Was your recent trip to the hair salon a full-blown
disaster? If your scalp and the skin around your face are seriously burnt as a
result of improper hair dyeing methods and/or misuse of products, can you make
a claim against the salon or the stylist to seek compensation for your damages?
Continue reading to learn how Indiana statutes and laws might provide relief
under tort law principals for such cases.
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Hair Salon Personal Injury Claims
In the case that you suffered serious burns,
abrasions, or substantial hair loss as a result of your salon stylist’s
negligent services, your claim would potentially fall under Indiana’s general
laws of negligence. Negligence is general is defined as a failure to use
reasonable care.
In order for it to be a valid claim, certain elements must exist. These include, but are not limited to:
❶ The stylist or salon owed the claimant a duty of
care.
❷ The stylist or salon breached their duty of care by
action or inaction.
❸ If it weren’t for the action or inaction of the
stylist or salon, the claimant would not have suffered harm.
❹ The stylist or salon’s action or inaction was the proximate
cause of the claimant’s injuries.
❺ As a result of the stylist or salon’s negligence,
the claimant suffered damages.
You Must Prove Your Case
As the claimant, you (and your legal team) hold the
burden of proving negligence (ie. the failure to use reasonable care) in order
to be awarded a judgment for your damages and losses.
Do You Have a Valid Claim?
In the case of a hair salon, the primary questions
are, “Did they owe you a duty of care?”, “Did they breach this duty of care?”,
and “Did that breach cause you harm?” Hair salons and stylists are not always
one party since many stylists rent booths at salons and sometimes operate as
independent contractors. This factor can make such claims complex, so it is
vital that you speak with a licensed Indiana personal injury lawyer for proper
advice and legal guidance.
Legal Advice For Hair Salon Injury Claims in Indiana
Call the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to discuss your potential burn injury claim with a licensed Indianapolis accident attorney you can trust. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and never collects lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana. Be sure to get started on learning more about your claim soon, before the Indiana statute of limitations runs out! The sooner you retain us, the sooner we can start collecting the evidence necessary to prove your case and before that evidence is lost.
Were you recently injured at an apartment complex in a
slip and fall accident? If so, there are some legal considerations you should
be making right now. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about both
tenant and landlord liability in a slip and fall case, including how to protect
your rights to being compensated for your damages and losses.
Indianapolis Slip and Fall Attorneys 317-881-2700
Slip and Fall Premise Liability
There is a legal principle known as premise
liability, in which a property owner has a legal responsibility to ensure
their property is safe and free of foreseeable hazards. In the case that a
property owner fails to uphold this duty of care, and as a result a person is
injured, they can be held legally liable for the injured victim’s damages and
losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and
suffering, and more.
When it comes to apartment and condominium complexes, the liability can shift back and forth between tenant and landlord depending on the unique circumstances of the accident, where exactly the fall occurred and the extent of the resulting injuries. For this reason, it is vital that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer who focuses on Indiana slip and fall claims. They can give you the proper legal guidance on the best course of action for your particular case.
Landlord Liability
A landlord can be held liable for slip, trip, and fall
accidents in the case that a tenant or guest is injured. However, in order to
be legally liable, the landlord must have failed to uphold their duty to keep
the premises safe. For instance, if a landlord was aware of or should have been
aware of a hazardous condition, but failed to do anything to resolve the
problem, they can be held liable if someone is injured from that hazardous
condition.
An example of a hazardous condition might be broken
stair rails, malfunctioning elevator, water leaks, and similar maintenance
issues that can pose serious dangers. In the case that a landlord has violated
a state or city housing code, they have a higher chance of being held liable
under law for any damage and losses incurred to individuals as a result of
their negligence.
Overall, a landlord will likely be held liable for a
slip and fall accident if:
➤ They knew about the condition; ➤ They should have known about the condition; ➤ They are the responsible party for fixing the condition; ➤ They had reasonable opportunity to resolve the condition; ➤ They failed to correct the condition before an injury occurred.
Tenant Liability
When it comes to tenants being responsible for a slip
and fall accident, the circumstances surrounding the legalities are not much
different from that of a landlord. The courts will look at the various aspects
of the incident, including the location and circumstances of the hazardous
condition, the seriousness of the injuries, and how much control each party had
over the condition.
Consult With Our Indianapolis Slip and Fall Lawyers
Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 and learn more about slip and fall cases in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our seasoned accident attorneys are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 to schedule your consultation with an experienced Indianapolis slip and fall attorney, today. We represent persons injured as a result of someone else’s negligence throughout the State of Indiana.
In a past blog, we discussed a legal principle under
workers’ compensation law called Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Continue below to learn what maximum medical improvement means in a workplace
injury case, and what you need to know about recovering from a serious injury
after being hurt in an accident while working for your employer.
Indianapolis Workers Compensation Attorneys 317-881-2700
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
When a worker is injured in a workplace accident, they
often end up involved in a workers’ compensation insurance claim. Whether the
accident was their fault or not, in most cases, an injured worker will be
entitled to compensation for their damages and losses. However, the legal
procedures that are involved in personal injury compensation cases are quite
specific, and one will only receive such benefits under certain circumstances,
and to certain extents.
Injured workers, depending on the scope and
seriousness of their injuries and losses, will be entitled to certain types of
benefits, such as Temporary Total, Temporary Partial, Permanent Total
Disability (PTD), and Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI). See our blog, “What
Benefits Can I Get For My Workplace Injury Claim in Indiana?” for a brief
explanation of each type of benefit. In Indiana, injured workers can receive
benefits for hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent
disability, wrongful death, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, gas
mileage for doctor appointments, and much more.
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) comes into play when
an injured employee is awarded such benefits. In many cases, an injured victim
receiving temporary total or partial benefits will only receive their benefits
until they are diagnosed as fully-healed or as fully-healed as they are going
to get by a licensed physician. This is referred to as Maximum Medical
Improvement (MMI), which describes a patient that has reached their optimal
recovery point, and no further improvement is possible. Keep in mind that MMI
does not translate to healed. It simply means that no further treatment will
improve their condition. Once a worker reaches full improvement, their doctor
will assign a disability rating, which denotes their work limitations.
Talk to a Workplace Injury Lawyer for Help With Your
Claim
For a better understanding of how workers’ compensation settlements work, consult with a trusted and seasoned Indiana workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Indiana does have a statute of limitations that restricts how long you can make a claim for compensation. Be sure to schedule a consultation with a licensed personal injury lawyer who focuses on workplace accident claims before this time limit runs out.
Indianapolis Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis workers’ compensation attorney who can determine the best strategies for your workplace injury case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured workers throughout Indiana and are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
If you were injured in a car accident due to a drunk driver, there is a very high probability that you are entitled to compensation for your resulting damages and losses. In order to recover remuneration from an at-fault driver, you must make a personal injury claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company or the drunk driver themselves if they were uninsured. Moreover, if the drunk driver was uninsured, you can make a claim through the uninsured motorist provision of your own automobile insurance policy. In the unlikely event a settlement is not reached, a lawsuit can be filed and pursued.
Continue reading to learn how to get started on a car accident personal injury claim in Indiana, as well as, your options for suing a drunk driver.
Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Drunk Driving Accidents
The statistics for drunk driving accidents are
alarming, regardless of which state the data is coming from. Drunk driving
accidents are among the most common types of motor vehicle accidents in the
country. In fact, read our blog, “Eye-Opening
Drunk Driving Facts and Statistics” to learn just how startling these numbers
are. Not only are drivers and passengers common victims, pedestrians, cyclists,
skaters, and more are also injured by inebriated drivers.
Compensation for Damages and Losses
With such high statistical numbers, car accident
injury claims are also quite common. They fall under tort law, which provides
financial relief for those wrongly injured by another person as a result of
carelessness, negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness. If you are injured
in an accident because of someone else’s actions or inactions, you can make a
claim against their insurance company to recover compensation for damages and
losses. Such losses generally include hospital bills, medical expenses, lost
wages from time off work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
How to Make Your Car Accident Claim
Most of the time, a claim is made by the victim
(claimant) against the drunk driver’s insurance company. If a person is killed
by a drunk driver, their family or next of kin can make a wrongful death claim
against the drunk driver’s insurance company. If the drunk driver’s
insurance company will not settle the claim fairly, a lawsuit can be filed
against the drunk driver and the drunk driver’s insurance company would have to
pay the verdict received against the drunk driver, up to that driver’s
automobile policy limits.
In order to make a claim against a drunk driver that
has injured you in an accident, whether as a driver yourself, a passenger, or a
pedestrian, your very first step is the most vital one; seek proper and
thorough medical treatment. Once you are stable enough, your next step is also
incredibly vital: contact an Indianapolis
personal injury law firm to represent you in your claim. We have the
knowledge, resources, experience, and skills to recover the full and fair
compensation you deserve for your suffering and loses. Just be sure to choose
the right personal injury law firm that can provide comprehensive and
compassionate counsel.
Choose the legal office of Craven Blazek Law
Call us today at 317-881-2700 to discuss your Indiana car accident claim with a licensed accident attorney you can trust. Our licensed accident lawyers gather all relevant information needed for the case, go head to head with the insurance companies, handle all communication and negotiations with the opposing parties and will go to trial if the defendant’s insurance company will not make a full and fair settlement offer, all to obtain fair compensation for our injured clients. We want everyone to have a chance at justice following a serious accident caused by another’s negligence. This is why we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we never collect lawyer fees unless we win compensation for you.
After being hurt in an accident through the proven fault of someone else and suffering a long list of losses, you are owed a debt. Although there is no exact formula and equation that can tell you the exact value of your claim, there are several factors that will help you make a valid and reasonable estimation. Always talk to a personal injury lawyer to understand your unique accident claim and potential rights to compensation as every case is different.
In the meantime, continue below to review some of the most common factors used to compute a full and fair personal injury settlement value.
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
How are Personal Injury Settlements Calculated?
Assessing the amount of damages in a personal injury
case can be a challenging and complex process since so many variables influence
the final decision. Not only do insurance companies use a basic damage formula
to produce a settlement offer for claimants, courts and juries also play a
vital role in evaluating the losses or injuries of a victim’s body, health,
property, and overall quality of living.
The value produced by the damage formula is only the
foundation used by insurance companies and personal injury attorneys during
negotiations. The value may increase if the accident attorney can prove more
damages or the extensiveness of damages. Furthermore, the percentage of fault
among each party is assessed and applied to the deciding factors of the case. These
are all vital and proven reasons why injured victims need a seasoned
Indianapolis personal injury lawyer to represent their claim.
Top Personal Injury Factors Considered by Juries and
Insurance Companies:
❖ Medical Expenses – Add up the total amount of medical bills, both covered and out-of-pocket. This includes hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, medical supplies, and similar costs.
❖ Estimated Future Medical Expenses – Estimate a reasonable value for your future incurred medical costs, such as medication, prolonged physical therapy, and similar expenses.
❖ Lost Earnings – Add up all of your lost wages from missing work. This includes any lost benefits.
❖ Future Lost Income – Estimate the sum of your future lost wages by determining how long you will be out of work as a result of your injuries.
❖ Property Damage – Add up your total value of property damage. This is generally pertinent in car accident claims.
❖ Multiplier for General Damages – A multiplier formula can be applied to approximate your overall damages. Simply multiply the total value by a reasonable and valid multiplier. The more severe, lasting, and painful your injuries, the higher the multiplier number will likely be. Talk to an injury lawyer to learn which multiplier is most accurate for your claim.
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering) – Estimate a value for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of quality of life by using your multiplier. See our blog, “How is Pain and Suffering Determined in a Personal Injury Settlement?” to learn more about making this estimation. These damages should be valued the highest.
Talk to a Seasoned Indiana Accident Attorney
Call the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Indiana. Our seasoned Indianapolis personal injury attorneys maintain a concentrated focus on accident and injury law, and have extensive trial and litigation experience with a written track record of success. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.
Were you recently involved in an accident or incident that resulted in serious injuries, but the accident or incident was of no fault of your own? If so, you are likely a strong personal injury claim candidate. Thus, it is important to learn how to protect your rights and recover a full and fair settlement for your damages and losses. Here at Craven Blazek Law, we are fully prepared and willing to work tirelessly to ensure just that.
Continue below to learn who we are, what we do, and
how to get in touch with a qualified and friendly accident lawyer, today.
Craven Blazek Law – Personal Injury Lawyers in Indianapolis
Our Firm’s Mission
Craven Blazek Law is a firm of experienced accident attorneys who are passionate about helping personal injury victims recover financially, emotionally and physically. Through the entire legal process, we are with you, available and prepared to represent our client’s best interests and rights. From the initial consultation to the settlement or final verdict if necessary, our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys are by your side every step of the way and leading your injury case to a full and fair resolution.
We are the hard-working and knowledgeable accident lawyers that can get you the full compensation you deserve after suffering a serious injury. We also represent those left behind as a result of the wrongful death of a loved one, caused by the negligence of another person or corporation.
What Our Law Firm Can Do For You
Our Indiana personal injury attorneys have the
abilities, resources, and experience to safeguard and enforce your rights in
accident case, and we use these various advantages and strategies to document
solid cases against negligent parties or companies. We consult experts,
interview witnesses, meet with industry leaders, obtain necessary documents and
records, and more, in order to recover full and fair compensation for our
client’s losses. In the case that a claim goes to trial, such experts can
clearly convey the facts to a jury so the jury can better understand the full
extent and seriousness of our clients’ injuries and damages.
As for our role, we begin with a thorough review and
assessment of the circumstances surrounding your accident so that we can
document a strong case against the negligent party or parties. If we cannot get
the defendant’s insurance company to settle out of court and pay you the compensation
you deserve, which does not happen very often, we will file a lawsuit on your
behalf and litigate your case until a judgment is obtained.
Our
personal injury lawyers understand that serious accidents are troubling in more
ways than one. Not only can a serious accident result in extensive financial
losses, they can also require extended mental, physical, and emotional
rehabilitation. It is imperative to us that our clients recover emotionally and
physically so they can take back control of their lives and move forward once
and for all. It is their job to heal and get better, while we fight for a full
and fair recovery for all their losses.
Get Started With a Free Consultation as Soon as Possible
Do not wait too long to learn about your personal injury compensation rights. If the statute of limitations runs out, you are no longer able to make a claim. It is always better to contact us as soon as possible after the accident so information and evidence is not lost.
Contact our law office today at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free initial consultation with a practiced Indianapolis injury attorney to find out if your injuries might entitle you to legal compensation in Indiana. Not only do we offer free initial consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or judgment for you. Get started by scheduling your consultation, today.
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.
Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
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.
Top Recommended Questions to Ask:
1) What are Your Practice Areas?
Be sure they represent cases like yours.
2) Which Practice Areas Do You Concentrate On?
It is better to choose a lawyer that has actual
experience in your particular type of accident.
3) How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
Experience is vital in the personal injury field. Look
for at least 10 years’ experience.
4) How Many Cases Have You Represented That Were Similar to Mine?
Experience is key in a personal injury lawyer. Be sure
they have represented other people in other cases like yours.
5) Do You Only Settle Cases Out of Court?
If a lawyer only settles out of court, you cannot
expect the fullest recovery possible. Choose a lawyer that will go to trial if
need be, and has experience doing so.
6) Will You Take Cases to Trial?
There’s a term called “clearinghouse” lawyers. Avoid
lawyers who only settle cases hurriedly for quick turnarounds.
7) What is Your Track Record for Verdicts and Settlements?
No matter how much experience a lawyer has, their
track record might not always be great. Choose a lawyer who has actually won
several cases and settlements.
8) Do You Personally Handle My Case, or Will it Be Passed On to Another Person?
A lawyer may interview really well and hit all your
check points, but then they pass your case onto another professional in their
firm. Choose a lawyer who will actually be working on your case themselves.
Can You Explain Your Contingency-Fee Payment Plan in Detail?
There are some fees associated with big lawsuits. Talk
to the lawyer about all the potential fees you may face even on a
contingency-fee plan. Go over the contract with the attorney face to face.
9) Do You Have the Proper Financial and Workforce Resources to Take On My Case?
Big cases may require a lot of resources, such as
expert testimonies, investigations, medical specialists, and more. A lawyer
should be able to fund this type of case and have connections for all the
proper personnel resources.
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers
Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.
As discussed in an earlier blog regarding workers’ compensation payments, Indiana provides two forms of Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI) benefits referred to as scheduledloss benefits and unscheduledloss benefits. If you were recently injured at work, and as a result have suffered a permanent disability, these benefits might play a vital role in your future.
Continue reading to learn more about scheduled and unscheduled loss benefits, as well as, how to get a free consultation to discuss your rights to compensation after a workplace injury.
Indianapolis Workers Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700
Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI)
Permanent partial impairment benefits are paid in
addition to 125 weeks of total temporary disability (TTD) benefits, however, total
temporary disability benefits that are paid over 125 weeks are deducted from
permanent partial impairment payments. Furthermore, such benefits are not
granted until a patient reaches maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical
improvement means the patient has healed as much as possible, and no further
treatment will improve their condition.
Scheduled Loss Benefits
Scheduled loss benefits are granted to workers who are
subjected to amputation or lose full function of a body part. These benefits
are not based on weekly earnings, but rather, each scheduled injury is assigned
a “degree” that represents a monetary value to which a person is entitled.
Indiana publishes a yearly schedule of degrees for impairment on the Workers’ Compensation Board website. As of
2017, the Indiana schedule of degrees for impairment is the following:
➤ Between 1 and 10 Degrees = $1,750 per degree ➤ Between 11 and 35 Degrees = $1,952 per degree ➤ Between 36 and 50 Degrees = $3,186 per degree ➤ 51 Degrees and Above = $4,060 per degree
The schedule determines how much a victim receives in
benefits depending on the body part affected. Common body parts listed on
Indiana’s schedule include arms, legs, hands, fingers, thumbs, feet, toes, and
ears. Thumbs, for instance, are assigned a 12 degree value. Arms below the
elbow are set at 40 degrees, while arms above the elbows are set at 50 degrees.
Hands are also 40 degrees, and legs above the knee joint are 45 degrees. To see
the full list of scheduled body parts for Indiana, review the state’s workers’
compensation laws in Indiana
Code Ann. § 22-3-3-10.
All scheduled loss benefits are paid according to the
degree of loss as well. For example, if a doctor determines that a patient has
lost 50% use of their arm, the state assigns a 40 degree value, but it would be
reduced to 20 degrees to accommodate the ratio.
Unscheduled Loss Benefits
When a worker suffers amputation or loss of function
of a body part that is not listed on Indiana’s schedule, it might fall under
unscheduled loss benefits. These benefits are calculated based on the extent of
loss of function in the body part. Once a patient achieves maximum medical
improvement, their physician will assess their level of long-lasting
disability, and then assign an actual degree of impairment. So, if your doctor
determines that you have lost 10% use of an unlisted body part, this would be assigned
a 10 degree value on Indiana’s schedule, which would entitle you to roughly
$17,500.
Discuss Your Indiana Workplace Injury Benefits Today
Call Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indianapolis workers compensation attorney who can determine the best strategies for your Indiana workplace injury case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today. We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.
Do you know how much compensation you can receive for
your recent Indiana workplace injury? Continue reading to find out.
Indianapolis Workplace Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Facts For Injured Workers
Here in Indiana, those injured at work are entitled to
a certain set of benefits, all of which are incredibly necessary and valuable
to the overall recovery of an injured worker. Among the benefits available to
injured workers, compensation for wage replacement and medical treatment are
the most vital. Many injured workers wonder how much compensation they are owed
for their workplace injury claim in Indiana, but the answer varies depending on
a wide range of legal factors. Most often, workplace injury claim settlements
are influenced by the nature of the victim’s injuries, the extent of their
permanent limitations as a result of the workplace accident, their capacity to
return to the work field, and much more.
In Indiana Injured Workers Can Receive Benefits For:
➤ Lost Wages ➤ Permanent Disability ➤ Wrongful Death ➤ Medical Treatment ➤ Vocational Rehabilitation ➤ Gas Mileage For Doctors Appointments (depends on conditions)
For a better understanding of how workers’
compensation settlements might be calculated, you must discuss your particular
claim with a trusted and experienced Indiana workers compensation lawyer.
Workers’ Compensation Limitations
Although Indiana provides financial relief for injured
workers, there are still certain degrees of limitations set on the amount of
benefits an injured worker can receive. In fact, starting in July 2016, Indiana
enacted a new law that set a maximum weekly worker’s compensation payout of
$780 per week. Furthermore, certain types of damages and losses might not be
compensated under worker’s compensation law, such as pain-and-suffering or
mental anguish.
Temporary Disability Benefits
When an injured worker is recovering from their injuries, they can receive temporary disability benefits since they are temporarily disabled as a result of the workplace accident. In Indiana, there are two types of temporary disability benefits and injured worker might be eligible for: Total Temporary Disability (TTD) and Partial Temporary Disability (PTD).
Total Temporary Disability (TTD) – These benefits make up two-thirds of an injured worker’s average weekly pay. Injured workers continue to receive total temporary disability until they return to work in any scope, achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI), neglect to appear for doctor’s examination ordered by the insurance company, refuse a reasonable job offer, or reach 500 weeks of benefits.
Partial Temporary Disability (PTD) – These benefits are granted to injured workers in the case that they can return to work, but are unable to make the same wages as they did prior to the workplace accident. They make up two-thirds of the difference between a worker’s pre-injury and post-injury earnings. An injured worker can receive up to 300 weeks of partial temporary disability benefits.
Take note that temporary disability benefits are not
paid for the first week unless an injured worker must take at least three weeks
off work. If you feel that the insurance company cut off disability benefits
too early, contact an Indiana workers compensation attorney right away.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Aside from temporary disability benefits, an injured worker might further be entitled to permanent disability benefits. Similar to temporary disability benefits, Indiana provides two distinct types of permanent disability benefits: Permanent Total Disability (PTD) and Permanent Partial Impairment (PPI).
Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are granted when an injured worker’s resulting condition prevents them performing any type of work. They are two thirds of a worker’s average weekly pay, but only up to the state maximum benefit. In fact, they would be the same as their temporary total disability (TTD) benefit. These benefits are not considered until an injured victim’s doctor determines they have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Maximum medical improvement is when an injured person can no longer improve their condition with further medical treatment.
Indiana provides two forms of Permanent partial impairment (PPI) benefits: Scheduled Loss Benefits and Unscheduled Benefits. Injured workers are entitled to permanent partial impairment benefits whether they lose time off work or experience a decrease in earnings. PPI benefits are paid in addition to 125 weeks of total temporary disability (TTD) benefits, however, TTD benefits paid over 125 weeks are deducted from PPI payments. Like permanent total disability benefits, PPI benefits are not considered nor eligible until a patient reaches maximum medical improvement. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog that will cover scheduled and unscheduled workers compensation losses in further detail.
Wrongful Death Benefits
In the case that a workplace accident results in a worker’s wrongful death, their immediate family or dependents are entitled to certain wrongful death benefits in Indiana. Payout for wrongful death benefits are equivalent to two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly pay, or up to the state’s maximum, and they can be paid up to 500 weeks.
How to Calculate Your Workplace Accident Claim Benefits
Call the legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with a licensed workplace injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned attorneys, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve after being injured at work. We represent injured workers throughout the State of Indiana. Best of all, we only collect lawyer fees if we obtain a settlement or judgment for you!
Do you know what kind of liability comes into play when you use a Lyft or Uber or similar ride-sharing app? What are your rights after being injured in a car accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber? Continue reading to learn more about car accident liability and ride-sharing companies, including what to do if you were recently hurt in a Lyft or Uber accident.
Indiana Car Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Ride Sharing Car Accidents and Claims
It is important to know your rights and responsibilities in the case that you are injured in a ridesharing accident. The best place to start is to speak with a licensed personal injury attorney who focuses on car accident claims, like Craven Blazek Law They can offer you accurate information and professional advice. If you were recently injured in a rideshare accident, be sure to speak with an attorney as soon as possible, before the statutes of limitations runs out for making a claim and critical evidence is lost. You could be entitled to certain compensation for your damages and losses, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Liability Facts
The first question that most people have in regard to
Lyft and Uber car accidents is about liability. Is the driver responsible for
damages and losses suffered by their passenger or is the actual company or
corporation accountable or are they both? Is it possible for a passenger to be
held liable for their own injuries suffered in a ride sharing accident?
Although there are laws surrounding such liability, each case is unique,
therefore, the answers to these particular questions are not always clear and
concise.
In the case that a ride-share driver acts negligently
and causes a car accident that results in their passengers being injured, the
liability will likely fall onto the driver themselves. Since it is the driver’s
personal vehicle, and they are using it to transport passengers for money, they
are obligated to have proper insurance coverage for themselves and passengers.
If a passenger is injured in a Lyft or Uber ride in particular, they are
covered by Lyft’s and Uber’s liability coverage that is set at 1 million
dollars. So, although the Lyft or Uber driver is likely liable for a victim’s
damages and losses, passengers also have the right to make a claim against Lyft
or Uber.
Ride-sharing accident claims can become quite complex in a short amount of time since both passengers and drivers have certain rights. For this reason, it is vital to retain professional legal representation from a trusted personal injury law firm. We can help navigate your claim and determine the best course of action for your particular case.
Indiana Car Accident Claim Lawyers Who Can Help
Call The legal office of Craven Blazek Law at 317-881-2700 to learn more about making a personal injury car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana after being hurt in a Lyft or Uber ride. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Call 317-881-2700 and get started as soon as today.