Personal Injury Lawyer Righting Your Wrongs In Portage

While accidents are sadly an accepted part of everyday life, suffering a personal injury can nonetheless have devastating, life-changing implications for the victim. According to a study from the Injury and Violence Prevention Program conducted by the Indiana State Department of Health, there were 5,486 deaths from personal injuries, 3,792 of which were unintentional in nature. In addition, personal injury was shown to be the leading cause of death in the United States for people between the ages of 1 and 44 – the stats show that this is a situation which has the potential to affect each and every one of us.

What Is The Definition of Personal Injury?

Personal injury is a legal term for an injury to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property. This may include bodily injuries, mental anguish, shock, sickness, disease, or disability. According to Indiana legislation, bodily injuries are divided into three main categories: bodily injury, moderate bodily injury, and serious bodily injury.

• Bodily Injury: Any impairment of physical condition, including physical pain.
• Moderate Bodily Injury: Any impairment of physical condition that includes substantial pain.
• Serious Bodily Injury: Bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death that causes

serious permanent disfigurement;

unconsciousness;

extreme pain;

permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ; or

loss of a fetus

What Are The Types Of Personal Injury?

Personal injury is a broad category, and covers a wide range of situations and injuries. These can include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Disfiguration
• Loss of limbs
• Paralysis
• Scarring
• Permanent impairment or disability
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage and neurological deficits
• Headaches

As a general rule, personal injuries cases are usually the result of negligence from a third party. Common causes include:

• Road Accidents: These include car, motorcycle, bicycle, and truck accidents. If you are injured due to the negligence of a third party, they may be liable to pay any damages for your injuries. This includes the other driver being drunk or under the influence of drugs while driving, drowsy or overtired, distracted by texting or using a phone, or driving without due care and attention.
• Construction Accidents: The hazards surrounding construction sites are well documented, and so it is imperative that site owners and managers take steps to ensure the ongoing safety of their workers. If a worker is injured on site, and the person or company in charge is found to have been negligent, they may be found liable. This means that you may have the opportunity to sue them for any damages you may have incurred as a result of your injuries.
• Premises Liability: If you are injured on someone’s property, whether commercial or residential, the owner or occupier may find themselves liable if they fail to maintain the premises in a reasonably safe condition.
• Slips and Trips: Slips, trips, and falls are all common reasons for a personal injury to occur, and the consequences can be heartbreaking. From traumatic brain injuries to broken bones, you could find yourself facing a huge amount in care costs, medical bills, and loss of income. If you are able to prove that a third party’s negligence directly contributed to your slip or trip– such as failure to notify passers-by of a wet floor, or knowingly ignoring a dangerous or uneven surface – then you may have the option to pursue them for damages.

What Damages May I Be Awarded?

If you are successful in pursuing a personal injury claim, the third party may be required to pay damages for your injuries. You are typically entitled to be compensated for all injuries and damages that were legally caused by another’s negligence. This can be used to cover a number of costs and expenses, such as:

• Medical bills – any medical costs incurred at the time of the injury will be covered, as well as any long-term or ongoing treatments required, such as hospital stays, painkillers, surgery, physical therapy, or long-term healthcare.
• Any changes or adaptations to your home incurred as a result of your injury – for example, adapting your home to be disability-friendly, employing in-home help or nursingsupport, any modifications required to help make life easier, and any damage which has occurred to your property.
• Loss of income while you recover, and any loss of income in the future if you are unable to return to your job
• Bodily injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Any trauma or mental anguish, including access to counseling or psychological support
• Property damage, including loss of use and diminished value

How Long Do I Have?

The statute of limitations in Indiana for personal injury claims generally gives adults two years from the date of the accident to pursue a claim. Minors generally have until they turn 20 years old. Cases against governmental entities and schools have additional filing requirements and shorter deadlines. Consult a personal injury attorney in Highland soon after the injury to determine the deadlines for your particular claim. Any cases brought to the court after this time are very unlikely to be heard.

What Are My Next Steps?

If you feel that you have a case to pursue a personal injury claim, the next step is to get in touch with a qualified attorney who can help you determine where you stand. Our team at Hilbrich Law Firm has worked all across the Portage area, and we are dedicated to serving you by offering clear, accurate advice which can help you to achieve the justice you deserve.

Our office in Portage, Indiana is a staple in an active area that we are excited to be a part of. We are 10 miles from the tranquil Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk. This area is a hospitable, pleasant community on the outskirts of energetic cities, so we think it is the best of both worlds. In fact, we are conveniently and uniquely located just down the road from both Founders’ State Park and Meadow’s Shopping Center. Wherever you come from to visit us, we will treat you like a neighbor. Let us help you in your hometown. Start by calling (219) 762-2224.