LaPorte County Personal Injury Lawyer
In the aftermath of a personal injury, accident victims face endless rounds of doctor visits, disruption of work schedules and home life and uncertainty about the future. The focus should be on recovery, not medical bills, legal questions or pressure from insurance companies. But all too often, those issues demand attention. That is where an experienced LaPorte County personal injury lawyer can help. A knowledgeable attorney will review your claim and determine if you are able to seek compensation for your losses.
Your personal injury lawyer will act as your advocate, speaking on your behalf, explaining and helping you evaluate your options, and working to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Call us at 219-999-0122 to schedule your free consultation.
Personal Injuries Claims in LaPorte County
When a personal injury is due to the fault of another individual or organization, the individual suffering the injury may file a lawsuit against the liable party to recover monetary compensation.
Although many types of incidents can lead to a personal injury claim, some of the more common include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle wrecks
- Truck wrecks
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Wrongful death
- Workplace injuries
- Falls caused by unsafe conditions
- Malpractice by medical professionals
- Nursing home abuse or negligence
- Injuries at birth
- Product liability
- Dog bites or other animal attacks
Of course, this list is not complete. A LaPorte County personal injury lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of a particular case and determine whether an individual has grounds for a personal injury claim.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Filing an Indiana Personal Injury Claim
When filing a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana, there are a few factors to keep in mind: statute of limitations and negligence.
Those considering filing a personal injury lawsuit should be aware of Indiana’s statute of limitations. Generally, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the incident that caused the injury. However, this timeframe may be shorter if the claim is against a government entity, or longer if the claimant is a minor. Once the deadline passes, you will no longer be allowed to recover compensation. To ensure you file your claim on time and that you can receive compensation, schedule a free case consultation with a LaPorte County personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Contributory Negligence
A second factor to bear in mind is the state rule regarding contributory negligence. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that if it is determined that the injured individual is partially at fault for causing the injury, any recovery amount may be reduced by the claimant’s percentage of fault.
So, if, for instance, an individual is injured by using a chainsaw with a defective guard, a court might find that the company that manufactured the chainsaw is 90 percent at fault for poor manufacturing processes and the consumer was 10 percent at fault for operating the saw in a dangerous manner.
In that case, if the court determined the claimant proved a total of $100,000 in damages, the consumer would receive only $90,000 to reflect their 10% of contributory fault. If the individual’s own conduct contributes 50% or more to the injury, then they can recover no damages.
Personal Injury Claims and Compensation
When you are be entitled to compensation, the court will award amounts of money referred to as damages. Generally, these attempt to provide compensation for specific consequences of the injury, such as medical bills.
Sometimes the damages provide compensation for consequences that are not easily quantifiable, such as pain and suffering. On occasion, the court may award punitive damages to deter similar wrongdoing in the future.
Compensatory damages may include amounts to cover items such as:
- Lost wages from work, past and present
- Medical bills
- Expenses to pay for caregivers or modifications to the home
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
How a LaPorte County Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
While focusing on your physical recovery, it’s important to have someone manage the legal complexities on your behalf. An experienced LaPorte County personal injury lawyer will know how the laws apply to your specific situation and can help assess potential settlement offers. Your attorney will work diligently to secure the full compensation you deserve under the law. Protect your rights and contact a lawyer today.
Set up your free LaPorte County case evaluation and consultation by calling 219-999-0122, filling out this FREE online form or using LiveChat.