Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse and Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana
Wrongful Death Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

On Aug. 13, 2011, the stage collapsed just moments before Sugarland was set to start the concert at the Indiana State Fair, setting off a chain of events that altered lives forever. Seven fans were killed, and nearly 100 more were injured when winds in excess of 60 MPH caused the rigging above the stage to fail, sending lighting, sound equipment and parts of the stage roof into the audience.

I represented the family of one individual who was tragically killed. He was a husband and father of two young boys working security when the stage collapsed. When a loved one is killed as a result of the negligence of another, Indiana law provides remedies to the survivors. In handling wrongful death claims, it is important to understand that the appropriate remedy and the recoverable damages in each case are dependent upon the status of the victim as well as the relationship to the persons he or she leaves behind.

Because wrongful deaths usually happen when we least expect it, many times people pass away without a will. In those instances, the estate is considered “intestate”, meaning that there’s no legal document to control the person’s assets. In such cases, the first step in pursuing the wrongful death action is to open an estate by filing a petition with the court for appointment of a personal representative. An estate is the legal term for the entity created to control the assets and debts of a person after his or her death. The petition will be assigned a case number just like any other lawsuit or matter filed in the court.

Carl Brizzi LAW is prepared to do the legwork to get the estate established. If the estate is complicated or if there are many beneficiaries, we will work with you and your family to help you through this process. Once the estate is opened, the personal representative of the estate essentially becomes the wrongful death plaintiff and acts on behalf of the estate pursuing potential damages for medical, funeral, and burial expenses, as well as, damages for loss of love and companionship. Carl Brizzi will guide you through every step up the process. Contact us today!

We Serve Counties Throughout the Entire State of Indiana Including: Marion County including Indianapolis, Lawrence, and Speedway; Hamilton County including Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville; Hancock County including Greenfield; Shelby County including Shelbyville; Johnson County including Franklin and Greenwood; Morgan County including Martinsville and Mooresville; Hendricks County including Danville; and Boone County including Lebanon and Zionsville.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Expected Fees and Costs in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Although most personal injury law firms use a contingency fee business model, that does not mean that clients are exempt from paying certain fees and costs out of their own pocket; and sometimes, even before obtaining a settlement. Furthermore, there is a notable difference between fees and costs, which is something every legal client must understand before moving forward with a personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one is preparing to file an accident claim, continue reading to learn what you need to know about fees and costs associated with personal injury lawsuits.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-636-7497
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-636-7497

Personal Injury Contingency Fees

Personal injury lawyers generally operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means they do not collect any attorney fees upfront, and instead, only collect a payment if they recover a settlement for the client. So, a lawyer’s payment is contingent on their ability to recover a settlement for their client. Aside from personal injury contingency fees, a client might also be obligated to pay certain costs related to their lawsuit. Additionally, some personal injury costs might be required in full prior to receiving a settlement check.

Personal Injury Costs

Separate from the contingency fee owed at the completion of a case, personal injury costs might also be owed, both before and after receiving a settlement. These costs refer to the expenses associated with the process of filing a claim and taking it to court. There are various types of personal injury costs that a client can expect to pay.

The Most Common Accident Case Expenses Include:

► Filing Fees
► Court Reporting Fees
► Mediation Fees
► Jury Fees
► Witness Fees
► Expert Testimony Fees
► Professional Consultation Fees
► Investigative Fees
► Administrative Fees (copies, postage, etc.)
► Fees for Serving Summons or Complaints
► Mileage and Travel Costs

How to Get More Legal Advice for Your Personal Injury Claim in Indianapolis

Call Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to discuss your recent personal injury accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent the seriously injured and surviving loved ones in wrongful death cases throughout Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and work on contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement for you. Get started by scheduling a free consultation, today.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Don’t Text and Drive

Carl Brizzi is a two term former elected prosecutor in Indianapolis who now uses his considerable trial experience representing accident victims. He writes blogs and articles to share important information relating to motor vehicle accidents and Indiana personal injury law. Many of the topics come from real questions from current or past clients, as well as, timely and relevant news related to his firm’s practice areas.

In this article, Carl discusses “Indiana’s No Texting and Driving Law.”

Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497
Car Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Texting while driving is dangerous. Here are some facts.

📱⚠ Five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling 55 mph that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.

📱⚠ In 2011, at least 23 percent of auto collisions involved cell phones, equaling 1.3 million crashes.

📱⚠ At any given daylight moment across America, about 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving.  

Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59, makes it illegal for drivers to type a text message, transmit a message or read emails while driving. Regardless of the driver’s age, it is also illegal to text or surf the web even if you are stopped at a traffic light. Furthermore, any driver under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone for ANY reason, handheld, or hand-free, while driving.

Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law is considered a “Primary Law” meaning that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to see any other violation. Practically speaking, this means that an officer who sees you texting can pull you over immediately and issue a citation. The citation can be costly and could negatively impact your driving record.

Many of the accident cases I handle involve distracted drivers.

If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have questions related to distracted driving or other negligence, contact Carl Brizzi at 317-636-7497 immediately for a free case evaluation.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

What You Need to Know About Making a Brain Injury Claim

If you have recently suffered a concussion or similar brain injury as a result of another person’s negligence, seek medical attention right away. Once you have received the proper medical attention, you will likely be making a claim with the opposing party’s insurance company to seek compensation for your losses and damages. You may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, such as medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, rehabilitation, prolonged medical care, loss of consortium or companionship, and much more. Most importantly, it is necessary to speak with a licensed accident attorney who specializes in head injury claims. They can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for recovering a settlement for your losses.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about mild traumatic brain injuries and other types of concussion head injuries, including how to get started on your personal injury claim right away.

Indianapolis Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Indianapolis Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers 317-636-7497

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions are a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) caused by a sudden direct blow, blunt force trauma, or impact to the head. The brain, which is encased in the skull, can be jerked, and shaken inside as a result of the impact. In fact, the word “concussion” means “to shake violently” in Latin. This loose meaning can give you an idea of what the brain experiences to cause a concussion. Although it is the least serious type of brain injury a person can suffer, mild brain injuries can lead to somatic, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical complications.

There are several symptoms a person may experience after suffering a concussion. These symptoms vary from mild to serious depending on the severity of the impact. The most common symptoms of having a mild traumatic brain injury are headache, bruising, blood vessel damage, nerve damage, amnesia, disorientation, mental confusion, nausea or vomiting, trouble sleeping, fatigue, poor balance, irritability, mild depression, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or sensitivity to light.

Here is a list of common head injuries and brain injuries that may entitle victims to full and fair compensation for their damages:

◾ Concussions
◾ Mild Brain Injuries (MBI)
◾ Loss of Consciousness
◾ Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (MTBI)
◾ Memory Loss
◾ Seizures
◾ Severe Whiplash
◾ Mental Confusion
◾ Hearing and Vision Complications
◾ Severe Headaches or Migraines
◾ Dementia
◾ Speech Impediments
◾ Cognitive Damages (i.e. disorientation, slowed reaction times, etc.)
◾ Irritability and/or Aggression
◾ Permanent Personality Changes
◾ Amnesia
◾ Parkinson’s Disease
◾ Sleep Difficulties
◾ Ringing in Ears (Tinnitus)
◾ Emotional Difficulties
◾ Loss of Language
◾ And More

Find a Trusted Lawyer to Represent Your Head Injury Claim

Contacting a personal injury lawyer for a head injury lawsuit is the best avenue to take when it comes to recovering compensation for your damages and losses. They can help victims of head injuries obtain recompense to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, hospital bills, time off work, and more. They handle lawsuits in trial and litigation, as well as out-of-court negotiations. Trusting an accomplished and respected head and concussion attorney can be your key to unlocking justice and new opportunities for the wrongly or negligently hurt.

No one should have to sustain unfair head or brain personal injuries, especially if they were injured as a result of another’s carelessness. Most personal injury law firms offer free initial consultations to determine your eligibility for remuneration.  This is a great way to consult with several concussion attorneys regarding your accident and entitlements. It is strongly encouraged to outsource the most professional and reputable accident attorneys before moving forward with your claim.

How to Make a Head Injury Accident Claim in Indianapolis Today

Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney who can determine the best strategies for your head injury case. From blunt force concussions to traumatic brain injuries, we can ensure you obtain the fullest settlement for your damages and losses, including hospital bills, medical bills, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and much more. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, but we also never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Contact us to get started on your financial recovery, today.  We represent injured persons throughout Indiana.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Motorcycle Accidents

Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 317-636-7497
Indianapolis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys 317-636-7497

If it has an engine, chances are, I can drive it. As a motorcycle rider myself, I am committed to motorcyclist’s rights.

My experience with motorcycle personal injury cases has taught me that injured bikers often have a more difficult time obtaining fair compensation than non-motorcycle accident victims. Stereotypes still exist. And people, often, incorrectly assume that the accident was caused by the motorcycle rider.

Let’s face it… motorcycle riders get a bad rap. In many cases, the person who actually caused the accident will claim that the motorcyclist was partially at fault or responsible for the accident, even though there’s no evidence for such an argument. Notwithstanding, the most common excuse given by a motorist for striking a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see the motorcycle” before hitting it.

Without an experienced Indianapolis motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, there’s a chance you will receive less compensation than you deserve. I’ve represented clients after they were injured in a motorcycle accident, and I understand how their injuries affect them physically, emotionally, and financially.

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, I can help you obtain the compensation that you rightfully deserve. If your loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, I can also help you file a wrongful death claim to obtain just compensation for your loss.

My first task in evaluating a motorcycle accident case is to understand and document how and why the crash occurred. This usually involves using the services of an experienced investigator who will visit and photograph the accident scene, photograph the vehicles as they appear after an accident, and take recorded statements of any witnesses to the accident.

Other important sources of information include obtaining any 911 calls to identify potential witnesses to the accident.  Onboard data recorders that are found in most cars and trucks can also provide valuable information. When an airbag is deployed in an accident, these devices will record valuable information such as the speed of the vehicle before the airbag was deployed, its direction, and when its brakes were applied. Such objective evidence is very valuable in proving who was responsible for an accident.

However, this information is only available for a short time after an accident.  So, it’s critically important to contact an attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents as soon as possible so that important evidence may be preserved.

For experienced help after a motorcycle accident or to talk to me about your injury, contact Carl Brizzi

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Accident Lawyer

As a recent injured victim of a wrongful and serious accident, the path you take toward recovering compensation through a claim is dependent on various factors, including where the accident took place, the extent of your injuries, the number of negligent parties involved, and much more. Yet, whatever path you choose, hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent your accident claim should be a top priority, and your first step toward recovering financially from your damages and losses.

Continue below to learn the top 10 reasons why you need a seasoned litigator following a serious accident.

Indiana Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497
Indiana Accident Lawyers 317-636-7497

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Accident Claim

Ultimately, the success of your accident claim outcome will be largely influenced by your decision to hire or not hire legal representation. If you are on the fence as to whether or not you need a construction accident attorney to professionally represent your personal injury claim, it would be wise to review some of the top known benefits and reasons acknowledged by both legal professionals and past construction accident victims.

You should hire a seasoned accident attorney for your personal injury claim because:

⚖ They offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and concerns without any out-of-pocket obligation to you.

⚖ They have a full understanding of the laws surrounding your particular case.

⚖ They know how to specifically approach accident claims and third party claims.

⚖ They will not use confusing industry jargon, and will explain the law and the legal process to you in a language you can understand.

⚖ They work on contingency, meaning they do not get paid unless they can recover a settlement for you.

⚖ They have the resources and long-standing relationships to fully investigate your case and identify liable parties, witnesses, experts, and more.

⚖ They have extensive litigation experience, making them the best choice for protection against aggressive insurance adjusters, stubborn employers, manufacturers, contractors, and other third parties.

⚖ They truly have your best interests in mind, and will do whatever it takes to protect your rights to full and fair compensation.

⚖ They are private counselors, so they dedicate all their time, focus, and efforts into your case until a settlement is reached.

⚖ They have the skills and knowledge to build a strong and impactful claim for maximum compensation.

Be Sure to Choose the Right Law Firm

There are thousands of personal injury law firms to choose from in your area, but they are not all the same. Although these are some reasons why you should hire an accident lawyer, not all lawyers retain these credentials,amenities, and qualities. So, it is important to do your research and find an Indiana Personal Injury Law Firm that truly meets these credentials and more.

An Indiana Accident Attorney You Can Trust to Recover a Full Settlement For Your Injury Claim

Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to speak with a seasoned Indiana accident lawyer about your best options for pursing legal action after being seriously injured or incapacitated as a result of someone else’s negligence. Our experienced civil litigators can obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve for your resulting damages and losses, including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or Social Security disability benefits for you. Schedule a free case evaluation, soon, before time runs out on your claim.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Can Government Mandate Vaccinations?

Indiana Defective Product Lawyer
Indiana Defective Product Lawyer 317-636-7497

Some would argue that, during one of the worst public health and financial crises in recent history, a safe and effective vaccine could end the coronavirus pandemic. But only if enough people get inoculated.

Others like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. would argue that “the COVID-19 pandemic has proven an opportunity of convenience for totalitarian elements who have put individual rights and freedoms globally under siege.”

Recent polls suggest that only about two-thirds of adults say they would get the vaccine. While that might protect most people who get vaccinated, it may be insufficient to reach herd immunity, and stop the virus’s spread. Is a government mandated vaccine plan medical tyranny, or just government’s legitimate response to a public health problem? 

It may surprise you to learn that the government may have a legal right to enforce such a rule.

In Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a state criminal law that required all adult inhabitants of Cambridge, Mass. to get a smallpox vaccine or be fined. The Supreme Court explained that an individual’s liberty rights under the U.S. Constitution are not absolute and the mandatory vaccination law was necessary to promote public health and safety.

While Jacobson v. Massachusetts is over 100 years old, courts continue to rely on the court’s reasoning. State governments occasionally enact broad compulsory vaccination policies. In 2019, amid a measles outbreak, New York City mandated that anyone over six months of age who lived, went to school, or worked in several ZIP codes within the city had to be vaccinated against measles or be subject to a fine.

Religious, medical, and philosophical exemptions abound with compulsory vaccination laws.  Some states like New York and California have eliminated the religious and philosophical exemptions in recent years. Courts reasoned that while compulsory vaccination laws may burden religious practices, religious exemptions are not constitutionally required under the First Amendment’s free exercise clause since mandatory vaccination does not single out religion and is not motivated by a desire to interfere with religion.

Mandating vaccines in the current environment could be very controversial.  There’s a risk that heavy-handed public health tactics can backfire and escalate tensions, increase mistrust of government, and unintentionally increase the influence of the anti-vaccination movement.

My next few posts will focus on legal immunity for vaccine19 manufacturers, the possibility of requiring vaccinations for “travel passports,” as well as, what private employers may or may not require of their employees.

Carl Brizzi is a former two term elected prosecutor who practices personal injury law in Indiana.  

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Where to Start With an Indiana Burn Injury Accident Claim

Burn accidents can be devastating, and serious burn injuries can have catastrophic and lasting impacts, not just for victims, but also to their families and loved ones. If you or your loved one was severely burned in an accident that was another’s fault, you are likely entitled to claim payments for your damages and losses. Get the compensation you are owed by getting your Indiana burn injury accident claim started as soon as possible, before time runs out. Not sure where or how to begin? Simply call on Attorney Carl Brizzi, a seasoned lawyer with the law firm Lewis And Wilkins LLP (LAW). He and his team are the right choice for your Indiana burn injury lawsuit.

Continue below to learn why you can trust Attorney Carl Brizzi to obtain the full and fair settlement or verdict you deserve after suffering significant damages and losses after a burn accident.

Indiana Burn Victims Turn to Carl Brizzi LAW for Financial Recovery.

Choose Carl Brizzi LAW for Burn Injury Accident Claims in Indiana

As a seasoned lawyer with the law firm Lewis And Wilkins LLP (LAW), Attorney Carl Brizzi is a trusted source for personal injury civil litigation in Indiana. When it comes to burn injury cases, there is no other lawyer more qualified to protect your rights to compensation. During the course of our legal practice, Carl Brizzi LAW has come to understand that burn victims feel stress, anxiety, fear, pain, and a need to hold the accountable party responsible, all at the same time. We empathize with this common conflict of emotions. We navigate every investigative and litigious aspect of your claim in order to alleviate all of these stressors, thus allow you to focus solely on feeling better.

Our Indiana burn injury lawyers fight against shady insurance adjuster tactics, stopping at nothing to obtain the maximum settlement for your damages, including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from time missed at work, mental anguish, permanent scarring or disfigurement, reduced quality of life, and much more. We might even recover punitive damages if the negligent party who caused you harm was particularly reckless or deliberate in their actions.

Carl Brizzi LAW represents personal injury clients in a wide range of burn accident lawsuits, including:

☑ Car Accidents
☑ Scalding Water Injury
☑ Electrocutions
☑ Electric Shock Accidents
☑ Explosions
☑ Flammable Liquid Accidents
☑ Chemical Burns
☑ Gasoline Fires
☑ Fuel Spills
☑ Industrial Accidents
☑ Dangerous Products
☑ Defective Smoke Alarms
☑ Candle Accidents
☑ Severe Road Rashes
☑ Firework Accidents
☑ Campfire Accidents

Your Financial Recovery Does Not Cost Anything Unless We Prevail For You

It is said that “for every percent of the body burned, one day in the hospital is required.” For serious burn victims, this can quickly add up in costs and additional damages. In Indiana, burn unit costs average between $30,000 and one million dollars. At Carl Brizzi LAW, we strongly believe that all innocent victims deserve astute and effectual legal representation, regardless of income or social class. Innocent victims of severe injuries are entitled to financial recovery, without having to sacrifice financially themselves. For this reason, we do not require any upfront payments or fees. Not only do we provide free case evaluations to discuss your legal options, but Carl Brizzi LAW also works on contingency, so you do not pay us unless we get a settlement or Social Security disability benefits for you.

CARL BRIZZI LAW LEARNS THE EXACT SCOPE OF YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS. OUR INDIANAPOLIS BURN INJURY ATTORNEYS WILL RECOVER PAST, CURRENT, AND FUTURE DAMAGES FOR YOUR CLAIM.

Let us be your advocate for financial recovery after suffering serious damages and losses from a wrongful burn accident in Indianapolis, Indiana. Act now, before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. You have a right to learn your options without any obligation to pay. You may also visit our FAQS page to learn more about punitive damages and statutes of limitations.

How to Get in Touch With an Indiana Burn Injury Lawyer

Contact us as soon as possible to have your burn injury case evaluated, free of charge. You may call our office directly at 317-636-7497, submit an email from our website, or message us on our Facebook page. We can perform case evaluation meetings over the phone, in person at our office, or via online video conferencing. There is no need to travel, or even leave your home, to become a priority client of ours.

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497