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March 1, 2024 / Wrongful Death

Who Is Entitled to Wrongful Death Benefits?

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is an incredibly painful experience. In such tragic circumstances, understanding your legal rights is essential. Wrongful death benefits can provide financial relief for surviving family members, but it's crucial to know who is entitled to these benefits under Indiana law. The recoverable damages in a wrongful death lawsuit hinge on the age of the deceased and their connection to the claimant(s). Typically, only immediate family members are entitled to receive compensation. For instance, one might be eligible for compensation following the passing of a parent, but not the death of an aunt or uncle. What Is a Wrongful Death Claim? A wrongful death claim, also known as a wrongful de[...]


February 20, 2024 / Wrongful Death

Is There a Statute of Limitations on a Wrongful Death Suit?

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is a devastating experience. Families often seek legal recourse by filing a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable. In such cases, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for your loss. However, it's crucial to understand the legal framework surrounding wrongful death claims, including the statute of limitations, to ensure your rights are protected. If you need legal help with your wrongful death suit, the experienced lawyers at Stephenson Rife can help. Contact us today at (317) 680-2501. Understanding Wrongful Death Claims A wrongful death claim is when the negligence, recklessness, or intentional miscondu[...]


How Much Can I Get for a Car Accident Settlement?
December 22, 2023 / Vehicle Accidents

How Much Can I Get for a Car Accident Settlement?

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and it often comes with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you've been injured in a car accident in Indianapolis, you may be wondering how much compensation you can receive through a settlement. The value of a settlement is influenced by various factors, primarily revolving around the facts of the case, applicable laws, and the quality of the evidence supporting your assertions. In most car accident cases, the plaintiff initiates the lawsuit and takes legal action against the defendant, the party alleged to have caused the accident. The defendant's insurance company is typically responsible for covering legal defense costs, settlements, or verdicts up to the[...]


Bicycle Deaths: It’s No Longer Mostly Children
December 22, 2023 / Wrongful Death

Bicycle Deaths: It’s No Longer Mostly Children

Bicycles, once synonymous with carefree childhood adventures, have become integral to adult life. Bicycle accidents were often seen as unfortunate yet commonplace misadventures, usually involving scraped knees and tales of daring escapades. As the wheels of time turn, so too does the narrative surrounding bicycle-related fatalities. What was once predominantly a concern for children learning to navigate their bikes close to home now impacts adults at an alarming rate. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the demographics of bicycle-related fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, there were 966 cyclist fatalities, and the average age of the cyclist killed was 49. The National Lib[...]


When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident
February 14, 2023 / Car Accidents

When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident

When to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, chaos often ensues. You may be laid up in the hospital, attending physical therapy appointments, and missing days at work. Your family’s routine is turned upside down. Any thoughts about when to hire a lawyer after a car accident are likely low on your list. But it’s an important question to ask yourself: Do I need a lawyer for a car accident in Indiana? The answer is often, yes. There are several benefits to hiring a lawyer, including: Injury victims represented by lawyers typically receive larger payouts than do victims representing themselves. Victims who interact directly with insurance companies are at a disadvantage [...]


Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?
February 10, 2023 / Personal Injury

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Win Compensation Motorcycles offer little protection to their riders, so it is no wonder that motorcycle crashes can have catastrophic results. Survivors may wind up with severe injuries, dealing with hospitalizations, surgeries, tremendous pain and suffering, and medical bills piling up at a time they are unable to work. It’s not uncommon for some injuries to result in death. If you or a loved one has been injured or someone has died in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim that can bring compensation for your losses and provide the money you need to meet your expenses and pay for care. However, this is not something you should fight for on your own. Indian[...]


Can I sue if someone hits me with their car?
January 5, 2023 / Car Accidents

Can I sue if someone hits me with their car?

If you were hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk or enjoying a leisurely stroll, it can be both frightening and result in severe injury and impairment. You could be laid up in the hospital for weeks and experience several days or weeks off work. If you’re wondering “can I sue if someone hits me with their car?”, the answer is often “yes.” Pedestrian accidents spiked by 12% nationwide in the first nine months of 2021 as drivers -- stressed and fatigued by the pandemic -- became more careless, distracted and anxiety-ridden. In 2020, there were 6,516 pedestrian traffic deaths in the U.S., and pedestrian fatalities as a percent of all traffic fatalities totaled 16.8%, according to the National Safety Counsel. The largest [...]


What Qualifies As a Spinal Injury Lawsuit?
December 7, 2022 / Catastrophic Injuries

What Qualifies As a Spinal Injury Lawsuit?

A spinal injury can be a life-changing event, which is why it’s important to know what qualifies as a spinal injury lawsuit. In the worst case, a spinal injury can leave you permanently paralyzed or otherwise disabled. But even in less extreme scenarios, spinal injuries can lead to chronic pain problems or, at the very least, a long recovery time which could result in lost wages. Regardless of the severity, your spinal injury is likely to cost you hefty medical expenses. It can be helpful to know that you have options for pursuing a lawsuit. But what qualifies as a spinal injury? Let our attorneys at Stephenson Rife help you prepare your case. What Qualifies As a Spinal Injury Lawsuit? Although spinal injuries are always upset[...]


Should Injury Victims Negotiate Directly with Insurance Companies?
November 28, 2022 / Personal Injury

Should Injury Victims Negotiate Directly with Insurance Companies?

A recent case handled by our law firm offers a good reminder how an insurance company’s claims adjuster’s job is to settle, even a clear liability injury case, for as little as possible and NOT for the real value of the injury. This case is a great example of what can happen when an injured victim tries to negotiate directly with a very experienced insurance claims adjuster. In this case, an insurance company initially offered only $1,374 for the injuries our client suffered in a car crash. After she hired Stephenson Rife, we were able to negotiate a $35,000 settlement. The facts in the case were simple, though tragic. Legal liability, or responsibility, was not in dispute. An elderly man was driving a vehicle and ran a stop sign. Hi[...]


How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?
November 18, 2022 / Wrongful Death

How Are Wrongful Death Settlements Paid Out?

Dealing with the death of a loved one caused by someone else’s negligence can be devastating. You may receive some benefits through your loved one’s life insurance, but that might not alleviate the financial and emotional burden that you feel. You may be able to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation. Wrongful death lawsuits can be complicated and stressful, so it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can represent your best interests. If you’ve decided to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for additional compensation, you might be wondering how the money gets paid out. Contact our experienced Indianapolis wrongful death lawyer to guide you through the process and help you understand your leg[...]


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