Medical Payments Claims in Indiana

Medical Payments Claims in Indiana

Motor vehicle accidents can be traumatic and costly, especially when it comes to medical expenses incurred if you are injured and need treatment. In Indiana, dealing with medical payments (“MedPay”) claims involves navigating both insurance processes and legal regulations.  This article provides a guide on how medical payments claims are made, paid, and reimbursed according to Indiana law following a motor vehicle accident.  Attorneys like Garrett M. Lewis here at Goodin Abernathy, LLP are familiar with MedPay claims and are here to help you devise a strategy to make the most of your MedPay coverage – not simply request that a bill be paid on your behalf!

What is Medical Payments Coverage?

Medical Payments (or MedPay) coverage is an optional form of insurance coverage that helps cover medical expenses related to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault.  MedPay is designed to provide immediate financial support for medical treatments, including hospital visits, exams, surgeries, and rehabilitation.  If you have questions about whether your own medical treatment can be covered through a MedPay claim following an accident, please contact attorney Garrett M. Lewis by telephone at (317) 843-2606 or email at glewis@goodinabernathy.com today!

How to Make a MedPay Claim

After an accident, the first step in making a MedPay claim is to notify your insurance company that you were in an accident.  You should report the accident as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of your claim.  In fact, some policy terms even require that a report be made within a certain amount of time, otherwise no coverage may be available.  Be sure to provide your insurance company with all relevant details, including the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as information about any other parties involved.

To support your MedPay claim, you will need to provide medical documentation that details the nature and extent of your injuries.  This includes:

  • Medical Bills: Itemized statements from hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers
  • Medical Records: Documentation of treatments, diagnoses, and prescribed medications
  • Receipts: Proof of payment for any medical services received

Your insurance company will likely require you to complete a MedPay claim form.  This form will request information about the your accident, injuries and associated medical expenses.  Be thorough and accurate in filling out this form to avoid delays or issues with your claim.  If you do not provide enough information, your claim could be denied entirely.  Once you have completed the claim form and gathered all necessary documentation, submit everything to your insurance company.  Make sure you keep copies of all documents for your records – if you need help gathering your documents from various hospitals or providers, Goodin Abernathy, LLP can work with you on that.

Processing and Paying MedPay Claims

After receiving your claim, your insurance company will review and investigate the details.  This process includes verifying the accident report, assessing your medical documentation, and confirming the coverage limits under your MedPay policy. Insurance adjusters may contact you for additional information or clarification during this phase.

MedPay coverage depends on the limits you selected when purchasing your policy, and typically ranges from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The insurance company will pay medical expenses up to the limit of your policy, but if the total amount of your medical bills exceeds your coverage limit, you will be responsible for paying the difference.  If your claim is approved, the insurance company will issue payment either directly to the healthcare providers or to you, depending on how the bills are submitted.  Payments are typically made promptly, but the timing can vary based on the complexity of the claim and the efficiency of the insurance company.

Reimbursement of MedPay Claims

In cases where another party is found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance company may seek reimbursement through a process known as subrogation.  Subrogation allows the insurance company to recover the amount of MedPay coverage paid on your behalf from the at-fault party’s insurance company or from a settlement you receive.

If you receive a settlement or damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company, or if you are awarded damages in a lawsuit, your MedPay insurer may seek reimbursement from you for the medical expenses they covered on your behalf.  This is often done through a legal agreement where you agree to repay the insurer from any settlement or court award.  If you choose to work with an attorney like Garrett M. Lewis at Goodin Abernathy, LLP following a motor vehicle accident, he will work with you and your insurance company to satisfy any subrogation claims so you won’t have to worry about anyone coming after you for reimbursement later on!  Receiving reimbursement from a settlement or award does not typically impact future MedPay claims, but it’s important to review your policy and any agreements carefully to understand any implications for future claims and coverage.

Legal Considerations and Compliance

In Indiana, the law requires that drivers have liability insurance, but MedPay coverage is optional. If you choose to purchase MedPay coverage, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and limitations of your policy.  Because Indiana does not require MedPay coverage, its availability and terms are generally dictated by individual insurance providers.

If MedPay does not cover all your medical expenses, or if there is a dispute with the insurance company, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.  In Indiana, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, and personal injury cases often involve seeking reimbursement for medical expenses.  This statute of limitations is important to ensure your right to compensation is preserved, and Garrett M. Lewis can work with you to make sure you don’t lose your right to compensation!

If you encounter difficulties with your MedPay claim or need assistance with reimbursement issues, consulting an attorney who specializes in personal injury and insurance law can be beneficial.  Garrett M. Lewis and the attorneys at Goodin Abernathy, LLP can help navigate complex legal issues, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Best Practices for Managing MedPay Claims

Maintaining thorough and accurate records of all medical treatments, expenses, and communications with your insurance company is crucial.  This documentation can be invaluable in resolving disputes and ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Regularly follow up with your insurance company to check the status of your claim.  Prompt follow-ups can help expedite the process and make sure any potential issues are addressed before they become major problems.

Also make sure to regularly review your MedPay policy and coverage limits to ensure they meet your needs.  Adjusting your coverage or limits as necessary can provide better protection and reduce the risk of uncovered expenses.  For example, if you have pre-existing conditions or injuries which might make you susceptible to more significant injuries in the event of an accident, it might be wise to obtain a higher limit on your MedPay coverage.

Conclusion

Navigating medical payments claims after a motor vehicle accident in Indiana involves understanding the claims process, working with your insurance company, and being aware of your legal rights and responsibilities and acting accordingly.  By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively manage your MedPay claims, ensure timely payment of medical expenses, and address any reimbursement issues that may arise.  If complications occur, seeking professional legal advice can help protect your interests and secure the compensation you need.  If you are looking for additional information regarding MedPay claims or would like assistance with handling one of your own after you are involved in an accident, please reach out to us at (317) 843-2606 – we would be happy to help!

Attorney Help for Indiana Car Accidents

Attorney Help for Indiana Car Accidents

Were you in a car accident and have legal questions?  Make things simple by contacting the Goodin Abernathy LLP law firm.  We have a Spanish speaking team, too, who focuses on representing Hispanic clients suffering physical injuries in motor vehicle accidents.  Put us on your side for recovering the maximum damages the law allows for personal injuries.  We offer free, in-person legal consultations.  When we take your case, our attorneys only charge for services when we win and actually collect money. 

Auto accidents may include criminal acts.  But when you need to recover your own damages, the process is considered a civil law claim for negligence.  Sometimes our clients are concerned about making legal claims because they are undocumented immigrants.  Do not let this stand in your way because Indiana allows all accident victims the right to legal access – no matter what their immigration status is.  You really should not be concerned about encountering immigration problems for making a negligence claim.  Our legal team will guide you through the process and protect your rights without concern for being deported or harassed due to your immigration status. 

Now let’s start by reviewing basic topics our clients must deal with after an auto accident.  At the scene, police often give our clients a slip of paper with the “accident number.” Although helpful, this is not the report we need.  Using your information, we access an internet portal that law enforcement uses for publishing the auto accident reports.  Police post their Indiana crash reports on BuyCrash.com and charge Twelve Dollars ($12.00) to download and print it.  https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home The police report will supply us with the basic information needed to identify the at-fault driver.  The crash report also describes the investigation results and identifies potential witnesses. 

 If your car was disabled and not drivable after the accident, it was probably towed to a salvage lot.  We recommend addressing this immediately because each day your vehicle sits in the tow yard, they charge you around Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00) per day.  Before you can get your car out of the lot, you must pay them for the towing service and the daily rate.  If you do not have auto insurance to pay for these costs, the price can quickly jump above an amount you can pay.  Then, if you do not pay the removal fee, the tow yard will sell your car for salvage.  You will not have a chance to fix the car, sell it or maybe even recover your personal possessions.  Our legal team counsels our clients with tips for negotiating with the salvage yards to pay less and collect your vehicle.  Contact us with questions before paying full price at the salvage yard. 

Many people are physically injured in car accidents.  Maybe you visited the emergency room for medical treatment and have questions about the bills.  Or, after the accident your injuries worsened and now you want to visit your family doctor or a specialist.  Attorneys are not medical doctors but we can describe how clients typically search for physical relief from pain.  Often we find our clients are confused about where to go for medical treatment.  The obvious response is 1) if the pain is excruciating, visit the emergency room and 2) if the pain is tolerable, consider contacting your regular primary care doctor.  Of course, there are more medical treatment options that we can discuss for choosing the best path for your recovery.

We know the medical treatment is not free and you want to know who pays the costs.  GA’s legal team will explain how the law applies to this important question and show you how we step in to work with the medical billing departments.  For instance, you want to know if the at fault driver’s insurance company will pay each bill.  When will they pay the medical bills?  Under Indiana’s negligence law, the process typically does not require a responsible driver or their insurance to pay for medical costs as you treat.  Instead, they pay when you are finished with medical treatment.  Even if it is an option, rarely is it a good idea to settle parts of a claim as it goes along.  It is typical to settle the whole case once you finish medical treatment and know what all your damages are.  Unfortunately, we know the bill collectors do not want to wait and they put pressure on you and your family.  Call Goodin Abernathy, and we will step in to handle the bills and relieve you from the immediate financial pressure. 

Another option for handling medical bills can include using your own auto or health insurance.  If you have the right auto insurance coverage, you may be able to use your own policy to help pay bills.  This coverage is typically called Medical Payments or “Medpay”.  GA’s Indy legal team will review your own insurance to identify if you have this option.  You may also use your own health insurance to cover medical bills for treating your injuries.  We will explain how the health insurance company then has a legal and financial interest in collecting their payments from the responsible driver.  If you do not have health insurance, Legalmente Hablando Indy is familiar with various hospitals and medical doctors that use payment systems you can take advantage of for continued medical treatment.  For instance, Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis offers applications for the popular “Advantage Plan.” Patients work with financial counselors to qualify for assistance under the plan. https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/programs/financial-counseling

When you miss time at work due to an injury, you likely lose income and we understand this is very stressful. Goodin Abernathy’s legal team will explain how Indiana law applies to this part of your damages.  The law for accident victims allows them to claim lost income for damages in their case against the responsible driver.  We describe how this is calculated and inform you about what to expect for a lost wages claim.   

Another initial concern includes how to deal with the insurance companies.  Understandably, our clients visit us because they are concerned about how the negligent driver’s insurance company is treating them.  Clients want to know the law and make sure they are being treated fairly.  This is where an attorney at Goodin Abernathy helps.  Remember, insurance representatives are trained and experienced with handling claims to save their companies money.  Insurance companies are in business to make money – not pay it out.  This is why you need professional legal help.  Our experienced team will represent you and fight for your legal rights.  Choose to have an attorney on your side (and if necessary, that speaks Spanish), cares about your recovery and is experienced with challenging insurance companies to win the best recovery for your case. 

Our attorneys handle personal injuries on a contingency fee basis.  You only pay for legal fees when we win and collect money.  There are no up-front fees that you pay to open a case with our law firm.  Legalmente Hablando Indy enjoys supporting Indiana’s Hispanic community with quality legal services.  Our contingency fee rates are typically less than big advertising law firms.  Instead of trying to pay the cost of marketing, we save our clients money  and provide excellent legal services.  Our initial consultations are free.  We will sit with you, review your photos, accident reports and medical treatment.  If you are in the hospital or unable to travel, we can visit your location or set up a video conference.  Contact Goodin Abernathy’s legal team to schedule an appointment today!

The Importance of Documenting Your Personal Injury: Tips and Best Practices

The Importance of Documenting Your Personal Injury: Tips and Best Practices

Whether you’ve been in a car accident or slipped and fallen, one thing is certain: proper documentation can make or break your personal injury case in Indiana. That’s because documentation establishes the facts, determines liability, and helps secure the compensation you deserve. With so much on the line, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of documenting personal injuries in Indiana. This blog is your ultimate guide to navigating the complexities of injury documentation. We’ll cover everything from relevant laws to tips for proper documentation and the critical role an experienced personal injury attorney can play in your case.

Understanding Personal Injury Law in Indiana

Definition of personal injury

Personal injury can take many forms, from physical harm to emotional or psychological distress, and it often arises from the careless or intentional actions of others. Fortunately, Indiana law allows victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses through the legal system. This area of law provides a framework for seeking damages and holding negligent parties accountable. In this post, we’ll delve deeper into personal injury law in Indiana, exploring how it can help you recover from the harm you’ve suffered.

Common types of personal injury cases

Some of the most common personal injury cases in Indiana include:

  1. Automobile accidents
  2. Motorcycle accidents
  3. Trucking accidents
  4. Slip-and-fall incidents
  5. Medical malpractice
  6. Defective products
  7. Dog bites

Indiana’s comparative fault law

Indiana’s personal injury law operates under a “comparative fault” system, which allows you to recover damages even if you share some of the blame for an accident, as long as your fault is less than 51%. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are 30% at fault for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you can receive $70,000 in compensation.

Statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana

Another crucial aspect of Indiana’s personal injury law is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which is typically two years from the date of the incident. It’s crucial to act quickly in pursuing your claim, as missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule, and consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate these complexities and protect your rights.

Tips for Properly Documenting Your Personal Injury

Establishing evidence to support your claim

Documenting your personal injury is crucial for establishing the evidence necessary to support your claim. This evidence provides a clear and objective record of the incident, including the extent of your injuries and the damages you’ve suffered. With proper documentation, you can paint a vivid picture of what happened and demonstrate the other party’s liability, which is key to securing the compensation you deserve.

Be thorough and accurate in your documentation

When compiling documentation for a personal injury claim, it is crucial to be meticulous and precise in documenting all pertinent details. This approach will bolster your case and simplify the task of your legal representative in comprehending and advocating for your claim.

Keep all documents organized and easily accessible

To improve the efficiency and accessibility of important information, it is recommended that you implement a systematic organization of your documents. Whether it be through digital or physical means, maintaining a well-ordered documentation system can benefit you, your attorney, and your insurance company in swiftly and effectively reviewing necessary materials.

Update your personal injury journal regularly

Maintaining an up-to-date personal injury journal is crucial to building a strong case. Regularly documenting physical pain, emotional distress, and any changes in your condition can provide a comprehensive account of how your injury has impacted your life. This information can be critical evidence to support your claim, so it is essential to keep your journal organized and regularly updated.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Assessing the strength of your case

A lawyer specializing in personal injury cases has the expertise to analyze your situation, review the available evidence, and offer an objective evaluation of its viability. Furthermore, they can guide you on the probable outcomes and help you determine whether settling out of court or pursuing litigation would be the most advantageous course of action.

Ensuring proper documentation

A seasoned lawyer can assist you in navigating the complexities of compiling and arranging all the essential paperwork required for your personal injury lawsuit. They can pinpoint any gaps or insufficiencies in the evidence and guarantee that your case is established on a firm footing.

Negotiating with insurance companies

Insurance providers frequently try to reduce their financial liabilities by contesting or underestimating the value of claims. An attorney specializing in personal injury cases can act as your representative in negotiations with the insurance company, leveraging their legal know-how and familiarity with your case to achieve the most favorable settlement outcome on your behalf.

Representing you in court, if necessary

If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent your interests in court, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making persuasive arguments to the judge or jury on your behalf.

Maximizing your compensation

An attorney specializing in personal injury cases can play a crucial role in safeguarding your rights and ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for your medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other losses resulting from your injury. Their proficiency and unwavering commitment can have a substantial impact on the resolution of your case, potentially resulting in a more favorable outcome for you.

Consult with Goodin Abernathy for Expert Personal Injury Representation

If you have sustained a personal injury in Indiana, it’s essential to act swiftly. You can rely on the professionals at Goodin Abernathy to assist you in navigating the process of documenting your injury and pursuing compensation. Our team of devoted attorneys is dedicated to providing tailored legal guidance, safeguarding your rights, and advocating for your best interests. Reach out to us now to schedule a complimentary, obligation-free consultation to discuss your case and examine your legal alternatives. Let us work in partnership with you to secure the most favorable resolution for your personal injury lawsuit.

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Indiana?

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Indiana?

Anyone involved in a car wreck not just wants a crash report, they need it for handling insurance and making negligence claims. The car accident attorneys at Goodin Abernathy LLP can make it simple and order the report for you. We have an account online that allows us to access BuyCrash.com and using your car accident details, search for the report. So the easiest way is to call us at (317)843-2606 and ask for help pulling the report.

If you prefer to handle collecting the report yourself, here is basic information to help step through the process. Then, if after you handle things and decide you would like legal help, call us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are happy to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

What is a Car Accident Report?

In Indiana, a car accident report is known as the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report. Police officers collect basic information at the crash site and populate a standard report that is later published on the internet under the BuyCrash.com website.

Though this investigation typically is not an expert analysis, it details the reports about events leading up to and afterward the wreck. A car accident report is usually available between two and five days after the car accident.

Every law enforcement agency is different but generally, a car accident crash report will include:

  • Details for every person involved in the car accident. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, and car insurance information.
  • Information about the injuries suffered by people involved in the accident.
  • Where the accident happened, which way the vehicles were going, where they hit each other, where they ended up after the collision, if there was any debris from the accident, and if there were any stop signs or traffic signals nearby. This information is often shown on a diagram or accompanied by a diagram.
  • Time of the accident
  • Weather conditions, potential traffic hazards, and road conditions.
  • The statements of people involved in the accident, and any witnesses who saw what happened.
  • The responding officer’s findings and impressions based on the investigation at the scene of the accident.

One of the most important reasons Indiana state police officers keep detailed accounts of car accidents is so they can use them as evidence in any future investigations.

How Do You Obtain a Copy of Your Indiana Car Accident Police Report?

You Can Obtain an Online Copy of Your Car Accident Police Report

In order to find a car accident report, you must purchase one for $12. This can be done at BuyCrash.com In order to find your accident report, you must know the following information: 

  • State and Jurisdiction of where the accident took place 
  • Along with one of the following pieces of information 
  • Accident Report Number 
  • Last Name and Date of Incident 
  • Last Name and Street

You Can Obtain a Physical Copy of Your Accident Police Report

Contact your local Indiana county law enforcement as each department typically has a division or office that manages these records. You can also contact the Indiana State Police through their website: https://www.in.gov/isp/crash-reports/

If the collision occurred in Marion County Indiana, you may visit the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to obtain a copy of your accident report.

  • 50 N. Alabama St., E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Phone number: 317-327-3811
  • You will need to provide the date, time, accident location, and if you remember, the investigating officer’s name.

How Can a Car Accident Police Report Help Your Personal Injury Claim?

A car accident police report can very likely be helpful in a case. The details given on an accident police report may help in determining who was at fault in a given accident. Some of these details include:

  • How the accident occurred.
  • Description of the damages associated with the crash.
  • Any tickets that were issued to drivers involved.
  • Time of the accident

For example, if someone is ticketed for texting and driving, you may be able to prove that the injuries and damages you received were due to the other driver’s negligence.

Accident reports are important if you are dealing with insurance adjusters and trying to negotiate a settlement. Remember, the insurance adjusters are trained and experienced in defending your damage claims.

It is best to have as much crash information at your disposal as possible before agreeing to settle with the insurance adjuster.

Remember, the Goodin Abernathy attorneys are experienced in negotiating personal injury and car accident cases. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We enjoy representing clients and treat them like individuals – not just file numbers like other “big box” injury law firms do.

Attorney Help for Indiana Car Accidents

Injured In Auto Accident And Don’t Have a Driver’s License

In Indiana, in order to legally operate an automobile, and you are required to have a driver’s license. To obtain a driver’s license, you must pass a written driver’s test and pass a road test. These conditions exist throughout the country. Indeed, all states and Washington D.C. require an individual to pass a road test and a written driver’s test before being issued a driver’s license. Thus, may wonder what happens when an individual is injured in an accident but the individual does not possess a valid driver’s license.

In short, although operating an automobile without a valid driver’s license is a criminal offense, the absence of a driver’s license does not automatically prohibit an individual from recovering for their injuries. However, in the context of a claim for personal injuries, disagreements often occur over whether the absence of a driver’s license is even admissible evidence. When these disagreements occur, and if left unresolved, a judge is asked to determine whether the jury will be allowed to hear evidence about the absence of a driver’s license. Like many areas in law, an exploration into the facts of an individual matter is usually necessary to assess how a judge is likely to resolve these types of disagreements.

For example, just because a driver does not possess a valid driver’s license at the moment of the accident, it does not necessarily mean a judge will allow a jury to hear this information and it is important to identify whether the individual ever possessed a valid driver’s license at any time in their life and to identify what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. The basic and indisputable purpose of the driver’s license requirement is to certify that the owner of the license has proven they are capable of operating an automobile on public roads in a safe and responsible manner. Therefore, if an individual previously passed a road test and written test, but forgot to renew their license, and is then rear-ended while stopped at a red light, the fact that the individual did not possess a valid license at the time of the accident has little relevance, and is not likely admissible. This is because the individual had previously demonstrated a base understanding of the rules of the road and a base proficiency at operating an automobile and the competence is not in dispute since they were properly stopped at the time of the accident.

On the other hand, if the individual has never possessed a license and has never passed a road test and written test, and is injured in an accident while changing lanes shortly after passing a sign signifying a lane was ending, it is more likely a judge would allow a jury to hear evidence about the absence of a valid license. This is because the same factors that make it necessary for individuals to pass a written and road test (knowledge of right of way practices and warning signs) are the same factors that are associated with the facts of the accident.

If you have questions about how the absence of a valid driver’s license impacts a claim for personal injuries, call one of our experienced lawyers for a free consultation.

Farming Accidents in Indiana

Farming Accidents in Indiana

Why You Need to be Represented by the Attorneys of Goodin Abernathy LLP for Farming Accidents in Indiana

The Goodin Abernathy LLP trial attorneys are experienced with helping farm and field workers who suffer serious injuries in farming accidents. As Indiana’s harvest season begins, now is the time to use extra caution working in the fields and driving through the countryside.

The Hoosier State is ranked 10th nationally in total agricultural production and ranked in the top five states for crop production like corn and soybeans. It’s also ranked fifth in the nation for swine production and third for poultry. (https://farmflavor.com/indiana-agriculture/) With this high volume of production, numerous workers and large farm machinery are active daily in the fields of Indiana’s farms. Because of this heavy equipment, agriculture is a hazardous industry. Farmers are at a high risk for fatal and serious farm accident injuries. (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/aginjury/) These injuries are gruesome and can have long lasting effects. Over the years, Goodin Abernathy LLP’s personal injury attorneys have represented farm hands throughout Indiana, helping them understand the legal system and fighting to make sure they collect the legal benefits or damages they deserve following serious accidents.

Our initial consultations are free. More importantly, since each client’s farming accident experience is unique; Goodin Abernathy LLP does not charge a set contingency fee. Our fees depend on the level of legal work your claim requires. When meeting with us for the first time, no one will pressure you to sign a fee agreement or make any decisions right away. We prefer in-person initial consultations. If time and distance are a barrier for out of state clients, we handle video conferencing and telephone conferences at convenient times, all days of the week.

Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys handle farming accident cases for injured clients and their families from all across the country. If the accident happened in Indiana, Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys know the law. We handle state and federal lawsuits and are proficient at holding those responsible accountable for their negligence.

Since fall is when the harvest takes place, more accidents occur during this time of year. Most farm operations own and run their own semi trucks for hauling grain. Thus, more big trucks are driving throughout the countryside on state and country roads increasing possibilities that trucking accidents can occur. Grain trucks, filled full of heavy grain, are harder to stop. They can also enter the road at unmarked points during the day or night. Many do not have the proper, legally mandated, reflectors and lights. Some of these farm vehicles are even left on the side of the road without the proper materials to make them visible to other traffic on the road. Big farm machinery can also hit or run over workers in the field—especially those attempting to load produce.

Machinery accidents only allot for a portion of farming accidents. Here are some of the other accidents the attorneys of Goodin Abernathy LLP have handled:

  • a dairy farm hand who slipped in cold, frozen mud and fell into a manure pit where he died from toxic fume exposure;
  • a young teen who was working as a temporary farm hand and put his hand in an auger to dislodge material when the machine started running again and mangled his hand;
  • silo accidents where young or untrained farm hands get sucked into huge amounts of grain.

Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys also realize that many of Indiana’s agricultural workers come from out of state or even out of the country. In fact, 73% of America’s farming labor force is comprised of migrant workers.

If you are injured in Indiana, Goodin Abernathy LLP is the firm to represent you. When Goodin Abernathy LLP attorneys take a farming accident case, we grab it hands-on and work to collect the details that accurately describe how and why the accident happened. Our experience handling medical testimony, using top quality experts and showing a jury the anatomy of an injury is just as important as our experience investigating accidents. We have the skills necessary to represent you, and the attorneys of Goodin Abernathy LLP CARE ABOUT OUR CLIENTS.

Goodin Abernathy LLP also offers all of these services, in Spanish, to the Indiana Latino community. Marca aquí por un versíon en Español – Legalmente Hablando Indy.

Indiana law allows farms to cover cases under Indiana Worker’s Compensation law or face a potential negligence claim. Worker’s compensation should provide you with medical, rehabilitation and income benefits if you are injured on the job. These benefits are provided to help injured workers return to work. It also provides benefits to the worker’s dependents if they die as the result of a job-related injury. The attorneys are Goodin Abernathy LLC understand the legal intricacies of farming accidents claims. We care about you and your families and are ready to help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation allowable by law.

Let Goodin Abernathy LLP guide you through your legal claim. We walk beside you through the entire process handling your case with the care and attention you deserve. We want to get to know you, discuss the legal process, provide you the opportunity to ask questions and explain our fee structure. Reach out to Goodin Abernathy LLP and let us show you how we set ourselves apart from other attorneys. Experience the care, wisdom, and experience Goodin Abernathy LLP has to offer by calling 317.843.2606 today for your free consultation.

 

 

Photo by Spencer Pugh on Unsplash