A serious injury can change your life overnight. You may be left struggling with financial stress from medical bills and time away from work, along with physical pain and emotional trauma. While this can all be extremely difficult, the good news is that you have legal options. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for these difficulties by filing a personal injury claim. 

Habig Injury Law has a long-standing reputation for standing up for injury victims across Indiana. Our Bloomington personal injury lawyers understand the difficulties victims face, and we help our clients seek the full compensation they deserve for damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Our goal is not just to resolve your case, but to make you whole. If you’ve recently been injured in a motor vehicle accident, an incident on someone else’s property, or any other type of accident caused by negligence, we’re here to help. Contact the experienced Bloomington personal injury lawyers of Habig Injury Law today at 866.296.6128 to discuss your case in a free consultation.

People contact Habig Injury Law during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our clients seek help for all kinds of accidents, but the common thread is that they were injured because of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. 

Our Bloomington personal injury lawyers approach each case with the understanding that every client’s situation is personal, stressful, and unique. Below are the types of cases we handle most often for individuals and families in the Bloomington area.

Car Accidents

 

Many Bloomington car accidents are caused by negligent driving behaviors, such as:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following too closely
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving through stop signs and red lights
• Failing to yield the right of way

Liability may fall on one or more drivers, depending on how the collision occurred. In some cases, employers may also be liable if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash. 

Our lawyers investigate police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, crash data, and other evidence to establish fault and pursue compensation from the responsible parties and their insurers.

Truck Accidents

 

Truck accidents in Bloomington often involve multiple negligent parties. A crash may have been caused by a negligent truck driver, but liability does not always end there.

Trucking companies can be held liable for negligent actions that contributed to the crash, such as poor hiring practices, inadequate training, unsafe schedules, or failure to maintain their vehicles. Third parties like maintenance contractors or cargo loaders may also share fault if their negligence contributed to the crash.

These cases require a detailed investigation into driver logs, inspection records, compliance with federal and Indiana trucking regulations, and other evidence to identify every liable party.

Motorcycle Accidents

 

Motorcycle accidents often occur due to other motorists failing to watch for riders or misjudging their speed and distance. Other common negligent acts include unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, and distracted driving.

Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as all other motorists. Negligent motorists can be held liable for damages if they injure a motorcycle rider in a crash. In addition, government entities may be held liable if poor road design or a maintenance issue contributed to the crash.

Our Bloomington motorcycle accident lawyers work to counter bias against motorcyclists and clearly prove how negligence caused their injuries.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

 

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable when involved in traffic accidents. Negligence in these cases often involves speeding, failing to yield at crosswalks, running red lights, or driving while distracted.

Drivers are often liable, but other negligent parties may include employers, rideshare companies, or local entities if unsafe road conditions or missing signage played a role in the accident. 

Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Cases

 

Indiana property owners are legally required to keep their properties reasonably safe. If they fail to address hazards within a reasonable timeframe and a property guest gets injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable under the state’s premises liability laws.

Slip-and-fall claims are among the most common types of premises liability claims. Property owners can be held liable for negligence that contributed to a slip and fall, such as failing to clean spills, repair broken steps, address poor lighting, or warning visitors of any other known hazards.

In Bloomington, premises liability claims often arise for accidents that occur in stores, apartment complexes, parking lots, and public spaces. Our Bloomington slip-and-fall lawyers investigate maintenance records, surveillance footage, and inspection practices to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard, but failed to correct it before someone got hurt. 

Dog Bite Injuries

 

In Indiana, state law allows dog owners to be held liable if the dog bites someone unprovoked. While many other states follow a “one-bite” rule that requires a prior history of aggression to take legal action, no such rule exists in Indiana. To have grounds for a personal injury claim for a dog bite, you only need to prove that the attack was unprovoked and that you were legally on the property where the bite occurred.

The Bloomington dog bite lawyers at Habig Injury Law help their clients seek damages for medical care, lost wages, scarring or disfigurement, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and all other economic and non-economic damages related to dog bite injuries.

Medical Malpractice

 

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical patient suffers harm due to a healthcare provider failing to meet the accepted standard of care. Common forms of medical malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis
• Delayed treatment
• Surgical errors
• Medication errors

Medical malpractice claims may be filed against negligent doctors, nurses, surgeons, hospitals, pharmacists, and other parties in the medical field. 

Wrongful Death

 

When negligence results in a fatal injury, the surviving family of the victim may have grounds for a wrongful death claim against the negligent party. These claims may be filed against any and all parties that contributed to the accident, including individuals, businesses, employers, or institutions. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can help provide much-needed financial support and a sense of justice for surviving family members.

If you file a personal injury claim in Bloomington, your case will be governed by Indiana personal injury law. While many of the basic tenets are similar to other states, Indiana also has its own rules that can directly affect whether you can recover damages and how much your case may be worth.

Indiana’s Fault-Based System

 

Indiana follows a fault-based system for personal injury claims. This means the person or entity that caused the accident is financially responsible for the harm that resulted. In practical terms, this usually involves filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company.

To succeed, you must prove that the other party acted negligently and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Insurance companies often dispute fault, which is why strong evidence and a clear legal strategy matter from the start. If you’re thinking of taking legal action for an injury caused by negligence, you should consider consulting an experienced Bloomington personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Modified Comparative Fault in Indiana

 

Indiana also uses a modified comparative fault rule to evaluate both the plaintiff and the defendant in a personal injury case. Under this system, you can still seek compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent responsible and receive a settlement for $10,000, your final settlement would be reduced to $8,000. 

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims

 

Indiana law places strict time limits on filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.

Certain situations, such as claims involving minors or government entities, can involve different deadlines or notice requirements.

Damage Caps in Certain Types of Cases

 

Most personal injury cases in Indiana do not have a general cap on damages. However, there are important exceptions that can significantly limit how much compensation an injured person or family can recover.

Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict statutory limits under Section 34-18 of the Indiana Code. For malpractice that occurred after July 1, 2019, the total amount of damages recoverable is capped at $1.8 million. A healthcare provider’s individual liability is limited to a portion of that amount, with the remainder paid through the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund.

Claims against government entities are also capped under the Indiana Tort Claims Act. When an injury is caused by the negligence of a state or local government agency, damages are generally limited to $700,000 per person and $5 million per incident. 

A serious injury affects more than just your physical health. The financial strain, emotional stress, and long-term consequences can follow you long after the accident itself. Indiana law allows injury victims to seek compensation for the full range of losses caused by negligence, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Medical Expenses

 

Medical costs are often the most immediate and costly loss after an accident. Compensation may be available for all forms of medical care, including emergency care, ambulance services, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and follow-up treatment. In more serious cases, damages can also account for future medical needs, such as ongoing rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term care.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

 

If your injuries keep you from working temporarily, you may be entitled to recover the income you’ve already lost. This includes missed wages, overtime, bonuses, and used vacation or sick time. If an injury permanently limits your ability to work or forces you into lower-paying work, you may also seek compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

 

Pain and suffering damages address the physical pain, discomfort, and limitations caused by an injury. This category also includes the ongoing impact of injuries that make daily activities more difficult or painful. These damages often represent a significant part of a personal injury claim.

Emotional Distress and Mental Health Effects

 

Serious accidents can take a heavy emotional toll. Mental conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disturbances are common after traumatic injuries. Indiana law allows compensation for emotional distress when it is tied to a physical injury, which helps account for the psychological impact of an accident. 

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

 

When an injury results in permanent impairment, scarring, or disfigurement, compensation may be available for the lasting effects on your quality of life. This may include the loss of mobility, chronic pain, visible scars, or the inability to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.

For most people, filing a personal injury claim is unfamiliar and often intimidating. Insurance companies understand the process well, and they use that knowledge to protect their own interests. At Habig Injury Law, our Bloomington personal injury lawyers guide clients through each stage of the claims process while handling the legal heavy lifting on their behalf.

Here is an idea of what to expect if you file a personal injury claim in Bloomington.

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

 

The process typically begins with a free consultation. During this meeting, an attorney will listen to what happened, review available information, and discuss whether you have a viable claim under Indiana law. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and understand your options. If the firm decides to take your case, the focus shifts to building a clear legal strategy based on the facts.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

 

Proving negligence requires a thorough investigation. This may include reviewing police or incident reports, collecting medical records, speaking with witnesses, and securing photographs or video footage. In more complex cases, expert opinions can help explain how an accident occurred or how an injury will affect you long-term. Act early to preserve evidence before it disappears.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

 

Insurance companies often reach out after a claim has been filed. Adjusters may request recorded statements or offer quick settlements that do not reflect the full value of your claim. Having a lawyer handle these communications can help protect your rights and prevent insurers from using your words against you. Your attorney can manage negotiations and push back against lowball offers.

Settlement Negotiations

 

Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement, after both sides have had the chance to review the evidence. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney must be prepared to argue your case in court.

Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary

 

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. This does not mean your case will automatically go to trial. However, it does signal that you are serious about pursuing compensation. Lawsuits in Bloomington are typically filed in Monroe County courts. The process includes formal discovery, depositions, motions, and a trial, if necessary.

What you do in the hours and days after a serious injury can affect both your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim. Even if an injury does not seem serious at first, consider taking the following steps to protect both your well-being and your legal rights under Indiana law.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Get medical care as soon as possible after any type of accident, even if the symptoms seem minor. Injuries like concussions or soft tissue injuries are not always immediately obvious. Seeking medical treatment early also creates documentation that will be key evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim. If you delay treatment, the insurance company may try to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.

Report the Accident

Depending on the type of incident, you may need to report the accident to law enforcement, a property owner, or another responsible party. Car accidents should be reported to the police. Slip and fall incidents and other premises liability injuries should be documented with a store manager or property owner. Ask for copies of any reports that are created.

Preserve Evidence

If you are physically able, gather evidence at the scene. This may include taking photos or videos of the accident location, visible injuries, vehicle damage, or hazardous conditions. Collect contact information for witnesses and keep any relevant documents, such as medical bills or repair estimates. Avoid repairing or discarding damaged property until it has been documented.

Be Careful With Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after an accident. While they may seem helpful, their goal is to minimize what the company pays. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing documents without legal guidance. What you say early on can be used to challenge your claim later.

Avoid Discussing the Accident Publicly

Statements made on social media or to third parties can be taken out of context and used against you. It is generally best to avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery until your case is resolved.

Contact a Bloomington Personal Injury Lawyer

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer early can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes. An attorney can handle communications with insurers, preserve evidence, and ensure deadlines are met.

Choosing a personal injury lawyer is an important decision, especially when your health, finances, and future are on the line. You need a law firm that not only understands Indiana personal injury law but also takes the time to understand you. At Habig Injury Law, our Bloomington personal injury lawyers are committed to providing practical guidance, personal attention, and strong advocacy from start to finish.

Habig Injury Law has built a reputation across Indiana for representing injury victims with care and determination. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of how insurance companies evaluate claims and where they often try to cut corners. We know how to prepare cases thoroughly and present them in a way that demands serious consideration from insurers and opposing counsel.

We believe communication matters, and we make a point of keeping clients informed about developments in their case and answering questions along the way. This hands-on approach helps reduce stress and ensures clients always know where their case stands.

Our firm also understands the importance of being prepared for litigation. While many personal injury cases settle out of court, insurance companies are more likely to make fair offers when they know a law firm is willing and able to take a case to court. Habig Injury Law prepares every case as if it may go to trial, which strengthens our position during negotiations.

Finally, we believe injured people should be able to seek justice without worrying about upfront legal costs. Habig Injury Law handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront fees, and you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows Bloomington injury victims to focus on healing while we focus on protecting their rights.

If you’ve been injured in Bloomington due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face your financial and personal difficulties alone. The personal injury lawyers at Habig Injury Law are ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact our Bloomington personal injury lawyers today at 866.296.6128 to learn more about your legal options in a free consultation.