Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

Indiana State Police believe they might have found the cause of a Semi Truck Accident that killed two girls last week in Ripley County. Ripley County is about 90 minutes southeast of Indianapolis. Indiana State Troopers say the driver was likely not paying attention. No word if the semi driver suffered any Work Comp injuries.

As reported by www.WKRC.com in the article, "Driver Inattention May Have Led to Deadly Ripley County Crash," Kristopher Brown from Versailles was driving a pickup truck on United States 421 with two young girls, age 6 and 7, in the backseat. Their mother was also in the vehicle. They were stopped and waiting to turn onto County Road 4505. Indiana State Police say that's when a semi truck crashed into their pickup truck from behind. Both young girls died instantly. Brown and the girls' mother were injured and at last check, were listed in critical condition.

Unfortunately, inattentive drivers are responsible for many Auto Crashes every year in the United States including in Indiana. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 2009, inattention accounted for 9.3% of deadly vehicle accidents. That number is more promising in Indiana. That same study found that inattentive drivers in the Hoosier state were involved in 1.7% of deadly vehicle collisions in Indiana.

Continue reading " DEADLY SEMI TRUCK CRASH IN INDIANA LIKELY CAUSED BY TRUCK DRIVER NOT PAYING ATTENTION " »

Lawrence police are looking for the driver of a pick up truck after a Truck Crashed into a Marion County church, Lawrence United Methodist Church, Monday morning. Lawrence is about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Indianapolis.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Truck Crashes into Lawrence Church Sanctuary," the pastor at Lawrence United Methodist Church says a white pick up truck crashed into the side of the church and ended up in the sanctuary. Fortunately, no one was hurt and some of the items in the sanctuary were not damaged. Indiana investigators say the pick up truck's driver ran away after the Vehicle Accident.

Light trucks are involved in millions of vehicle crashes that cause property damage only. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 1994-2009, light trucks were involved in more than two million property damage only causing accidents each year. And in 2007, light trucks were involved in more than three million property damage only causing vehicle collisions.

Continue reading " TRUCK CRASHES INTO CHURCH IN LAWRENCE, INDIANA " »

A Southern Indiana chase between Indiana State Police and a stolen ambulance in New Albany ends in a Vehicle Crash and an arrest. 43-year old Larry Loughman from Jeffersonville is charged with felony auto theft in Clark, Floyd, Scott and Jackson counties and is being detained at the Floyd County Jail in New Albany which is about two hours south of Indianapolis.

As reported by www.WTHR.com in the article, "Man Steals Ambulance, Leads Police on I-65 Pursuit," the suspect apparently stole an Orange County ambulance that was parked outside a New Albany restaurant Saturday night while the emergency responders ate. Indiana State Police say Loughman then led troopers on a chase up United States Interstate 65 before he crashed into a police squad car near Seymour, Indiana. No word if the police officers in the patrol car involved in the auto accident suffered any Work Comp injuries.

Work Comp injuries can happen when one is in one's vehicle and is involved in an auto accident if the injury happens when the person is on the job. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, in 2005, 5.2% of the work related injuries that necessitated the employee to miss work were caused by transportation accidents.

Continue reading " INDIANA STATE POLICE PATROL CAR INVOLVED IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH STOLEN AMBULANCE IN NEW ALBANY " »

Four Indiana high school students from Angola are dead after a Multi Vehicle Accident in Alabama. Angola is in Steuben County in the northeast corner of Indiana, about 3 hours from Indianapolis. Indiana State Police say all four male victims were 18-years old and on their way home from Spring Break.

As reported by www.Wishtv.com, in the article, "Angola Teens Killed in Alabama Crash," three cars were involved in the auto collision, and a total of five people were killed. The vehicle accident happened Saturday afternoon on United States Interstate 65. Apparently, a car drove into oncoming traffic and collided head on with the car carrying the four Indiana high school students. Investigators say a third car was also struck as a result of the initial vehicle crash.

Indiana State Police say the Indiana victims are Alexx Bauer, Matthew Roe, Evan Weaver and Matthew Riley Zimmer.

This tragic auto collision brings to mind the frightening statistics involving teens and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two out of three teens who die in vehicle accidents are males. And, people between the age of 15 and 20 constitute 6.7% of all drivers in America but are involved in 14% of all deadly auto accidents.

Continue reading " INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DIE IN MULTI VEHICLE CRASH IN ALABAMA " »

A Medical Malpractice lawsuit in Lake County, Indiana ended with the jury awarding the victim's family $13 million. The jury reached their decision on the sixth day of the Northern Indiana trial. The case stemmed from a 50-year old woman from Valparaiso who died of cancer. Her family contended her doctor failed to diagnose her cancer.

As reported by www.wthr.com in the article, "Lake County Jury Award Cancer Patient's Family 13M," the doctor, Mark Weinberger, fled to Europe shortly after he performed surgery on the victim, Phyllis Barnes. Authorities eventually found him about five years later in 2009. Barnes's family claimed Weinberger should have diagnosed her cancer and thus, was guilty of Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence for failing to do so while treating her for a sinus problem. The jury found in favor of Barnes's family and awarded a total of $13 million in damages.

However, that verdict should be tempered by Indiana's Medical Malpractice Act. The Indiana State Medical Association outlines Indiana's Compensation Act for Patients which details the maximum amount juries can award in Medical Malpractice cases in Indiana. This law has been in place since 1975.

Continue reading " LAKE COUNTY JURY AWARDS MILLIONS TO INDIANA WOMAN'S FAMILY AFTER MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUIT " »

Indiana's Medical Malpractice reform law has been in place for more than three decades, but Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence are hot topics in many states right now including in New York.

As reported by the New York Daily News in "Lawyer Pol John DeFrancisco Urges Attorney Malpractice Fee Boost," New York State Senator John DeFrancisco is advocating a bill that would increase medical malpractice fees for lawyers of which he is one. New York's governor is on the opposite side of the issue, trying to cap medical malpractice awards.

Lawmakers at the Statehouse in Indianapolis long ago confronted these issues. The Indiana Compensation Act for Patients (INCAP) was implemented back in 1975. As detailed by the Indiana State Medical Association, INCAP does limit medical malpractice and medical negligence awards and caps attorney fees at 15% of the Patient's Compensation Fund award. The Patient's Compensation Fund is a key element of Indiana's medical malpractice reform which participating doctors pay into.

Continue reading " MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM HOT BUTTON TOPIC IN NEW YORK AS INDIANA'S MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW SITS TIGHT " »

Indiana State Senator Mike Delph is recovering after he was involved in a Car Accident last night in Carmel which is a city in Hamilton County north of Indianapolis. Delph said he was on his way to his Carmel home when the car crash happened on Spring Mill Road.

As reported by the Indy Star in the article, "Car Crash Leaves Senator Mike Delph Woozy, Tweeting," the Indiana State Senator was taken to a local Indiana hospital and released. Delph said he suffered some minor injuries like bruises. Carmel police did not comment on the vehicle collision. Apparently, Delph's car was hit on the driver's side door by another passenger car going in the opposite direction. That automobile was driven by a 19-year old who allegedly moved quickly to avoid a car that was turning in front of it. No word if that 19-year old driver suffered any Work Comp related injuries. Delph said he will go to work at the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis today despite his injuries and damaged car.

Many auto accidents do happen when drivers are close to home. In fact, a recent survey by the insurance industry of 11,000 drivers involved in vehicle crashes in 2001 found that 52% of them were in auto accidents that occurred within 5 miles of their home and 69% were in vehicle crashes within 10 miles of their home.

Continue reading " INDIANA STATE SENATOR HURT IN CAR CRASH IN CARMEL " »

Indiana lawmakers are not currently debating Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence reform, but lawmakers in several other states including Montana are looking into the issue.

As reported by www.KRTV.com in the article, "MT Legislature Takes up Medical Malpractice Issue," a hotly contested bill requires patients to present clear and convincing proof that medical malpractice happened. In addition, the legislation also states that if doctors record their reason for not ordering a test, then they are protected from civil lawsuits.

Indiana's Medical Malpractice Act has been in place for more than three decades. The Indiana State Medical Association details its components and how it affects both doctors and patients. For example, the Medical Malpractice Act stipulates that patients must file a medical malpractice or medical negligence claim within two years from when the suspected malpractice or negligence happened.

Continue reading " MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REFORM IS CALM IN INDIANA BUT NOT ELSEWHERE " »

An 18-year old Indiana bicyclist was involved in a Semi Truck Crash in Hendricks County which is about 30 minutes southwest of Indianapolis. The accident happened at about 5 o'clock Wednesday morning on Indiana State Road 67. The bicyclist, Brian Cook, is from Camby and attends Mooresville High School. Indiana medics took him to Indianapolis's Wishard Hospital with multiple injuries. No word if the truck driver suffered any Work Comp related injuries.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "High School Student Injured in Bike vs. Semi Crash," Indiana State Police say the high school senior did not stop for the oncoming tractor trailer at an intersection and thus, was hit by the semi truck. Indiana State Police officials also say the cyclist did not have any reflectors or lights on his bike. They believe Cook did not see or hear the truck possibly because he was listening to music and has a previous injury to one of his eyes.

While cycling is known to have health benefits, unfortunately, there are risks. As described by www.bicycleuniverse.info, bicyclists can be involved in many different accidents that lead to injuries. And, not surprisingly, accidents with moving motor vehicles including semi trucks is one of the biggest categories making up 11% of bicycle crashes.

Continue reading " SEMI TRUCK HITS INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ON BIKE IN HENDRICKS COUNTY " »

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are looking into an unusual Car Accident that happened in Marion County. Indiana investigators say a car crashed into a home early Tuesday. The 23-year old driver was taken to an Indianapolis hospital in critical condition. No word if those injuries are Work Comp related.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Car Crashes into Home as Man Sleeps on Couch," the car drove off the road, hit Donald Sumpter's mailbox and then crashed into his house. Sumpter was not hurt but did find the driver was severely injured. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are trying to determine what caused this vehicle accident.

Surprisingly, 23-year old drivers do appear to be involved in many vehicle crashes. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2008, licensed 23-year old drivers were involved in 3,535 auto accidents. That's the most for any age group between 16 and 24 years old.

Continue reading " CAR CRASHES INTO INDIANAPOLIS HOME SEVERELY INJURING INDIANA DRIVER " »

A Noblesville man is dead after an Auto Accident in Hamilton County which is north of Indianapolis. Noblesville police officers say the victim is 50-year old Robert Milligan. The car crash happened on East 191st Street in Noblesville early Tuesday morning.

As reported by www.WTHR.com in the article, "Police Investigate Deadly Wreck in Noblesville," Milligan apparently struck a tree after his car went off the road. Indiana investigators are looking into this auto collision and say speed might be to blame.

Noblesville authorities put the time of the car crash at about 12:10am on Tuesday. That actually appears to be one of the least likely times on a Tuesday to be involved in a deadly auto accident. As compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, there were 270 deadly vehicle crashes in the country on Tuesdays between Midnight and 2:59am. Only 3am-5:59am saw fewer deadly vehicle collisions.

Continue reading " NOBLESVILLE MAN DIES AFTER CAR CRASH IN INDIANA'S HAMILTON COUNTY " »

Nursing Home Abuse and Nursing Home Negligence are complex problems in both Indiana and throughout the country. Fortunately, state agencies are taking note and working to curtail these devastating problems. Indiana established the Adult Protective Services Program or APS to look into cases of possible elder abuse. In fact, Indiana is the only state in the United States where this program falls under the criminal justice system. APS investigators work in connection with county prosecutors like those in Marion County, Johnson County and Hamilton County.

If you think you or someone you love is suffering an injury from nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect, it's important to take the proper steps to protect yourself or your loved one. Knowing some key definitions can help. According to the website, www.in.gov, physical abuse is any touching of a person in a rude way. Verbal abuse can also land the perpetrator in legal trouble. Neglect is defined as withholding necessary care on purpose. Protecting elders from exploitation also falls under the APS Program. Exploitation is deemed as the improper use of someone's property or services to make money for oneself.

Continue reading " INDIANA STANDS ABOVE OTHERS IN PREVENTING NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NURSING HOME NEGLECT " »

An Indiana man is dead after an Auto Collision with a Semi Truck in Georgia. 30-year old Brent Burns was from Greenwood and was apparently traveling to Florida with his family at the time of the vehicle accident. The crash happened Friday night in Macon, Georgia on Interstate I-475 South. No word if the truck driver suffered any Work Comp related injuries.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Greenwood Family Involved in Fatal Crash on a Georgia Interstate," Burns was traveling with his wife and their two young children when a semi truck jack-knifed and the car carrying the Johnson County, Indiana family became trapped underneath the truck's trailer. Investigators say Burns was killed instantly. His wife is listed in stable condition, and their little children have been released from the hospital.

Unfortunately, large trucks and passenger cars are involved in hundreds of deadly accidents a year throughout the country including in Indiana. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, large trucks were involved in more than 900 deadly crashes with passenger cars.

Continue reading " GREENWOOD, INDIANA MAN KILLED IN DEADLY VEHICLE CRASH WITH SEMI TRUCK " »

Indianapolis police are looking to a Multi Vehicle Crash on Indianapolis's northeast side that left several Indiana people with injuries. Medics took one victim to an Indianapolis hospital in critical condition. This auto accident happened early Thursday morning at the 52nd Street and Allisonville Road intersection in Marion County. It appears at least two SUV's were involved in this vehicle collision. No word if any of the victims suffered work comp related injuries.

As reported by www.wishtv.com in the article, "Serious Crash Closes 52nd Street at Allisonville Road," a total of three people were taken to local Indiana hospitals with injuries. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's spokesperson says one of the SUV drivers admitted to drinking alcohol earlier this morning. Indiana investigators say that driver was going north on Allisonville Road when he crossed into oncoming traffic and hit another SUV that was going south.

Drinking and driving is well-known as a potentially deadly combination. As reported by www.alcoholalert.com, in Indiana in 2008, there were 250 drinking and driving fatalities that were alcohol related.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS VEHICLE CRASH LEAVES SEVERAL INDIANA PEOPLE WITH INJURIES " »

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is looking into Wednesday's apparent Work Comp related death of a Hendricks County man at Royal Food Products on Indianapolis's Near Eastside. 50-year old Alan Beaty was a 30-year employee at the plant who died when the forklift he was driving plunged almost 15 feet through the floor and landed in the basement.

As described in the Indy Star article, "Officials to Investigate Forklift Operator's Death," Beaty's forklift weighed about 8,000 pounds as the employee was transporting vegetable oil. The Indianapolis Fire Department's spokesperson says large debris fell on top of the victim after he fell through the floor. The Marion County coroner's office is investigating to pinpoint the exact cause of this on the job death.

The Indianapolis plant is closed while repairs are made to the roughly 30-foot hole the deadly crash created. Meanwhile, the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration will look into the fatal accident. Royal Food Products' president told Indiana investigators Beaty was operating the forklift in an area that clearly showed it could not handle heavy machinery because the floor was not reinforced to hold a large amount of weight.

This apparent Work Comp related death leaves Beaty's children without a father. The longtime employee leaves behind two sons and a daughter, all in their 20's.

Unfortunately, operating a forklift is dangerous and at times, can be deadly. According to www.toolboxtopics.com, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates forklifts cause about 85 deadly accidents a year. OSHA also found forklifts are involved in about 35,000 accidents a year that cause a serious injury.

Continue reading " INDIANA OFFICIALS INVESTIGATING ON THE JOB DEATH OF HENDRICKS COUNTY MAN " »

A former northwest Indiana surgeon is on trial in Hammond for Medical Malpractice. Hammond is in Lake County which is about 2 1/2 hours from Indianapolis. Mark Weinberger is accused of Medical Negligence. The family of Phyllis Barnes claims the surgeon failed to diagnose her lung cancer. She later died from the disease at the age of 50 in 2004.

As reported in the Indystar in the article, "Indiana Surgeon on Trial in Cancer Patient's Death," Weinberger fled to Italy years ago and was finally caught in December of 2009 after 5 1/2 years on the run. His lawyers claim subsequent doctors who treated Barnes didn't find cancer either. This Medical Malpractice case is not the end of Weinberger's legal problems. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month on almost two dozen counts of health care fraud for charging patients' health insurance companies for surgeries he never did.

Continue reading " INDIANA SURGEON ON TRIAL IN HAMMOND FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE " »

A 50-year old Indiana worker is dead after an apparent Work Comp related accident at Royal Food Products on Indianapolis's southeast side. Indianapolis Fire Department officials say the longtime employee was operating a forklift that fell almost 15 feet through a concrete floor and landed in the basement.

As reported by www.theindychannel.com in "Worker Killed in Business Floor Collapse," fellow employees told Indianapolis investigators that the victim was transporting mayonnaise and vegetable oil from a warehouse and appeared to have ended up in an area where the floor was not able to hold the forklift's weight. The building is old and has sections that are marked as capable of handling heavy machinery. The employee was apparently not in that area.

Indiana investigators are looking into this on the job fatal accident. Indianapolis rescue crews are expected to need several hours to reach the worker's body which is underneath rubble.

Work Comp injuries refer to injuries an employee suffers while in the course and scope of their employment. Those injuries run the gamut from a minor hurt to, unfortunately, death. And dozens of Indiana workers die each year while on the job. According to the Indiana Department of Labor's preliminary data, in 2009, 123 workers were killed while on the job. While even one death is one too many, it is important to note that number is the lowest on record for Indiana.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS WORKER KILLED ON THE JOB AFTER FORKLIFT ACCIDENT ON INDIANAPOLIS'S SOUTHEAST SIDE " »

Resolving to put a loved one in a nursing home in Indiana can be a difficult and emotional decision. An even more devastating situation can come later -- realizing that your loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse or Nursing Home Negligence.

According to HelpGuide.com, more than 500,000 reports of Nursing Home Abuse and Nursing Home Negligence reach the appropriate channels and even more go unreported. Nursing home abuse can happen in any state including Indiana and in every city including Indianapolis. There are several different forms of abuse so it's important to know what to look out for so you can protect the elders you hold dearly. Here are the six most common forms:

1. Physical Abuse
2. Emotional Abuse
3. Sexual Abuse
4. Abandonment by Caregivers
5. Heathcare Fraud
6. Financial Exploitation

Continue reading " SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NURING HOME NEGLIGENCE IN INDIANA " »

Indiana is taking action in the Death of a University of Notre Dame student. The Indiana Department of Labor's Commissioner said the South Bend school did not have safe working conditions when 20-year old Declan Sullivan died while filming football practice back in October. Unsafe working conditions can lead to Work Comp injuries and even death.

Thus, the state of Indiana is fining Notre Dame $77,500 for several violations. As reported by www.wthr.com in the article, "Report: University of Notre Dame at Fault in Fatal Lift Accident, " those errors include not properly training Sullivan who was a junior film student from Illinois and not inspecting the hydraulic lift on a regular basis. Sullivan was killed after the lift he was on fell in very windy conditions.

It is not clear if Sullivan's family is seeking a lawsuit against Notre Dame. But Indiana's ruling that Notre Dame was at fault could have big implications if there is a lawsuit.

Experienced Indiana Work Comp Lawyers are well-versed in work comp situations. And unfortunately, some of those Workers' Compensation situations involve a death. According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, every day 15 American workers die while on the job.

Continue reading " UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME FINED FOR UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS LEADING TO ILLINOIS STUDENT DEATH " »

New York lawmakers are debating Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence caps. Indiana was the first state to implement them. And that happened more than three decades ago... back in 1975. Many states have followed Indiana's lead since then.

As reported by www.NY1.com in "Emotions Run Strong as State Considers Medical Malpractice Cap," a New York state commission is suggesting a fund for neurologically-impaired babies as well as a cap on jury awards for pain and suffering. This is being hotly debated.

In Indiana, the Medical Malpractice reform law is known as the Indiana Compensation Act for Patients or INCAP. As detailed by the Indiana State Medical Association, this medical malpractice and medical negligence reform does cap jury awards but also limits attorney's fees while not limiting attorney expenses.

Continue reading " ANOTHER STATE MAY FOLLOW INDIANA'S LEAD AND IMPLEMENT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CAPS " »

Indiana skateboarders receive a warning after a Pickup Truck Crashes into a Sulphur Springs teen and kills him. 17-year old Riley Henry was skateboarding Friday night in Middletown when he was struck by the truck. Middletown is about an hour northeast of Indianapolis. No word if the truck driver suffered any work comp injuries.

According to www.theindychannel.com article, "Police Identify Teen Killed on Skateboard," Henry County's sheriff says the victim was going in the direction of traffic when the truck crashed into him. He went on to warn skateboarders of the dangers that come with skateboarding on roads.

Skateboarding is an increasingly popular activity, but it does carry a risk of injury or death especially when coupled with vehicles. As reported by www.concretedisciples.com, in 2006, 27 skateboarders were struck and killed by vehicles.

Continue reading " INDIANA TEEN KILLED AFTER HIT BY PICKUP TRUCK IN HENRY COUNTY " »

A former Terre Haute police officer was the center of a Medical Malpractice case that resulted in a $2.5 million dollar judgment. The Vigo County jury made that decision last week after six hours of deliberation. Jeffrey Davis claims his doctor didn't diagnose his colon cancer in 2004 and was thus, guilty of medical malpractice in Indiana.

As reported by www.Tribstar.com in the article, "Vigo Jury Awards $2.5M in Medical Malpractice Case," Davis sued Dr. John Morse from Terre Haute claiming the doctor should have performed certain tests to diagnose his cancer but failed to do so. Davis said when he was 35 years old, he went to the doctor complaining of rectal bleeding, nausea, vomiting after eating, and diarrhea. Dr. Morse did not perform a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy which Davis claimed would have identified his cancer. Instead, Morse ordered an upper G.I. test. That resulted in explaining some of Davis's problems but not the rectal bleeding. Two years later, Davis went to another doctor in Arizona who ordered the necessary tests and discovered the former Indiana resident had stage 4 incurable colon cancer. At the age of 42, he was given one year to live.

The Vigo County jury awarded the former Terre Haute police officer a $2.5 million dollar verdict. However, because Indiana has a $1.25 million cap on medical malpractice, the judgment will be cut to that maximum of $1.25 million.

Indiana is a leader in the field of Medical Malpractice and Medical Negligence. In fact, as noted by the Indiana State Medical Association, in 1975, Indiana became the first state to instill Medical Malpractice reform. The law contains several aspects that have kept it in place for decades including a medical review panel and a Patient's Compensation Fund.

Continue reading " FORMER INDIANA POLICE OFFICER WINS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR JUDGMENT IN VIGO COUNTY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE " »

A 20-year old Indiana man will spend decades behind bars after killing a woman who was working at an Indianapolis Village Pantry. 20-year old Bruch Aldrich pleaded guilty for his part in the 2009 fatal robbery which resulted in the murder of a 62-year old employee.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Accused Gunman Pleads Guilty to 2009 Village Pantry Murder," the Village Pantry employee was on the job when the robbery and shooting happened. The store is located on Indianapolis's south side in Marion County. Under the terms of the plea deal, Aldrich will receive a 65 year sentence.

You might not think a murder is a work comp injury, but in fact, it can be and is seemingly one of the most tragic. The terms "Work comp" or "Workers' Compensation" deal with an injury that occurs when a person is in the course and scope of their employment. And unfortunately, a murder can be an injury, albeit the most extreme, that happens when a person is on the job. As reported by the Indiana Department of Labor, 17 Indiana workers were killed by a gunshot while on the job in 2009. That number does include 7 self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Continue reading " INDIANA MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN MURDER OF INDIANAPOLIS STORE EMPLOYEE " »

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers are investigating a shooting that resulted in a Work Comp injury in Indianapolis. A music store worker was shot in the leg while on the job during a robbery attempt at Indianapolis's Naptown Music on Monday.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "Music Store Employee Shot During Robbery," two men tried to rob the Indianapolis store. Indiana investigators say after the suspects demanded money, the employee wrestled with one of them. That's when shots were fired and one bullet apparently hit the worker in his thigh. Indianapolis medics took the employee to the hospital for treatment for his personal injury. Indianapolis police are now looking for a vehicle possibly tied to the robbers.

Fortunately, the worker did not suffer a life-threatening work comp injury, but he is not alone among Indiana employees. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, more than 400 Indiana workers were victims of an assault or violent act in the workplace since 1992. And in 2009, research found that one in every 6 workplace death in Indiana was connected to assaults and violent acts.

Continue reading " INDIANA MUSIC STORE WORKER SHOT WHILE ON THE JOB IN INDIANAPOLIS " »

An Indiana woman is dead following a Car Accident in Florida this past Sunday. 19-year old Tessa Byers was from Carmel in Indiana's Hamilton County and was a student at the University of Tampa.

According to the www.theindychannel.com article, "Teen from Carmel Killed in Crash," Byers was a passenger in a car that went off the road on United States Interstate 75 near Tampa. The car apparently rolled a few times and she was thrown from the auto. Another 19-year old was driving the vehicle that was said to only be large enough to carry 3 people. Reports are that Byers was the fourth passenger and was laying across people's laps in the back seat of the vehicle. No word if any of the other passengers suffered any injuries.

While an auto accident resulting in a death is tragic, fortunately, they are not the common result from a vehicle accident. As found by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research, in 2007, fewer than one percent of motor vehicle accidents resulted in someone dying. Injuries are much more common. In 2007, almost 30 percent of those crashes resulted in someone getting hurt.

Continue reading " CARMEL, INDIANA YOUNG ADULT KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA " »

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are looking for the driver involved in a hit and run Vehicle Accident Friday night. According to Indianapolis police, a 13-year old Indiana girl was hurt after she was hit by a vehicle in Franklin Township in Southeast Indianapolis. That vehicle's driver apparently left the scene of the accident. At last check, the victim was listed in critical condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

As reported by the Indy Star in the article,"Hit-and-Run Leaves Teen Critically Injured," someone who says they saw the accident says the victim was with several teens who were running across the street in the way of cars and trucks coming in their direction.

This auto accident is said to have happened around 11:30pm on Friday. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that is the deadliest time on Fridays. An NHTSA report found that the most deadly crashes on Fridays happen between 9pm and 11:59pm.

Continue reading " INDIANA TEEN IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN INDIANAPOLIS " »

A tragic Auto Accident involving a Semi Truck on Indianapolis's westside leaves an Indiana teen dead. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers say 13-year old Justice Holifield died when the car she was riding in crashed into a semi trailer truck Friday afternoon. Two other young people, a 12-year old and another 13-year old, were hurt.

Holifield was a student at Indianapolis's Harshman Middle School. Her school band teacher was apparently driving the car. According to the Indy Star article, "Girl, 13, Dies in Crash of Teacher's Car," that car turned onto the United States Interstate 70 East on ramp when it was hit by the truck. No word which driver was at fault or if the truck driver, a 58-year old from Avon, suffered any work comp injuries.

Indiana investigators say the students and their teacher were going to a store to buy things for a school event. It's not clear if Indianapolis Public Schools have a policy on teachers driving students in their own cars or trucks.

Unfortunately, the statistics involving passenger cars colliding into trucks aren't good. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Indiana in 2009, 23 fatalities occurred in vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a large truck. It is interesting to note that more deaths occurred in accidents involving a passenger car and another passenger car. Twenty-five people died in those crashes. The study also found that passenger cars versus light trucks were the most deadly. Seventy-nine deaths happened in those accidents.

Continue reading " INDIANA TEEN KILLED IN VEHICLE CRASH WITH SEMI TRUCK ON INDIANAPOLIS'S WESTSIDE " »

Two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are recovering after they were hurt while chasing a suspect on Indianapolis's east side. Both officers were on the job so we are awaiting word on any possible work comp related injuries.

According to www.theindychannel.com's "Two Officers Injured in Chase," one of the injured Indianapolis police officers was hurt after a suspect's car struck him. The second Indianapolis police officer was injured after hitting a barbed-wire fence while running after the suspect.

Indiana investigators say this chase all started when officers received a report of someone trying to use a forged check and then that someone tried to get away in a car. Eventually, the fleeing suspect got into an SUV and crashed the vehicle into a parked car. He was arrested.

Police officers in Indiana and throughout the world can suffer numerous injuries while on the job and that are work comp related. An Australian study on Injury Statistics for Police Officers found that hand and fingers and back injuries are the most common.

Continue reading " INDIANAPOLIS POLICE OFFICER HURT AFTER BEING HIT BY CAR ON INDIANAPOLIS'S EAST SIDE " »

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect is a concern in Indiana and throughout the United States. Now, a new study is raising that fear. A recent government report found that 90-percent of nursing homes hired people with criminal convictions.

According to the article on CBS News entitled, "Over 90 Percent of Nursing Homes Hire Criminals," the federal study also found that almost half of the nursing homes employed five or more people with criminal backgrounds. Registered sex offenders were included in the various types of criminals researches found among workers at several nursing homes.

Unfortunately, ties could be made between employees with convictions and claims of nursing home injuries and neglect. There is some good news -- some states are starting to implement new programs to conduct background checks on nursing home employees.

Continue reading " NEW STUDY RAISES FEARS ABOUT NURSING HOME ABUSE IN INDIANA AND THROUGHOUT COUNTRY " »

Many drivers in Indiana and throughout the country are accessing the internet while driving their vehicles and causing vehicle crashes. In fact, a new study by insurance company State Farm found 19% of drivers surfed the web on a cell phone at least once a week while driving.

Cell phone use, including surfing the web, is part of "distracted driving." And distracted driving can lead to car accidents. Federal research found that in 2009, more than 5,000 people where killed and almost half a million people were hurt in distracted driving crashes. And as reported in USA Today's article, "19% Admit Web Use While Driving," cell phones were the distraction in almost 20% of those deaths. No word on how many of those victims were on the job which could bring up work comp issues.

Continue reading " DISTRACTED DRIVING CAUSES THOUSANDS OF VEHICLE CRASHES IN UNITED STATES INCLUDING INDIANA " »

An Indiana woman is in critical condition and an Indianapolis man and his infant son are dead after their car crashed into a truck head on in Shelby County Tuesday. Shelby County sheriffs say the gravel truck driver is not to blame for the vehicle accident. That driver was on the job; however, there is no word if any work comp issues are involved.

As reported in the article, "Father, One-Year-Old Son Die in Head On Crash with Gravel Truck," on www.Fox59.com, JD Dorris was driving his fiance's car with his one-year old son in the back. An eyewitness says Dorris drifted in front of a truck going the opposite direction on Indiana State Road 252. Indiana investigators say they aren't sure why the victim crossed the center line.

Dorris did have numerous outstanding warrants including driving while suspended with a prior. It is not clear if Dorris's license was suspended at the time of this deadly accident. But according to www.smartmotorist.com, A AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report found that drivers who do have invalid licenses are involved in one deadly traffic accident in five.

Continue reading " INDIANA MAN AND INFANT KILLED IN AUTO CRASH WITH TRUCK IN SHELBY COUNTY " »

Indiana State Police were on the scene of a seven Vehicle Accident Tuesday morning in northwestern Indiana. One person suffered a minor injury.

As reported in www.theindychannel.com article, "Drivers Ticketed After Chain-Reaction Crash," the auto accident occurred when the vehicles were going west on United States Interstate 80-94 near the United States Interstate 65 interchange. Indiana State Police say the crash began all because of a disabled vehicle. They say the initial three vehicles stopped when they got close to the disabled vehicle but the following four didn't stop and collided into each other, and eventually, a chain-reaction crash ensued. Police ticketed those four drivers for following too closely.

It sounds simple -- don't drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you which is known as "tailgating." You can avoid tailgating by using the three-second rule to maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. According to www.safemotorist.com, vehicle accidents on freeways and highways are mainly caused by tailgating.

Continue reading " SEVERAL CARS CRASH IN NORTHERN INDIANA LEADING TO INJURY " »

Lafayette police are looking for the driver responsible for a deadly hit and run vehicle crash Sunday night on the south side of the city. Indiana investigators say a dark SUV or pick up truck hit a 15-year old Lafayette teen and then fled the scene.

As reported by www.Fox59.com in the article, "15-Year Old Girl Killed in Hit and Run," the teen was walking on Indiana State Road 25 when she was struck. Police say her name was Ebony Knight.

Unfortunately, pedestrians are often victims of vehicle crashes. According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, 12% of the nation’s traffic fatalities in 2009 were pedestrians. And the report found that in 2009, 50 people were killed in Indiana in vehicle accidents.

Continue reading " LAFAYETTE TEEN KILLED IN AUTO CRASH IN INDIANA " »