Personal Injury Lawyer Fort Wayne

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our Fort Wayne personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle a wide range of cases, including the following:

• Truck accidents: We understand the unique challenges that come with these cases where industry regulations take place. We help you navigate the complex legal process to seek compensation according to the damages you suffered.
• Car accidents: Our firm can help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue compensation for damages resulting from car accidents, from minor collisions to catastrophic accidents resulting in the personal injury or death of family members.
• Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care and causes harm to a patient (subject to the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act). Our team has experience handling a variety of medical malpractice cases, including surgical errors, birth injuries, misdiagnoses, and medication errors or use of defective medical devices. 
• Premises liability: If you have been injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you probably are entitled to compensation. Our attorneys can help you hold property owners accountable for their failure to maintain a safe environment. 
• Motorcycle accidents: Serious injuries can result from these accidents, but we can help you seek the monetary compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
• Dog bites: Indiana has a strict liability law that holds dog owners responsible for any injuries their dog may cause. If you have been bitten by a dog in Fort Wayne, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Nursing home neglect and abuse: Our attorneys can help you hold the nursing home and its staff accountable for their actions if a nursing home fails to provide adequate care to its residents.
• Slip and fall accidents: Property owners of Fort Wayne have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If a property owner fails to do so and you are injured as a result, such as a brain injury or spinal cord injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 
• Product liability: If you have been injured by a defective product , our attorneys can help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties. 

Common Injuries from Accidents

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we understand that the impact of injuries from accidents can be long-term and life-altering. We have seen firsthand how these injuries can affect your daily life, career, and overall well-being. These injuries often include:

If you or a loved one has suffered from any of these injuries, it’s crucial to seek both medical attention and legal counsel promptly. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the necessary legal support and the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

After an accident, your safety is the top priority. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured, as some conditions may not be obvious right away. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. This evidence can be crucial for your case. Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or property owner, to create an official record. Avoid discussing fault or giving detailed statements to insurance companies before speaking with a personal injury attorney.

Finally, consult a qualified attorney as soon as possible. We’re here to guide you through these essential first steps, ensuring your rights are protected.

The Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Filing a personal injury claim can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can navigate the process more effectively. At our law firm, we are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your case, and here’s how we handle the process:

1. Initial consultation: We start with a free consultation to discuss the details of your case, understand your injuries, and provide an overview of the legal process. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about your options.
2. Thorough investigation: Our team conducts a detailed investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. We may also work with experts to reconstruct the accident and demonstrate liability.
3. Establishing liability: Proving that the other party is responsible for your injuries is crucial. We will establish that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result.
4. Calculating damages: We assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to your injury. Our goal is to ensure that you receive fair and adequate compensation.
5. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our experienced attorneys negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true impact of your injuries, even if that includes suing your own insurance company.
6. Litigation if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and will represent you effectively to achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether through settlement or court verdict, we aim to resolve your case in a way that fully compensates you for your losses. We keep you informed throughout the process and provide ongoing support to help you move forward.

How to Know if You Have a Personal Injury Case?

Determining if you have a valid personal injury case involves evaluating several key factors. At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we guide you through this evaluation process to ensure you understand your legal standing. Overall, these are the factors we will consider:

Negligence

The other party’s negligence must have caused your injuries. This means they failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm. Examples include a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to address hazardous conditions.

Causation

There must be a direct link between the negligent actions and your injuries. This often requires medical records and expert testimony to establish.

Damages

You must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Detailed documentation is essential to support your claim.

Comparative Fault

Indiana follows a comparative fault system, allowing you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Statute of Limitations (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4)

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting promptly ensures your case is filed within the required timeframe. It’s important to make a claim as soon as possible to ensure you receive the necessary support for your recovery. In many cases, a claim can be made within six months of the date of the injury or accident.

Severity of Injuries

The severity and long-term impact of your injuries play a significant role in determining the viability and value of your case. Serious injuries that result in long-term disability or require extensive medical treatment are more likely to result in substantial compensation.

We know that each case is unique and invite you to discuss your situation and review our case results in a free initial consultation. We are committed to helping you understand your rights and show you real case results related to your case.

What Can a Fort Wayne Personal Injury Lawyer Do for Me?

Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana by population with approximately 267,000 residents as of 2023. Higher population densities tend to have an increased number of accidents compared to rural areas in general. Whether you experienced a car accident, dog bite, wrongful death, pedestrian accident injury, or any other type of personal injury, we’re here to help you understand your rights and claim what you deserve according to local laws. 

But in most cases, our clients are experiencing painful and emotionally challenging situations, so having an expert on the matter is key to getting compensation from insurance companies for the economic and emotional damages you suffered.

It’s key to mention that according to the Statute of Limitations for personal injury (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4) you have a maximum of two years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury claim. However, we strongly encourage you to speak with our personal injury attorneys promptly to determine your eligibility and ensure a timely resolution of your case.

Why Choose Our Fort Wayne Personal Injury Attorneys?

We Provide Legal Guidance and Representation

A personal injury lawyer can provide you with legal guidance and representation throughout the entire legal process. They can help you navigate the complex legal system, understand your legal rights, and ensure that your case is handled correctly.

In Fort Wayne, there are specific laws that govern personal injury cases. For example, Indiana has a comparative fault law, which means that if you are partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your level of fault. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand how this law applies to your case.

Investigates Your Case

A personal injury lawyer can investigate your case to gather evidence and determine liability. They can interview witnesses, review medical records and police reports, and consult with experts if necessary, especially if there is a case of wrongful death.

In Fort Wayne, it’s important to act quickly after an accident. As we mentioned before, Indiana has a statute of limitations of two years for personal injury claims, which means that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. 

In this scenario, a personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case before the statute of limitations runs out.

We Calculate Damages

A personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident. They can help you determine the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

The total dollar amount of damages you can recover may be affected by Indiana’s comparative fault law. A Fort Wayne personal injury lawyer can help you understand how this law applies to your case and how it may affect the amount of compensation you can receive.

We Represent You in Court

If necessary, a personal injury lawyer can represent you in court. They can file a lawsuit on your behalf and argue your case in front of a judge and jury.

If you’re presenting a case in Fort Wayne, a personal injury lawsuit may be subject to specific local rules and procedures. However, a specialized lawyer can help you navigate the court system and ensure that your injury case is handled correctly.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies are often more concerned with their own profits than with your well-being, so having an experienced lawyer on your side can be invaluable.

In Indiana, insurance companies may be subject to specific laws and regulations. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that insurance companies are following the law.

When Insurance Companies Delay, Minimize, or Deny Your Claim

Insurance companies often use tactics to delay, minimize, or even deny legitimate claims. They might argue that your injuries are less severe than you claim or try to shift blame to reduce their liability. These strategies can add stress to an already difficult situation.

To combat this, it’s crucial to begin building a strong case as soon as possible. Detailed documentation of your injuries and the accident’s impact on your life is essential. With an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side, you’ll be better prepared for negotiations and, if necessary, for court proceedings, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us now so our Fort Wayne personal injury law firm can protect your rights. Call 317-488-5500 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact our Fort Wayne Personal Injury Lawyer today. The legal team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell will help you with any litigation needs to fight with you against any negligent parties or insurance companies. 

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you can explain your situation and get help before hiring a lawyer who can help you thrive in such a difficult situation.