BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 840,000 bicycle accidents each year in the United States. Of those, about half result in injuries to the bicyclist. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your rights as a bicyclist and what you need to do to protect those rights. Below are some key points to know for anyone that rides a bicycle or has been involved in a bicycle accident in northwest Indiana.

Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists

As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as motorists. That means you must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs, traffic signals, and yield signs. You should also ride with traffic, not against it. In Indiana, bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rules of the road as cars and trucks. Always make sure to signal your intent to other drivers on the road. Not only is this lawful, but it increases safety when other drivers know what to expect from your actions.

Do bikes have the right-of-way in Indiana?

Bicyclists do not have automatic right-of-way when they encounter motor vehicles. However, state law does require motorists to exercise due care when operating their vehicles around bicycles. That means drivers must use caution and avoid reckless or dangerous behavior that could result in an accident.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident With a Motor Vehicle

If you are involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained. Once you have been seen by a medical professional, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How should I document my bicycle accident?

It is also important to document the accident as much as possible. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your bicycle or injuries you may have sustained. Keep all medical records and bills related to your injuries. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.

Understand Your Rights Before Talking to an Insurance Company

Finally, before talking to an insurance company, whether it is your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you should speak with an attorney. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and often try to lowball victims of accidents. An experienced attorney will level the playing field and make sure you are treated fairly by the insurance companies involved. 

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important that you understand your rights as a bicyclist and take steps to protect those rights. You should seek medical attention for any injuries sustained, document the accident as much as possible, and contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Reach out to the experienced attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today for a consultation.

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Misdemeanor charges need to be taken seriously. Even though this criminal classification is less than a felony, that doesn’t mean defendants should underestimate the potential consequences. You may face expensive fines and even time in jail if you don’t adequately prepare for the process ahead. Don’t go in alone: hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is key to protecting your future. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock offers the guidance you need. We explore reasons for hiring an attorney to fight your misdemeanor charges. Visit our team at a consultation for advice regarding your case. 

Understanding Your Right to Self-Representation

The Sixth Amendment grants defendants the right to legal representation. The same clause says that defendants also have the right to self-representation, which must be approved by the judge. You will be read the rights that you are waiving by representing yourself. Failing to demonstrate your ability to self-represent means the court will ask you to seek the assistance of an attorney or public defender. 

Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re unable to prove that you can adequately self-represent and you are appointed a public defender, you won’t have a voice in this decision. Protect your best interests by hiring a criminal defense lawyer once you are charged with a misdemeanor. Hiring a lawyer lets you focus on building your defense rather than stressing over the processes involved in self-representation. 

It’s true a misdemeanor isn’t as severe as a felony, but that doesn’t mean its potential impacts are insignificant or easy to handle. In Indiana, misdemeanor charges are classified differently depending on the severity of the alleged crime. Each classification results in varying fines, prison time and probationary periods:  

• Class C Misdemeanor. Charges that fall in this classification are punishable by up to 60 days in prison and a fine of up to $500. 

• Class B Misdemeanor. A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 

• Class A Misdemeanor. As the most severe misdemeanor charge, a conviction could result in a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. 

Not only does a misdemeanor lead to expensive fees and jail time, but they leave a lasting impact on the defendant’s life. Having a criminal record can make it difficult to access employment or education, among many other long-term punishments. Hiring an attorney can mean all the difference in safeguarding your future. 

When you choose an experienced attorney to represent you in your criminal case, you are investing in a legal advocate who can ensure you fully understand the situation you’re facing. We help you learn about the criminal justice process and what to expect as we defend your rights. You will feel confident knowing we have the experience needed to build a solid defense in your favor. 

Contact Our Firm Today

Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock is prepared to handle your misdemeanor case. Don’t try to handle your criminal case alone: work alongside our legal team today.

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Facing an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) charge in Indiana is a serious legal matter with potentially life-altering consequences. Whether you’re a first-time offender or have prior charges, the impact of a conviction can include steep fines, license suspension, increased insurance costs, and even jail time. For those who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the stakes are even higher—your career may be at risk.

This guide will walk you through practical legal strategies for fighting an OWI in Indiana, including how to challenge the evidence, protect your CDL, and leverage experienced legal counsel to pursue the best possible outcome. If you’re asking how to fight a DUI in Indiana or wondering whether you can get a CDL with a DUI in Indiana, this comprehensive overview is designed to answer your questions.

Contact our Indiana OWI defense attorneys today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your case.

Challenging the Legality of the Arrest

The first step in developing a strong DUI or OWI defense in Indiana often involves examining the legality of the initial traffic stop and subsequent arrest. Law enforcement officers must adhere to specific constitutional and procedural requirements when pulling someone over, conducting sobriety tests, or placing them under arrest. If any of these procedures are improperly handled, the evidence obtained during the stop may be excluded from court.

For example, a police officer must have reasonable suspicion to initiate a traffic stop. Without it, the stop may be considered unlawful. Additionally, if the officer failed to read your Miranda Rights or coerced a statement, that evidence could be challenged. An experienced defense attorney will scrutinize every step of the arrest process to determine if your rights were violated.

Disputing the Evidence Against You

Much of the prosecution’s case in an OWI charge hinges on chemical testing results, including breathalyzer and blood alcohol tests. However, these tests are not infallible. Several factors can affect their reliability:

• Improper calibration of breathalyzer devices
• Operator error during administration
• Contamination or mishandling of blood samples
• Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, acid reflux) that mimic intoxication symptoms

By carefully reviewing lab procedures, equipment maintenance records, and video footage, your attorney can challenge the accuracy and admissibility of the evidence. Cross-examining the arresting officer or technician may also reveal procedural missteps that cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

Understanding the Impact on CDL Holders

If you are a commercial driver, you may be wondering: can you get a CDL with a DUI in Indiana? While it is possible, a DUI or OWI conviction can result in a disqualification of your Commercial Driver’s License for a minimum of one year—even for a first offense. If you were operating a commercial vehicle at the time, the penalties are even more severe.

Because a CDL is often a person’s livelihood, it’s essential to fight the charge aggressively. An attorney can help you explore all available defenses or negotiate a reduced charge to protect your driving privileges and your career.

Leveraging Experienced Legal Counsel

A seasoned Indiana DUI attorney brings deep knowledge of state-specific laws, local court procedures, and prosecutorial strategies. More importantly, they understand the nuances that can make or break a case. From identifying police misconduct to negotiating with the prosecution, having the right legal representation increases your chances of avoiding a conviction or securing a favorable plea agreement.

An attorney will also help you explore diversion programs or deferred prosecution, which may allow you to avoid a criminal record entirely. In some cases, you may qualify for a conditional license that permits limited driving during a suspension.

Additional Legal Strategies

Besides challenging the arrest and evidence, other legal tactics may strengthen your defense:

• Motion to suppress evidence due to an illegal search or seizure
• Cross-examining field sobriety tests, which are often subjective
• Witness testimony to contradict the officer’s report
• Use of expert witnesses to refute scientific or technical evidence

These strategies require a detailed understanding of Indiana DUI laws, which is why personalized legal counsel is critical to your success.

What to Expect After a DUI/OWI Arrest in Indiana

After being arrested for an OWI in Indiana, you will likely face a series of legal and administrative consequences. Here’s what you can expect:

• Immediate license suspension through an administrative process
• Arraignment hearing, where charges are formally presented
• Pre-trial motions and plea negotiations
• Trial, if the case is not resolved beforehand

You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device, complete a substance abuse evaluation, and fulfill court-mandated education programs. A qualified attorney can guide you through each of these steps, ensuring that deadlines are met and rights protected.

Common OWI Defenses That Work in Indiana

Some of the most effective defenses to OWI charges include:

• Lack of probable cause for the initial stop
• Inaccurate or uncalibrated breath testing equipment
• Improperly administered field sobriety tests
• Medical conditions affecting test results
• Mishandling or contamination of blood samples

A strong defense often involves combining several of these strategies and building a cohesive narrative that creates reasonable doubt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I beat an OWI in Indiana?
You can beat an OWI by challenging the legality of the stop, disputing the accuracy of chemical tests, and demonstrating errors in police procedures. A qualified attorney will tailor the defense to the specifics of your case.

Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Indiana?
You can apply for or retain a CDL after a DUI, but you may face a one-year disqualification. Defending against the charge is crucial to preserving your commercial driving rights.

What are the penalties for a DUI in Indiana?
Penalties include fines, jail time, mandatory education programs, and license suspension. For repeat offenders or those with aggravating factors, the penalties increase significantly.

Will I go to jail for a first DUI offense?
Jail time is possible but not guaranteed. Many first-time offenders are eligible for diversion or probation, especially with strong legal representation.

Is it worth hiring a DUI attorney in Indiana?
Yes. Legal representation can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or lighter penalties. Attorneys also ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the process.

Take Action Today

Being charged with an OWI in Indiana is a serious matter, but it’s not one you have to face alone. From protecting your license to avoiding a criminal conviction, our legal team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. If you’re wondering how to fight a DUI in Indiana or concerned about your CDL eligibility, we can help.

Don’t try tackling this alone – contact an expert DUI attorney at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today and start fighting back!

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Maybe the police suspect that you are driving while intoxicated. Or, you consented to a search, and an officer discovered potentially incriminating evidence against you. No matter the situation, Indiana drivers should know their rights. When you’re stopped by a police officer while in traffic, knowing federal and state laws for search and seizure can help you defend your rights. Our attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. can review your case at a consultation. 

What Is Search and Seizure?

Search and seizure is a legal term referring to an examination of someone’s property by a law officer. A search and seizure is completed to gather evidence when authorities believe that an individual may have committed a crime. Laws restrict when and how a search and seizure can be done. 

An officer demanding to search your vehicle without explanation can be understandably frightening. You should discuss the incident with an attorney to discern whether your rights may have been violated.   

Vehicle Searches in Indiana: What’s Legal?

Many people turn to our attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock with questions about Indiana’s search and seizure laws. No matter the reason they were stopped, there are plenty of questions regarding the search’s legality and if evidence gathered in the search can be suppressed. 

In most cases, police must acquire a warrant to search a person or property. However, there are certain exceptions to be aware of, including the plain view exception and its extension, the plain smell exception. This provision grants officers reasonable cause to believe you possess marijuana if they smell it, which allows them to search your vehicle for containers of marijuana. Additionally, if the officer finds evidence of another possible crime that is visible during the search, that evidence may also be used. 

It isn’t unusual for law enforcement to include in the police report that they smelled burnt or raw marijuana based on their training and used that to search the vehicle. Whether the smell was truly obvious is a problem that the court would need to address in a suppression hearing. 

Contenting to Vehicle Searches

Officers can also search a car for marijuana and other drugs is by receiving consent from the driver. The officer can request to search the vehicle if the driver is already stopped for a traffic violation. Even if the driver grants consent, he or she may still refuse consent to search the trunk or a closed box. This refusal is not grounds for the officer to obtain a warrant. Furthermore, if the person is in custody, the officer needs to inform that individual of their Pirtle Rights, which state that consent is voluntary and that they have a right to an attorney. 

Contact a Dyer Criminal Defense Attorney Today

In Indiana, there are certain laws outlining vehicular search and seizure, and it’s important to understand how these laws impact your rights if you are pulled over for a search. If you recently underwent a search and seizure, call an attorney at the soonest opportunity. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. are available for an initial consultation to discuss your case. 

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

For many people, daily life is hard to imagine without a car. We rely on them to commute to work, take the kids to school and complete other errands. If you’re found driving with a suspended license, you can end up in a complex legal battle that makes your life even more difficult. Fortunately, there’s hope when you work with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with traffic laws in Indiana. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock delivers tenacious support through your case. If you need advice regarding your specific circumstances, call our firm for a consultation. 

What Happens If You Violate Indiana Traffic Laws?

Even though most of us need to drive for one reason or another, we are not entitled to such a right. Your driving privileges can be revoked in Indiana due to many reasons, including traffic offenses. Laws prohibit individuals from driving without a valid license. When someone drives under license suspension, their actions violate Indiana Code (IC) 9-24-19-1. Penalties for a Class A infraction can involve fines of up to $10,000. As such, it’s recommended that you speak to an attorney to discuss the possibility of obtaining specialized driving privileges or license reinstatement. 

Possible Consequences of Driving on a Suspended License in Indiana

In Indiana, driving while suspended can lead to jail time. You may face up to a year in jail if you are convicted of driving under suspension for a second time in the span of 10 years. Violating IC 9-24-19-2 is considered a Class A misdemeanor, and law enforcement may charge you with such if your license was revoked due to a drug charge. Notably, driving with a license that was suspended due to drug-related charges can result in even more significant penalties. These consequences may be further increased to felony charges if a catastrophic accident occurs.

• If someone is injured in an accident that occurs while your license is suspended, you may face a Level 6 felony that can lead to two and a half years in jail. 
• If another person dies or is catastrophically injured in an accident that happens while your license is suspended due to a drug conviction, you may face a Level 5 felony that can result in up to six years in jail. 

Given the significant penalties for driving on a suspended license, the first step you take should be to contact a criminal defense attorney. We can provide in-depth advice regarding your individual circumstances and help you understand Indiana traffic laws. Our attorneys are here to guide you to the resolution you need and help you learn what it takes to protect your best interests. 

Contact Our Attorneys for a Consultation

If you were caught driving under license suspension, Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock can help you learn about your options. We can explain the criminal justice system and help you understand the potential consequences that you face. Building a defense strategy can increase the chances of an outcome that supports your interests, so contact us to schedule an initial consultation.

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CDL DEFENSE

A DUI charge can lead to serious consequences for anyone. You may face long-lasting marks on your criminal record and even risk losing your driver’s license. For commercial truck drivers, however, or those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), these consequences are even higher. A DUI charge can mean the end of their career.  

If you are a commercial driver who has been accused of driving under the influence, you should contact a skilled lawyer at the soonest opportunity. Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. provides unwavering assistance to defend your rights at every stage of the process. We can review your case and help you know what to expect for the road ahead.  

DUI Charges for CDL Holders

Commercial truck drivers are held to higher expectations in comparison to the typical motorist. They are professional drivers that must drive carefully, uphold public safety and never operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Additionally, those with a commercial driver’s license are subject to a distinct definition of impairment under Indiana law. Because of these higher requirements, business drivers must abide by different DUI regulations. 

BAC Limits for Commercial Truck Drivers

Most people believe that a 0.08% BAC is needed to be convicted of a DUI—and this does apply to anyone driving their personal vehicle. But Indiana laws restrict CDL holders to a BAC of no more than 0.04% when driving a commercial motor vehicle. If caught with a BAC beyond this level, they can be charged with a DUI due to the higher standards they are held to. 

Commercial drivers are expected to limit their alcohol consumption or drink nothing at all before their shift. It doesn’t take much drinking to surpass 0.04%, and driving a commercial truck with a BAC above this limit is a Class C infraction. Whether they are operating a commercial vehicle or not, all drivers can be charged with operating while intoxicated if substances prevent them from driving safely. In other words, a driver’s BAC level isn’t the sole factor that determines whether they will face DUI charges. Other controlled substances and medications can impair their driving capabilities while not involving BAC at all. 

What Are the Effects of a DUI Charge on CDL Holders in Indiana?

In addition to the criminal penalties for a DUI, a CDL holder who is convicted of drunk driving while operating a CMV (0.04% or higher) or their own vehicle (0.08% or higher) is prohibited from operating a CMB for a year. A CDL suspension lasting 3 years will be imposed if the offender’s first conviction for OWI or refusal to submit to a test occurred while operating a commercial motor vehicle carrying hazardous items. 

Speak to a DUI Attorney Right Away

After a DUI charge, a CDL holder may face significant impacts that complicate their career. A 1 to 3-year license suspension is a long period of time that you’ll need to find other employment. Fight the charges alongside a DUI attorney who can help you build a solid defense in your favor. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. if you are a CDL holder who faces a DUI charge. We are availa

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DRIVERS LICENSE SUSPENSION

In Indiana, there are plenty of reasons a driver’s license may be suspended. Whether you forgot to pay a ticket or were convicted of a traffic offense, you are at risk of losing your driving privileges. However, some people are eligible for a hardship license, which Indiana statutes refer to as specialized driving privileges. Both terms mean the same thing: a restricted license allows individuals to drive to and from work, school, and certain other necessities while their license is suspended. There are several hardship licenses in Indiana, and an attorney can help you become familiar with them. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. for a case evaluation to learn your options. 

What Are Specialized Driving Privileges?

After your driver’s license is suspended, you lose your driving privileges and cannot lawfully operate a motor vehicle. However, these consequences can generate significant hardship for people who need to drive to drop off their kids at school, get to work, and do other everyday tasks— and that’s true for most people. License suspension can cause loss of employment, trouble finishing obligations and even cause housing insecurity, all due to committing a traffic offense.

Fortunately, Indiana law provides options after driver’s license suspension. In certain circumstances, the court may grant a stay of suspension by issuing an order for specialized driving privileges. A limited license allows you to drive while under certain statutory requirements that are determined based on your unique circumstances. 

When Do the Courts Grant Specialized Driving Privileges?

Criminal convictions often result in a court-ordered license suspension. For example, driving while intoxicated or leaving the scene of an auto accident can warrant a license suspension. What many people don’t realize is that they may be eligible to apply for a hardship license during the period of suspension. The request needs to be made to the court that initially suspended your license, and many will approve the request if the right conditions are met. 

No Insurance Suspension

All Indiana drivers need to have auto insurance. Driving without auto insurance will lead to a license suspension lasting between 90 days and 1 year. Fortunately, a hardship license is available for those who lost their driving privileges due to this reason. Generally, an individual may qualify for this hardship license if they could not get auto insurance due to an extenuating circumstance and now they currently have insurance coverage. Even if the applicant’s license was previously suspended, they might qualify. 

Habitual Traffic Violator Suspension

The Indiana BMV may designate a person to be a Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) if they commit a certain number of violations within a 10-year period. Depending on how severe the convictions were, an HTV can have their license suspended for 5 years, 10 years or permanently. During these lengthy sentences, however, Indiana law allows hardship licenses to be available. 

Unpaid Tickets

Unlike the aforementioned situations, the court does not typically grant a hardship license for an unpaid ticket. Instead, the offender should pay off the ticket if possible, although certain exceptions may exist. 

Talk to An Attorney

If you have a suspended license and want to know if you are eligible for specialized driving privileges, talk to the attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C.

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Defendants are sometimes offered probation in their plea deal instead of a prison sentence. This happens when a judge or prosecutor does not believe that incarceration is necessary, but instead, supervision and possibly rehabilitation are. A probation order includes a term of probation and a suspended sentence; therefore, if a defendant allegedly breaks this agreement, it is taken very seriously by the judge. In some cases, the defendant may face extended probation or even time in jail. 

Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. is available to review your case. Call our attorneys to discuss possible legal strategies to protect your rights. 

Common Reasons for a Probation Violation

All probation violations stem from the defendant’s failure to adhere to the agreement’s terms. However, there are two main ways that an individual may violate a probation order: first, by breaking a law; and second, by violating the technical terms of the probation. If the probationer has a new arrest, they may be required to attend a hearing. A few of the most common charges that may violate probation include: 

• Theft or burglary charges, 
• Illegal drug use or possession, 
• DUI offenses, and
• Allegations of domestic violence.

Furthermore, failing to uphold the terms of your probation and any orders from your probation officer may be deemed a violation. Some of the most common technical violations are:

• Failing a drug test,
• Not reporting to your probation officer, 
• Failing to seek employment,
• Being absent for mandatory services, and
• Not completing required community service. 

It’s important to note that failure to pay fines or other costs is only a basis for probation violation if the defendant intentionally fails to pay. 

Will I Go to Jail for Violating Probation?

While jail time is a possible consequence of a probation violation, it isn’t a guarantee. The judge must answer key questions to find you guilty of a violation and sentence you to prison. And even if the judge does find that the defendant violated their agreement, many factors influence the judge’s ruling. If your probation violation shows intentional misconduct or if you’ve violated a previous probation sentence, then the court will see that you didn’t take advantage of that opportunity, and therefore the sentence may increase.

The seriousness of the violation also impacts whether jail time will be ordered and for how long. If you possessed drugs and relapsed, the judge may order you to go into a rehab program. However, if you attempt to conceal or tamper with your drug results, then the courts will see a willing attempt to deceive them. 

A jail sentence may be determined if you miss a court appearance or meeting with your probation officer. However, certain mitigating circumstances may warrant understanding from the judge. With an attorney, you will devise a legal defense that demonstrates that the violation occurred due to extenuating circumstances. 

Talk to an Attorney At the Earliest Opportunity

If you’ve been accused of violating your probation order, don’t take the situation lightly. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. right away for a consultation. We can help you prepare for the next steps.

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AUTO ACCIDENTS

You are driving safely on the road when a distracted driver t-bones your vehicle. As a result of the collision, you suffer serious bodily injuries including facial lacerations, a concussion, a broken arm, and a bruised rib. You are forced to spend weeks rehabilitating from your injuries and miss a significant amount of time from your job. As a result, you are left damaged both physically and financially. 

In this situation, it makes sense to speak to an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. You may be able to pursue monetary damages for your harms and losses.

Types of Damages You Can Recover Through a Personal Injury Claim

Medical Bills – In general, medical costs are the first category of what are known as “compensatory” damages. The idea behind compensatory damages is that a wrong has occurred that requires some type of compensation. Most damages are compensatory damages. If you are injured, the responsible party will be held responsible for paying your medical bills such as surgery costs, the price of ambulance rides, and physical therapy.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity – Economic compensatory damages exist as well. If you are injured and are unable to work either temporarily or permanently, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost wages. 

Pain and Suffering Damages – This is the broadest category of compensatory damages in personal injury claims. Pain and suffering is essentially an umbrella term for anything that happened in the accident that the negligent driver should be required to compensate the victim for. Often, this is literally for pain that was caused. It could also mean causing crippling disabilities or other mental trauma.

Punitive Damages – Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are specifically designed to deter and punish defendants from taking actions that the judge deems reprehensible. Normally, punitive damages are not available unless something really terrible happened. 

Emotional Damages – Another special category of damages, emotional damages are only available under specific circumstances. Fear that has resulted in recurring nightmares or psychological stress is the most common example. So-called “bystander” emotional damages are also available when a person witnesses the tragic death of a loved one, which causes emotional stress.

If you have any additional questions about personal injury damages in Indiana, you should contact a local personal injury attorney to help answer any inquiries you may have. Many Indiana car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front and only pay your lawyer when they have obtained a settlement or verdict for you.  

Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer Ready and Able to Represent You

The legal team at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. is ready to help you and your family. We understand how to take on the big auto insurance companies and secure maximum compensation for you. Contact our office to schedule a free case review with a dedicated personal injury attorney so we can get to work on your case.

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PERSONAL INJURY

On June 15, 2017, officials announced criminal charges in a bizarre case that left a Dyer man with a traumatic brain injury. According to a Chicago Tribune report, a man contacted police on February 22, 2016 to state that his 54-year-old father was acting disoriented and confused. The victim was unable to explain a head injury he’d suffered, and was taken to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Upon investigation, authorities pieced together that the man was attacked around February 19 by another individual. Even 17 months later, the victim continues to experience medical effects of his traumatic brain injury (TBI), including a temporary inability to speak, memory loss, seizures and a permanent deformity of his skull from surgery. The impacts of a TBI are severe, but a Munster head injury attorney may be able to help the victim recover for his losses.

Factors to Consider in TBI Injuries

Head injuries are unlike other personal injury matters because of the specialized medical treatment necessary, especially when surgery is required. The physician specialists that perform procedures on the brain are among the highest paid medical professionals, including neurologists, cerebrovascular and skull base practitioners, and others.

In addition, TBIs typically require lengthy hospital stays before it’s safe for a victim to return home. These are billed separately from the procedure services of specialists and other healthcare providers. Hospitals may charge up to $4,000 per day, depending on the specific services you require.

After leaving the hospital, you can expect recovery for a TBI to last for weeks, months, or even years. Physical therapy, rehabilitative care, and occupational therapy are usually required for the most serious brain injuries.  

Non-Medical Factors

There are areas of your life affected by a TBI which may not apply if you’ve suffered injuries to other parts of the body. Any injury can lead to you to be out of work; for a TBI, that time away from your job can be years, and your lost wages will be considerable. If you’re permanently disabled and unable to work, there’s an impact on your future earning potential. Plus, there are costs related to treating the side effects of severe head trauma. The brain is responsible for the functions of the body, and all of these can be affected if you suffer a TBI.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney with Experience in TBI Cases

Whether caused by an accident or an attack, TBIs have devastating consequences for the victim. Medical treatment for these types of injuries may include surgery, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term care; some victims never fully recover and must deal with the effects of a TBI for a lifetime. Plus, the pain and suffering is tremendous. Fortunately, Indiana law does allow the victim of a TBI to recover compensation, but these types of cases are extremely complicated. You need a personal injury attorney with an extensive legal background and specific experience with head injury cases. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI or similar type of injury, please contact the lawyers at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C. to schedule a free initial consultation.

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