are always defensively driving. What is a defensive driver? Defensive driving is the practice in which drivers operate their vehicles with optimal safety and cautious driving techniques. A defensive driver follows all traffic rules and regulations, and also stays current on all factory scheduled maintenance for their vehicle. When your car is well cared for, it performs its best, which means it’s a safe vehicle to drive. As for your own driving, summon your drivers’ education knowledge, and then combine it with some new driving techniques to help you be a safer driver that avoids causing or being involved in accidents on the road.

Top Tips for Defensive Driving

☑ DO NOT DRIVE DISTRACTED

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of negligent car accidents, especially those that involve serious bodily harm or injury. Examples of distracted driving include driving when tired or fatigued, driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair you, texting, eating, putting on makeup, sending emails, managing children in the backseat, rummaging through your purse, and anything else that requires you to take your eyes off the road for more than a second.

☑ NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE

As one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, it is important to never send text messages on your mobile phone while operating a vehicle. Instead, opt for hands-free technology that allows you to have both hands on your steering wheel and your eyes on the road while still maintaining a conversation. Equally important, only prompt phone calls when you are at a red stoplight, pulled over on the side of the road, or parked.

☑ KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN OTHER CARS

If you recall your drivers’ education knowledge, you will remember that your instructor taught you to keep at least one car length’s distance between the car in front of you. Another way to think of this is by maintaining 3 to 4 seconds worth of space between the vehicle in front of you. This will give you plenty of time to brake in the case of a sudden stop or emergency.

☑ ALWAYS GO THE SPEED LIMIT

A defensive driver always follows the speed limit, and never goes over it under any circumstances. There is a reason why municipalities set speed limits on all roads, streets, and interstates. Not only are they for safety, but they allow vehicles to travel most efficiently with optimal safety. By maintaining the speed limit, you are being a safe driver.

☑ LEARN YOUR BLIND SPOTS AND SIGNAL

Almost every car has a blind spot where two, and it is your responsibility as a driver to learn these blind spots and keep an eye on them whenever you are switching lanes are making turns. Equally important, always be sure to use your turn signals to let other drivers and even pedestrians know what direction you’re traveling.

Are you recently injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law to speak with a seasoned attorney about your Indianapolis Indiana car accident injury. We serve clients all throughout the state, and require no initial or upfront lawyer fees.

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How Soon Should I Notify My Insurance After Being Injured in an Accident?

If you plan on making a claim for an injury, or even just property loss, it is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible following accident. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about speaking with your insurance company after being injured in an accident that was not your fault.

Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm
Indianapolis IN Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700

Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately After an Accident

If you are involved in an accident, and you plan on filing a claim for injury or property losses, it is your responsibility to contact your own insurance carrier and notify them right away. This will ensure that filing a claim later on is even possible. Do this regardless of whether or not you plan to file a claim with the other party’s insurance company. Always contact your own insurance first, then contact seasoned Indiana personal injury lawyer to represent your claim.

How Soon is Soon?

For those injured in an accident, it can sometimes be difficult managing a serious phone call right away. If you are sent to the hospital, or severely incapacitated directly after an accident, take the time to recuperate your energy. You should be equally protected so long as you do so within 3 days or 72 hours. If you are capable of calling and speaking to your insurance carrier, do so the very same day of the accident. In many cases, claimants will call directly from the scene of the accident.

Read the Fine Print of Your Policy

It is important to know that some insurance policies have terms and conditions regarding deadlines for notifications of accidents. Your insurance carrier might require you to contact them within a certain time period in order to be eligible for benefits. Be sure you have read your insurance policy thoroughly so that you understand your rights and requirements as a claimant.

Speaking With Insurance Personnel

You must be very careful when you call your insurance company to notify them of your accident. You do not want to implicate yourself in any way that makes you look responsible for the incident. Be sure to stick with the facts of the accident, detailing what happened, where it happened, what property incurred damage, if anyone was injured including yourself, and if there were any witnesses. Your insurance representative will walk you through a series of questions to get the information they need, initially.

Do Not Speak With Other Insurance Adjusters

If another person’s insurance company contacts you to discuss the accident, do not take the call. Only allow your accident lawyer to speak with any other parties’ insurance representatives or adjusters. These employees are trained to manipulate any information you give them to lessen the value of the claim, or hold you responsible in any way for the accident. Even when contacting your own insurance company to explain the accident, it is best to first speak with your accident lawyer.

Does all of these seem quite stressful to you? You don’t have to worry about comprehending fine prints in insurance policies and claimant rights after an accident. Just hire a skilled and experienced Indianapolis accident lawyer to represent your claim. They will navigate all aspects of your claim for you, and recover the full compensation you deserve for your losses and damages.

Ready to get started on your accident claim now? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven Blazek Law to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent persons who live here, but injured in another state.

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An Explanation of Personal Injury Lawyer Fees

In most cases, personal injury law firms operate on a contingency payment arrangement business model, which means their fees are dependent on the outcome of a client’s case. Continue reading to learn more about personal injury lawyer fees, and what you can expect to pay for regarding your case.

Contingency Fee Personal Injury Lawyers
Contingency Fee Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Contingency Fee Payment Arrangements

The majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. So, if your personal injury lawyer offers their professional services using this business model, it means they do not collect any payment from their clients unless they recover a settlement or verdict. Clients who are billed on contingency only pay the lawyer after they are awarded compensation. Now, the amount a client pays their personal injury lawyer out of their settlement depends on various factors, namely the complexity of the case, the longevity of the legal process, and the number of legal resources needed to acquire a full and fair settlement in the end.

Under a contingency-fee arrangement, a client pays nothing at all if their lawyer does not obtain a settlement or verdict for them.

No Upfront Fees

Because a contingency-fee payment arrangement requires a client to pay for their lawyer’s service only after a settlement or verdict is won, there are no upfront or initial legal fees to satisfy. Hiring a personal injury lawyer requires no payment of any kind unless they recover compensation for you; then you must pay for their services, as well as any additional legal fees incurred during the process.

Average Lawyer Fees

Personal injury lawyers will write up a payment arrangement contract in the beginning, so you will know exactly what to expect in terms of paying your lawyer bill after the case is settled. In some cases, a lawyer might need to send the defendant party a demand letter or obtain further information, which would require a revision of the payment agreement if the case were more complex than initially thought. Although it varies greatly from firm to firm, most personal injury attorneys’ fees range between 33 and 40 percent of the total settlement recovered. In addition to paying this fee, clients will also have to cover any expenses incurred by the lawyer during the case.

Post- Settlement Legal Fees

When working on contingency, a personal injury lawyer usually pays for any needed legal resources to build their case. Then once a settlement is awarded, the client must pay these fees back, as well as the overall fee for legal representation. Such fees outside of the lawyer’s service fee include expenses like court costs, filing fees, medical records, police reports, investigator fees, expert witness fees, depositions, transcripts, trial exhibits, and even mailing postage.

In the end, personal injury lawyer clients can expect to pay between 40% and 65% of their total settlement. So long as you find an experienced Indianapolis Indiana law firm to represent your case, you will have more than enough compensation to cover all of your losses, plus pay your lawyer their due.

Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer to represent your accident claim? Contact the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a skilled and experienced accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

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How the Law Holds Property Owners Accountable for Negligence

Premise Liability Law is a set of ordinances that hold property owners liable and responsible for any harm or damages caused to people that are on their premises. This liability differs depending on whether the injured person was invited onto the property, licensed to enter the property, or someone who has trespassed onto the property. Continue reading to learn more about premise liability law, and how it protects you against being wrongfully injured by a negligent store or property owner.

Indianapolis IN Accident Lawyers
Indianapolis IN Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

What is Considered One’s Premises?

Property premise is defined as inside and outside the property, including sidewalks and access property. Such cases of premise liability have involved slip and fall accidents, structural hazards, victims of violence and assault, food poisoning, animal bites and attacks, and more.  More detailed reports of past premise liability cases were dead tree branches, poorly maintained public stores, swimming pool accidents, pet bites and animal attacks, driveway car accidents, unlevelled sidewalks, restaurant food poisoning, and bonfire accidents.    

Premise Liability Organizations

Important organizations related to premise liability law in Indianapolis, IN are the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), 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 American Tort Reform Association was created in 1986.  The Association’s creed is preserving the American civil justice system’s efficiency, predictability, and fairness. 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners seems like an unlikely ally in the premise liability law world.  But, in fact, this association has worked endlessly 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. 

Talk to an Experienced Premise Liability Lawyer

If you think you may have been involved in a premise liability accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.  Depending on the circumstance of your case, you may have a valid legal claim for compensation.  You can pursue a personal injury claim to recover financial restitution for lost wages, emotional distress, hospital bills, medical expenses, legal fees, prolonged therapy, pain, suffering, and much more. 

Were you injured on someone’s property because they were careless? Contact the accident attorneys at Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a seasoned personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also specialize in slip and fall accident cases.

You Should Also Read:

A Store’s Obligation to Maintain Safe Premises
What is Premise Liability?
How Do I Sue a Store for My Injuries?

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