Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Bloomington

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bloomington, Indiana?

  Dial 812-339-4477 to reach the Bloomington Police Department for non-emergency problems.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bloomington, Indiana?

  You can receive a copy of a police report relating to your case from the Records Division of the Bloomington Police Department. To make a request, you must fill out the Public Access Request form. The form can be delivered or mailed to the Records Division, 220 E. Third St., Bloomington, IN 47401.

• Can you sue the school, coaches, and other team members if your child is hurt while participating in high school sports in Bloomington?

  Yes. Although parents are asked to sign a liability waiver protecting the school, coaches, and other affiliated team members from liability in the event of an injury, they can still file a personal injury lawsuit in certain circumstances in Bloomington. A valid claim for personal injury may arise from intentional acts, product culpability, negligent coaching, or carelessness. Additionally, if you file a lawsuit against a public school, you only have 270 days to inform the state's attorney general or other relevant agency of your child's injuries.

• Are personal injury settlements taxable in Bloomington?

  No. Generally, federal and state taxation does not apply to compensation received for a bodily injury or illness, regardless of whether the case was settled in or out of court. If you were harmed on the job or exposed to anything that made you ill, you are entitled to compensatory damages, which are non-taxable. Additionally, if you suffered salary loss, medical expenses, legal fees, or loss of consortium, you will not be taxed.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Bloomington?

  In Bloomington, you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident or injury, or the case will be dismissed. Take note, though, that Indiana's statute of limitations is subject to the discovery rule. If the victim is not immediately aware of an injury, the statute of limitations will begin upon discovery or upon the time the injury should have been reasonably discovered. Additionally, if the victim is minor or mentally incompetent, the statute of limitations may be suspended.

• Is it possible to file a claim for a slip-and-fall accident without an attorney?

  Yes. You can file a claim for a slip and fall accident in Bloomington without the assistance of an attorney. The insurance company, on the other hand, will not be on your side. It is possible that you will receive less compensation. It is advisable to choose a personal injury lawyer who understands how insurance companies operate and the strategies they frequently employ to undervalue cases.

• What types of damages can you recover in a premises liability claim in Bloomington?

  Premises liability is complex, and to receive compensation, you must prove your claim and establish that the owner or occupier owed you a duty and that you suffered damages resulting from the owner or occupier's breach of duty in Bloomington. Damages you can obtain in a premises liability claim include past and future medical expenses, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.