Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer and Medical Malpractice Attorney Blog

What to do following a dog bite

Published on: June 29, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

In a previous post we provided tips regarding how someone might avoid being bitten by a dog. Specifically that post focused on keeping children safe. Unfortunately, even in situations where someone follows those tips dog bites will occur. When they do happen it is important to know what steps to take.

The treatment a dog bite will require depends on its severity. Superficial gashes or scrapes can be treated with a topical antibiotic and bandaged after being cleaned under running water and with either isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

Puncture wounds are generally more serious. If the wound is bleeding profusely and will not stop with direct pressure 911 should be called. In other situations it is okay to let it bleed a bit as it will clean the wound out. When it stops bleeding, running water and a mild soap can be used to clean it. Isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are generally not needed as they may make it take longer for the wound to heal. A bandage is optional.

Wrongful death suit may be sensitive, but necessary pursuit

Published on: June 22, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

When a family loses a loved one in a tragic or sudden manner due to the negligent or reckless actions of another, the last thing that family may be thinking about is legal action. However, Indiana families may want to understand that while the pursuit of a wrongful death suit may come at a very sensitive or emotional time, it may be a necessary pursuit so that a family can move forward. When the pursuit of a wrongful death suit is necessary, having legal support who understands the sensitive nature of the case is also necessary, along with legal support who can effectively explain the process and when a wrongful death suit may be appropriate.

While there are endless scenarios that may warrant a wrongful death suit, there are some situations that are more common. Car accident deaths are one of the most common. However, wrongful death can be the result of nursing home neglect or abuse. Construction and industrial sites can also be the catalyst to a wrongful death situation. Accidents on someone’s personal property and dangerous products can also cause the wrongful death of a loved one.

The possible compensation garnered from a wrongful death suit can be beyond useful for a grieving family. That compensation may be necessary as the family could be left to deal with a mountain of medical bills. Also, the costs related to unexpected funeral expenses and the impact of lost income can all be alleviated with a wrongful death suit.

Car accidents in Indiana can claim innocent lives

Published on: June 17, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

When someone runs a stop sign and a collision occurs, the results can be devastating, even deadly. This very dangerous scenario recently led a car accident at an Indiana intersection. Car accidents of this nature can lead to legal action, both criminal and civil, particularly when alcohol plays a role in why the accident occurred.

The accident occurred on a Wednesday evening as a 44-year-old woman was driving her Tahoe north. A 37-year-old man was driving west and ran a stop sign. He hit the Tahoe on the passenger side, and both vehicles ended up leaving the roadway and coming to a rest in a field. Police think the Tahoe may have rolled over.

A 10-year-old girl who was a passenger in the Tahoe died at the scene of the accident. The woman driving the Tahoe was flown from the scene for treatment of injuries she sustained. The driver who presumably caused the crash was also flown from the scene for treatment. Police have stated that alcohol played a role in the car accident.

Stopped traffic causes car accidents in Indiana

Published on: June 13, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

When traffic is stopped in lanes of the road for any length of time, extra awareness by all drivers on the road is required. Car accidents may result if just one driver is unaware of stopped traffic or unable to slow down in time. A similar situation recently unfolded on an Indiana highway and caused a road closure, along with injuries to a driver who was stopped in traffic.

The car accident happened as traffic was stopped by a construction zone for an unknown reason. A dump truck came along and could not stop in time. It collided with a car that was stopped. The car was then propelled into another vehicle. Debris from the collisions hit yet another vehicle, causing further damage.

The driver of the first car hit was injured. That driver needed to be taken from the scene by air for medical attention. The nature and extent of the injuries suffered were not reported. No one else was injured in the multi-vehicle collision.

Indiana celebrates Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month

Published on: June 10, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Spring has sprung in Indiana, and few are more excited about the nice weather than motorcyclists are. That bike may have sat idly in the garage all winter, but it’s time to get out and ride.

Living in a state with cold winters isn’t just an inconvenience for motorcyclists. It also makes the riding season more dangerous. Some motorcyclists get out of practice, and just as importantly, drivers of cars and trucks forget to keep an eye out for riders that they haven’t seen all winter. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that across the United States, 62 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents occur between May and September.

Perhaps it is fitting, then, that May has been designated Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Indiana and other states. Various events and educational campaigns will be held throughout the month to prepare all motorists for the months ahead.

A Look Back on Halloween 2014’s Negotiation Lessons

Published on: June 4, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

I’m looking forward to seeing what my son thinks up for his “Trick or Treat” negotiations this year. Here is a look back to some thoughts from last year.

On Halloween otherwise fiscally responsible and sensible adults spend oodles of money and countless hours to costume their children and let them visit the homes of neighbors and strangers alike, knowing a hardball negotiation will ensue with the youngster proclaiming, “Trick or Treat.” Most homeowners will relent, tossing a treat into the child’s bucket or bag, with the toughest response to the demand being the question, “And who are you supposed to be?” Some reluctant children may stand, stone-faced waiting for candy before being prompted by their parents with, “What do you say?” Homeowners who dare reject the offer or fail to arm themselves with sufficient authority, er candy, face the possibility of a trick or, more likely, a sad, dejected face.

Frankly, I have yet to hear anyone say to a child, “You are not going to do anything if I don’t give you candy. Now go away.” I am sure, however, that someone somewhere has directly called a ghost, ghoul or goblin’s bluff.

Head-on car accidents can lead to critical injuries in Indiana

Published on: May 31, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

While any kind of collision can lead to damages and injuries for drivers and passengers, a head-on car accident can be particularly devastating for victims. Car accidents on Indiana roadways which lead to injuries or worse can lead to criminal charges and also civil suits as victims need to seek compensation after a crash. One recent car accident in Indiana led to injuries for both drivers and the crash remains under investigation.

The car accident occurred on a Thursday afternoon as one car was driving west. The 36-year-old woman was driving a Buick westward when she went across the center line for some reason. Her Buick then collided with a Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 27-year-old man. The cars collided head-on.

The driver of the Volkswagen Jetta was flown to an area hospital for treatment of injuries. The other driver was taken to another hospital for treatment. The driver who was flown from the scene was said to be critical condition. The accident is under investigation as authorities try to understand what caused the accident.

Students injured when stage collapsed during performance

Published on: May 26, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

People are injured everyday throughout the country. Depending on the circumstances surrounding an injury it is possible that legal action could be taken against those whose negligence contributed to the accident occurring. This is true regardless of where the incident occurred— even if it happens at a school.

The parents of some Indiana teens may be looking into pursuing this route. Seventeen high school students were hurt when the orchestra pit cover they were performing on collapsed. It sent the students falling into the orchestra pit.

Prior to the incident the original orchestra pit was removed. Someone who worked at the school then purchased materials and made a new one. A header that was a part of the new cover was not secured the way it needed to be to the stage. In addition, the metal supports it needed to hold it up were not used.

A number of negligent behaviors can lead to car accidents

Published on: May 20, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

While every car accident may be unique, there are often common factors involved when an accident occurs. When those common factors that cause car accidents relate to negligent behavior of a driver or negligence related to the vehicle, anyone injured in a car accident should be aware of his or her rights and legal options. In Indiana, a personal injury suit may be necessary and warranted if a clear act of negligence can be established in a civil court.

Certain risky behaviors can be classic causes of negligent car accidents. Examples of risky behaviors can be if one drive was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also, driving while distracted, primarily while talking on the phone or texting, can be a source of negligence on the part of a driver.

A disregard for the rules of the road is just as risky as the above stated reasons for car accidents. This can include failure to stop or obey traffic signs such as yield signs. Driving too fast for the roadway or weather conditions is also a source of car accidents that can result in serious injuries. Improper turns or driving on the wrong side of the road are other common sources of car accidents that can lead to a personal injury suit.

Hit-and-run car accidents in Indiana put motorcyclists at risk

Published on: May 12, 2016 | by Barsumian Armiger

Motorcyclists face an increased level of danger on the roadway due in part to the lack of protection motorcycles offer. As a result, when motorcyclists are involved in car accidents, they can easily be seriously injured or worse, particularly in hit-and-run accidents when the motorcyclists are left without immediate care. A recent car accident in Indiana has left a motorcyclist dead and the police searching for the vehicle they believe left the scene.

When police initially responded to the accident call, there was the impression that the motorcyclist simply lost control. Surveillance video has since been found and has cast the accident in an entirely different light. It is now believed that an SUV cut into the path of the motorcyclist and caused him to wreck the bike. That SUV then left the scene.

The 25-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene of the crash. The police are actively searching for the SUV that left him there. It is believed to be a white SUV, possibly a Chevrolet or GMC Tahoe, Yukon or Suburban. It is believed to have damage to the driver’s side rear taillight.