Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Gary

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency line of the Gary Police Department is 219-660-0000 and 219-881-7471.

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

  Records inquiries may be made at 881-1247 or 881-1226. The office is at 555 Polk St., Gary, IN 46402.

• Why are there law firms in Gary that single out Mesothelioma cases as a specialized field of litigation?

  There are personal injury attorneys in Gary who specialize in Mesothelioma cases, as it is a form of lung cancer linked to asbestos particles exposure. Asbestos was a widespread material used in buildings, and there were construction workers exposed to the substance and later developed the disease.

• Can the spouse of a car crash victim who went vegetative and died after two-and-a-half years still sue for wrongful death in Gary?

  Yes, a spouse in Gary whose partner passed on after being comatose in a car crash can still sue if it took two-and-a-half years to pass on. While a standard personal injury suit in the state must be filed within two years of an accident, the deadline of a wrongful death suit counts from whenever the victim dies. In this case, the timeline has just started because the deceased lived for an additional two-and-a-half years.

• What value does a personal injury lawyer in Gary add to a victim's truck accident case?

  Personal injury lawyers in Gary are skilled at preparing truck accident cases for negotiation and litigation. They are trained in civil procedure and the rules of evidence and are proficient at gathering and presenting logbooks, crash scene photos, and expert reconstructions in a way that establishes preponderant evidence against the defendant.

• Can a dog owner in Gary defend against an animal attack suit by claiming a lack of awareness that the canine was violent?

  No, a dog owner in Gary cannot pose as a defense against the lack of awareness that an animal was violent. Under the locally applicable judicial precedents, people who keep pets must always keep their companions under reasonable control and be mindful of canines' natural tendencies. The odds are worse if the breed involved has been classified by municipal statute as vicious.

• What are the causes of airline-related personal injuries in Gary?

  Air transport-related personal injury suits occur in Gary whenever there is faulty equipment on the plane that flight mechanics fail to catch and remedy, leading to lost control. Pilot errors are possible whenever through inexperience or difficult weather conditions, the captain or subordinate makes a bad maneuver. The aircraft itself could be poorly designed and prone to failure.

• 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.