Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Hammond

FAQs

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

  Dial 911 to reach the Hammond Police Department for both emergencies and non-emergencies. To reach Hammond’s Neighborhood Crime Watch, call (219) 845-5901.

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

  To get a copy of a police report, visit the Hammond Police Department Records Section on the 1st Floor 509 Douglas Street Hammond, Indiana. The section is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more assistance on police reports, call (219) 852-2901.

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• What is subrogation, and how does it affect your personal injury compensation in Hammond?

  In a personal injury case, subrogation is your health insurer’s right to collect money from your compensation as reimbursement for the medical expenses they covered while your case is pending. As a result, your compensation will be reduced. The reason is that the at-fault party's insurance should pay for costs linked to injuries. A Hammond personal injury lawyer can advise you if your case involves a subrogation.

• What should you do to recover damages if you got struck by a fire truck in Hammond?

  If you’ve been in a firetruck crash in Hammond, you have a right to pursue compensation for your damages. While government entities have sovereign immunity against injury claims in most situations, this immunity does not apply to negligence in the operation of government vehicles. If the truck is operated by a state entity, you have 270 days to file a Notice of Tort Claim. If handled by the government of Lake County, the notice must be filed within 180 days.

• How long do you have to file the personal injury claim in Hammond?

  Based on Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you have two years from the date of the injury to file the claim in court or settle the matter out of court. If you do not file on time, you may be barred from pursuing compensation for your losses. The court may grant extensions for cases where the injury victim was mentally incapacitated or a minor when they got injured. A local personal injury lawyer in Hammond can guide you through the process.

• What if you are partly to blame for your personal injury in Hammond?

  This does not mean you have no right to get compensation for your injuries. Hammond's modified comparative negligence rule allows its citizens to get compensation as long as their percentage of fault is less than the other party. If the court finds that you are partly to blame for the injury, your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage. This means if you are due $10,000 in damages but are 10% at fault, you will only get $9,000.

• Is the property owner liable for a slip-and-fall injury on their Hammond property?

  Yes. The owner of the property has a responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests. These are individuals who have received an express invitation to enter their property. Additionally, "licensees" who have the owner's implied consent, such as gas line inspectors, are only required to be notified of potentially hazardous conditions on the property. However, Hammond property owners are not responsible for injuries suffered by "trespassers."

• 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.