Indianapolis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Handling Serious Injury Claims Since 1993 in Indiana

Some individuals are more fortunate after accidents and are able to walk away with scratches, bruises, and the occasional bout of whiplash. Others, however, are unable to live their lives the way they did before. Christie Bell & Marshall is a catastrophic injury law firm committed to helping the seriously injured by collecting evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and filing injury claims so our clients can get the maximum amount of compensation they need.

If your injuries are so severe that they affect your quality of life or prevent you from gainful employment, you’re looking at a lot more damages than just the cost of over-the-counter medication. Our personal injury lawyers have served clients in Indianapolis and throughout the state since 1993. If you are searching for a catastrophic injury lawyer near you who is available to meet directly to discuss your future, our team is ready to listen.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

Types of Catastrophic Injuries for Which You Might Have a Claim

After decades of experience serving injured people, we have seen how the effects of catastrophic injuries reach far beyond immediate physical damage, profoundly impacting the emotional and fiscal stability of victims and their families.

A catastrophic injury is defined as a bodily injury that impairs an individual’s ability to live independently and significantly affects their quality of life. As a catastrophic accident attorney, we frequently represent clients treated at major local trauma centers like IU Health Methodist Hospital, Eskenazi Health, and Riley Hospital for Children. Common claims include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Permanent cognitive shifts caused by blunt force.
• Spinal cord injuries: Resulting in partial or total paralysis.
• Severe burns: Often requiring treatment at the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center.
• Amputations: Loss of limbs requiring prosthetics.
• Multiple fractures: Complex breaks requiring orthopedic surgery.
• Loss of vision or hearing: Sensory damage from explosions or impact.
• Severe nerve damage: Including brachial plexus injuries.
• Organ damage: Internal bleeding or rupture requiring surgery.
• Birth injuries: Such as Erb’s Palsy or injuries caused by caregiver negligence.

In Indiana, the legal system recognizes the severity of these conditions. Consequently, courts in Marion County may award higher damages to compensate for the lifelong impact. An Indiana catastrophic injury attorney from our firm can help you navigate these complex medical and legal waters.

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The Role of a Professional Catastrophic Injuries Advocate

Navigating a severe injury claim requires more than just filing paperwork; it requires a multi-faceted approach. At Christie Bell & Marshall, we view our role through three distinct lenses to ensure total representation:

1. The Skilled Catastrophic Injuries Solicitor

In the legal world, detailed preparation is key. As a skilled catastrophic injuries solicitor, we meticulously manage the administrative and investigative aspects of your claim. We gather police reports, secure witness statements, and ensure every procedural deadline is met under Indiana law.

2. The Expert Catastrophic Injuries Advocate

When negotiations stall, you need a voice in the courtroom. Acting as an expert catastrophic injuries advocate, we present your story to a jury with compassion and authority, ensuring the full weight of your suffering is understood by the court.

3. The Professional Catastrophic Injuries Attorney

We provide strategic counsel on settlement offers. A professional catastrophic injuries attorney knows when an insurance offer is too low and when to push for more to cover future medical needs.

Our Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Partner

Click to contact us today

Types of Incidents That Might Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from many types of incidents, each carrying the potential to alter lives in an instant. As your catastrophic accident lawyer, we investigate:

• Vehicle collisions: High-speed crashes on I-65, I-70, I-465, and US 31 involving cars, semi-trucks, and motorcycles.
• Medical malpractice: Surgical errors and misdiagnoses at hospitals and clinics.
• Slip and fall accidents: Hazardous conditions in commercial properties or construction sites.
• Workplace Accidents: Heavy machinery incidents in Indiana’s manufacturing sectors.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, you need a lawyer for catastrophic injury claims who understands how to reconstruct the accident and prove liability.

What Compensation Can You Get in a Catastrophic Injury Case?

In these types of injury cases, the compensation reflects the profound impact of the injury on every facet of the victim’s life. An expert catastrophic injuries lawyer will assess:

Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation at facilities like the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: We calculate not just lost current wages, but the “future value” of your career had the accident not occurred. An experienced catastrophic injuries lawyer understands how to work with economists to project these figures accurately over a lifetime.

Pain and Suffering & Loss of Quality of Life: This quantifies the physical pain, emotional anguish, and the inability to enjoy hobbies or family time.

Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, Indiana catastrophic injury attorneys may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. Indiana law caps these at the greater of $50,000 or three times the compensatory damages.

Why You Need Medical Attention Immediately

Some catastrophic injuries, like internal bleeding or spinal hairline fractures, are not immediately obvious. Delaying treatment can be dangerous to your health and fatal to your legal case.

Seeking immediate medical attention provides the documentation our catastrophic injuries lawyers in Indianapolis need to build your case. By securing your medical records, we can calculate the extent of your damages and prove that the injury was a direct result of the accident. It is vital to have a skilled catastrophic injuries attorney review this evidence early to preserve your rights.

How Can Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Help You Recover?

At Christie Bell & Marshall, our catastrophic personal injury lawyer team stands as a pillar of support. We are dedicated to navigating the complexities of your case by providing:

• Comprehensive case evaluation: We assess the full extent of your injuries.
• Expert collaboration: We work with medical professionals and accident reconstructionists.
• Aggressive advocacy: We negotiate tirelessly with insurance companies.
• Trial readiness: We are prepared to take your case to verdict if a fair settlement is refused.

With decades of serving injured people, our attorneys strive to secure the amount you need to cover treatments and expenses. Whether you need a professional catastrophic injuries solicitor for mediation or an expert catastrophic injuries attorney for trial, we have the resources you need.

File Your Claim Within Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

Time is critical after a severe accident. In Indiana, you typically have just two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). Failing to file within this period may result in a total loss of your right to compensation.

Contact a catastrophic injury attorney near you immediately to ensure your claim is filed with precision.

Indianapolis Catastrophic Injury FAQs

How is a “catastrophic” injury different from a standard personal injury claim in Indiana?

In the legal landscape of Indiana, the distinction often lies in the permanence and severity of the damage. A standard personal injury might involve broken bones that heal within a few months. In contrast, a catastrophic injury typically results in permanent disability, long-term medical care, or a significantly shortened life expectancy.

As a catastrophic personal injury lawyer, we look for injuries that prevent a victim from performing gainful work or living independently. Examples include spinal cord paralysis, traumatic brain injuries requiring lifelong cognitive therapy, or severe burns covering a large percentage of the body. These cases require a catastrophic injuries attorney who understands how to calculate damages not just for today, but for decades into the future.

Who can be held liable for my catastrophic injury?

Determining liability is complex because catastrophic accidents often involve multiple parties. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident on I-465, liability might extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a local municipality responsible for road maintenance.

An expert catastrophic injuries advocate from our firm will investigate all potential sources of insurance and liability. In cases of workplace accidents, third-party claims might be filed against equipment manufacturers. Our role as your Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyer is to identify every party whose negligence contributed to your life-altering condition to ensure there is enough insurance coverage to meet your needs.

What is the “Comparative Fault” rule in Indiana, and does it affect my claim?

Indiana operates under a “modified comparative fault” system (51% rule). This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For instance, if a jury awards you $1,000,000 but finds you were 20% at fault, you would receive $800,000. Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame to the victim to reduce this payout. A skilled catastrophic injuries attorney is essential to fight these allegations and minimize your assigned fault, maximizing the compensation you take home.

How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic personal injury attorney near me?

At Christie Bell & Marshall, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Our fees come out of the recovery package, not your pocket.

This structure allows you to hire a professional catastrophic injuries solicitor or attorney without financial risk. We advance the costs for court filings, expert witnesses, and accident reconstruction, which are reimbursed only upon a successful resolution.

How long will my catastrophic injury lawsuit take to settle?

Unlike minor fender-benders, catastrophic injury cases in Indianapolis often take longer to resolve – typically 18 months to several years. This is because we must wait for you to reach “Maximum Medical Improvement” (MMI).

An experienced catastrophic injuries lawyer will advise against settling before MMI because we need to know the full extent of your permanent limitations. Settling too early could leave you without funds for future surgeries or home care. We prioritize getting the right amount over a fast amount, though we push the process as efficiently as possible.

What is a “Life Care Plan” and why do I need one?

A Life Care Plan is a dynamic document created by medical and economic experts that outlines the current and future needs of a patient with catastrophic injuries. It details the costs of wheelchairs, home modifications (like ramps or accessible showers), medications, therapy, and in-home nursing care for the remainder of the victim’s life.

We utilize these plans to prove the financial reality of your injury to a jury. As your catastrophic accident lawyer, we rely on this data to ensure the settlement isn’t just a guess, but a mathematically calculated figure that secures your financial safety.

Is there a deadline to file a catastrophic injury claim in Indiana?

Yes. Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this window, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will be barred from recovering compensation.

There are exceptions, such as cases involving minors or claims against government entities (which often have shorter notice requirements, sometimes as short as 180 days). It is vital to contact an Indiana catastrophic injury attorney immediately to preserve your rights and ensure evidence is not lost.