COVID-19 Does Not Stop Injuries from Happening

COVID-19 seems to have stopped our lives in their tracks, and most of us are staying at home where we tend to feel quite safe. The problem is that, just because we’re in lockdown, doesn’t mean that accidents and injuries don’t continue to happen. Most of us need to continue to drive – at least occasionally – and traffic accidents continue to happen. If you’ve been injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence, an experienced Northwest Indiana personal injury attorney can help you remotely, either over the phone, via email, or through video chat.
Traffic is Still on the Road
Yes, we’re hunkered down at home most of the time, but we continue to need to engage in some of life’s essential activities, including:
- Picking up groceries
- Picking up prescriptions
- Receiving required medical treatment
- Driving our children back and forth in accordance with custody schedules (for divorced parents)
None of these important endeavors go away because we happen to be in lockdown mode.
Traffic Accidents
In spite of social distancing and sheltering in place, traffic accidents continue to happen, and they are often quite dangerous. While there are certainly fewer cars on the road, this doesn’t mean that traffic accidents disappear as a result. The fact is that, in these unprecedented times, it isn’t a stretch to say that we’re all more stressed and more distracted than perhaps any of us has ever been before. Drivers who are stressed and distracted make accidents more likely to occur.
Truck Accidents
COVID-19 has changed our lives in countless ways, and one of them is that many of us are having everything that we possibly can delivered to our homes. Essential stores also need to keep shelves stocked with food and household items, and trucks still need to deliver goods to stores. This means that delivery trucks and other semi-trucks are out in full force, and their drivers are under considerable pressure to perform – while maintaining the strict rules of social distancing. Because delivery trucks are much larger, heavier vehicles than the cars we drive, truck accidents have a high risk of serious injuries. All these deliveries also mean that we have more delivery trucks in our residential neighborhoods than we are used to, which can also cause pedestrian or bicycle accidents.
Do Not Ignore Injuries
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may wonder what your options might be. If you need medical attention, you should call 911 or your physician to learn how you can get the medical attention you need. Then, know that our attorneys are still working and are available to evaluate your rights following an accident and help you with the next steps.
Call an Experienced Northwest Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured by another driver’s negligence in this time of coronavirus, you need a skilled Indiana personal injury attorney on your side. At Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock, P.C., our dedicated legal team is committed to building your strongest case and will skillfully negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of your rights and your rightful compensation. Fortunately, modern technology makes working together remotely more convenient than ever before, so please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
How a Brain Injury Can Change Your Life

There are different degrees of brain injuries – mild brain injuries often clear up within a few weeks, while the effects of a moderate to severe brain injury can last for years or can be permanent. If you sustained a severe brain injury, your life can be permanently disrupted, and the financial losses can add up quickly and continue indefinitely. It is important to discuss the possibility of a legal claim with an Indiana personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Treatment for a Serious Brain Injury
Brain injuries can happen in many ways, but they have one thing in common – victims need immediate medical assistance. Often, serious brain injuries render a victim unconscious for a period of time, which could be a few minutes, hours, days, or longer. Victims should be transported to receive emergency treatment, which includes diagnostic tests and an assessment of the seriousness of the injury.
Next, brain injury patients might need the following and more:
- Hospitalization
- Intensive care if they are still in a coma
- Surgery to insert an intracranial pressure monitor
- Surgery to drain fluid or stop hemorrhaging
- Surgery to remove part of the skull to account for brain swelling
- Stays in a rehabilitative center
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
Many brain injury patients require ongoing check-ups, therapy, and medical care for years or for the rest of their lives. The medical bills that result are only one type of loss that victims will face.
Long-term Effects of a Brain Injury
Brain injuries impact each victim in a unique manner, and the specific effects will vary depending on which part of the brain suffered damage. Some lasting effects of severe brain injuries can include:
- Cognitive impairments, including difficulty with verbal or written communication, following directions, reading, timed tasks, and more.
- Physical impairments, such as being off-balance, limping, slurring speech, or having coordination issues.
- Behavioral and emotional problems, including mood disorders, lack of anger management, or changes in personality.
In some cases, impairments will make it impossible for victims to return to work, and they might need to find a lesser-paying job or rely on disability benefits. They also might not be able to participate in their past activities, and their daily life might change significantly.
Recovering Financially After a Brain Injury
Brain injuries can happen in many incidents caused by another person or party, including:
- Vehicle accidents
- Bicycle or pedestrian accidents
- Falls
- Assaults
- Workplace accidents
If another party caused your brain injury, you should seek help in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses. Losses can be extensive in claims stemming from catastrophic injuries, and the following are some losses for which you might recover:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities
Speak with an Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer about Your Legal Rights
After an injury, the legal team at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock, P.C., is ready to help. Please contact us to have someone from our firm evaluate your legal options for free today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Tragic Semi Accident in Indiana

At the beginning of 2020, a regular day for many people turned into the grisly and tragic scene of a nine-vehicle pileup on I-65 in Indiana. According to reports, the driver of a semi-truck crashed into a line of passenger vehicles, and eight different cars were involved. One car flipped over the guardrail, and another was pinned up against the railing. Fourteen people were transported due to injuries, while three passengers in the vehicle that was pinned did not survive. The fatalities included a 21-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a one-year-old child.
After investigating, authorities determined that the driver of the semi-truck was putting down his coffee mug and briefly looking away from the road when traffic slowed. He did not have time to slow down or stop to avoid hitting the line of traffic. The truck driver is now facing criminal charges, which include three counts of reckless homicide.
The Dangers of Distracted Truck Driving
Distracted truck drivers pose a threat to everyone on the road. In 2019, another truck driver caused a fatal crash in Indiana when he reportedly reached for his iced tea. That crash resulted in the death of a mother and her twin 18-month-old daughters. These two accidents illustrate just how dangerous even a moment of distraction can be while driving – especially when driving a semi-truck.
Commercial truck drivers are on the road for long hours, and they often find ways to stay comfortable and entertained. This can include:
- Eating and drinking
- Listening to audiobooks or podcasts
- Listening to the radio
- Talking to other drivers on the CB radio
- Talking on a cell phone (hands-free or not)
- Texting or messaging
- Browsing social media or the internet
While using a handheld device for any reason is strictly prohibited from commercial drivers, it is not against the law for a driver to have a snack or a (non-alcoholic) beverage while driving. In fact, many drivers eat on the road or drink caffeinated beverages to help them stay sustained and feel alert. As Indiana residents have learned too well, however, even a seemingly harmless task – such as putting down or reaching for a beverage – can be deadly.
Truck drivers need to make sure that their activities in the cab of their truck do not take their eyes or attention from the road. Even a couple of seconds looking away can cause them to crash and change the lives of accident victims forever. Distracted truck drivers can face criminal charges, though they should also be held fully liable for the losses of victims and their families. It is important that all truck accident victims or families who lose a loved one seek help from a trusted truck accident attorney.
Consult with an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At the law firm of Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock, P.C., we believe that dangerous drivers should be responsible for the injuries and losses of those they harm. We help clients after all types of vehicle crashes, so please contact us today for help.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Drunk Driving Arrests on New Year’s Eve

As we ring in the New Year, many people will be focusing on new resolutions and other positive goals. Some people, however, will start 2020 in a less positive situation – behind bars. New Year’s Eve has more arrests for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI, also known as DUI) than almost any other night of the year. It is important to take steps to prevent an arrest and that you know what to do if you are arrested. In this situation, your first step should be to call a Northwest Indiana OWI defense lawyer.
Increased Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies know that there are more drunk drivers out on the road during the holidays, and especially on New Year’s Eve. They are ready to arrest as many impaired drivers as they can to prevent crashes and injuries. Enforcement of OWI laws is in full force at this time, and you might see the following:
- Sobriety checkpoints, which involve roadblocks so police can stop additional vehicles
- Saturation patrols, which bring more patrol cars out in areas where drunk driving might be more common
These enforcement tools are intended to result in as many arrests as possible. Unfortunately, many officers are so determined to make arrests that they stop drivers without the required reasonable suspicion that they violated the law. It is critical for a defense lawyer to identify when this happens since it can be used as a defense against OWI charges.
OWI Stops and Arrests
When an officer pulls you over, they will certainly be observing you for signs of intoxication. This can include watery eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, and more. Officers may request that you submit to a breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests, as they are trying to get probable cause to make an OWI arrest.
If you are arrested, the police can place you in handcuffs right then and there on the side of the road. You will likely spend the next several hours in jail, and then, you might be released with a summons. This summons tells you when you need to appear in court for your first hearing for your OWI charges.
How an Attorney Can Help
OWI charges are a serious matter, as a conviction can lead to probation, the suspension of your driver’s license, fines, or even time in jail. You always want to present all possible defenses to fight against a conviction whenever possible, and it is important to have an experienced OWI lawyer helping you. A lawyer can:
- Determine whether officers violated your constitutional rights
- Identify any defects in chemical testing or field sobriety testing
- Negotiate a plea bargain with lesser penalties
- Fight against your charges at trial when needed
Contact a Northwest Indiana OWI Defense Attorney Today
The legal team at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock hopes that you have an enjoyable New Year’s without any arrests or legal issues. If you or someone you know is arrested, however, do not hesitate to seek our help. Contact us to discuss your arrest and charges today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Seeking Medical Treatment After a Traffic Crash

A car accident is almost always an unsettling experience, and it is common to be unsure of what to do in the aftermath. Sometimes, it is clear that you sustained severe injuries and that you need emergency medical help. On the other hand, many people might feel sore or stiff but will waiver on whether they should call 911 or go to the emergency room for an evaluation. If you suspect you have any possible injuries at all, you should seek medical help, and then you should contact a Northwest Indiana car accident lawyer right away.
The Importance of a Medical Evaluation
If you do not need an ambulance after a crash, never assume that you are fine. Instead, if you feel anything out of the ordinary – such as stiffness, reduced range of motion, or disorientation – you should head to the emergency room or to your physician’s office right away. Often, soreness, stiffness, or mental “fog” are signs of serious injuries that might develop in the hours and days following the accident.
While you might not be aware that you have a concussion or a soft tissue injury right away, a medical professional can conduct standard diagnostic tests to identify such conditions. There are a couple of reasons why timely medical diagnosis is important after a car accident:
- It can ensure that you get the necessary treatment recommendations as soon as possible. The sooner you begin treatment, the greater the chance you can prevent complications and recover faster.
- Your medical records can serve as evidence that the car accident caused specific injuries, and your diagnosis can show the exact nature of those injuries and the treatment your doctor recommended for you.
These are both highly important reasons to seek medical care right away if you have been in a collision.
Treatment You Might Need
Medical treatment will vary significantly from patient to patient, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries. Some treatments that might be necessary include:
- Imaging tests for a thorough diagnosis
- Hospitalization
- Medication and/or medical equipment
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Physical therapy
- Home health care
Whether you are sent home from the ER with instructions for physical therapy or you need to spend a few weeks in the hospital, the medical bills can be costly, and you should discuss your rights to compensation with an experienced accident and injury lawyer. If someone else caused your accident, they should be held liable for your medical bills and other losses. Having the right medical records to demonstrate your injuries can make the process of seeking compensation go much smoother than if you waited to see a doctor.
Contact a Northwest Indiana Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
The law firm of Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock represents the rights of car accident victims on a regular basis. We advise you to seek the medical evaluation and treatment you need for your injuries and then schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Contact us directly to learn more about how we can help.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

It is that time of year again when the temperatures drop, and the roads can become treacherous. That is exactly what happened last month when a morning commute led to a 20-car pileup on 96th Street in Indianapolis. Freezing rain had resulted in icy road conditions and the road remained closed for several hours after the accident occurred to allow emergency crews time to clean up the mess.
While most of us have experienced enough bad winters to know that there are steps that can be taken to avoid accidents in bad weather, many people do not know what they need to do if they are actually in an accident. Because it may be snowing and freezing cold, knowing what to do after a winter accident can mean the difference between life and death. Here are five things that you should (or should not) do after being involved in a winter car accident:
- Make sure everyone is okay and then get off the road if possible. The safety of those involved in the accident will likely be your main concern, so check on the occupants of your vehicle and the others involved in the accident. Call 911 if needed. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road because leaving them on the road could leave you at risk of being hit by another oncoming vehicle.
- Stay in your car if you can not move it off the road. If you are not able to get your car to the side of the road, stay inside your car where you will at least have some protection from other vehicles.
- Stay warm and visible. Turn your hazard lights on and put up road flares if you have them so that other vehicles will know that something is wrong. Grab extra clothing and blankets from your emergency kit (every car should have them), and bundle up to stay warm. If your car is still running, make sure that nothing is blocking your exhaust pipe. If it is blocked, you could run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay put if you are stranded. If you are in a remote area and have run off the road, it is understandable that you might be scared. However, it is easy to get lost, especially if it is storming. Instead of trying to walk for help, stay put and wait for help to come to you.
- If you see a crash, do not always stop to help. While it is always tempting to be a good Samaritan, it could cause more problems than you think. If people in the accident are not in any immediate danger, simply call 911 and let emergency responders assist with traffic control and medical assistance.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Attorney Today
It is not easy to stay calm after an accident, but it is your best bet for getting everyone out safely after a stressful situation. Keep in mind, however, that if you or your loved one is injured as a result of a winter car accident, the attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock P.C. can help you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Six People Die in Rural Indiana House Fire

A house fire in Logansport, Indiana left two people in the hospital and killed six more. Two adults and four children perished in the fire in rural Cass County. The two adults who escaped are in stable condition in the hospital. An inspection of the home showed that the fire was not intentionally set, and it is believed to have been caused due to an electrical issue. There were no working smoke detectors inside the home according to officials.
Causes of House Fires
House fires are a tremendous risk during this time of year but can happen year-round. Although a variety of things can cause a house fire, some of the most common includes, but are not limited to, the following:
- Defective products such as electric blankets, space heaters, stoves, toys, etc.
- Faulty construction
- Failure to properly clean or maintain heating equipment such as chimneys and space heaters
While most fires are accidental, many of them are the result of negligence or fault of another person or company. In this case, you may have legal options and should contact a personal injury attorney.
Who May be Held Liable After a House Fire?
After a severe house fire, the first thing that will be determined is the cause of the fire. After that, it will be determined which parties could be found at fault for the fire. The at-fault parties may include:
- A landlord for failing to maintain and provide fire extinguishers
- A neighboring tenant who failed to replace smoke detector batteries
- The owner of the home who failed to maintain the premises
- A property manager who failed to repair electrical issues
- The manufacturer who created a flawed heating system
- The electrical company that installed faulty wiring
Sometimes there is no clear-cut reason for the fire because the fire was so intense that it destroyed all evidence. If that happens, negotiations take place with the insurance company to cover the loss. If the insurance denies a claim, you may be entitled to file a bad faith claim.
Damages Available After a House Fire
As with other wrongful death or personal injury claims, the state of Indiana has laws that state that damages may be awarded to the victims for damages they suffer in a house fire. These may include medical costs, pain and suffering, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, and more.
Property losses for the structure and items inside the home may also be awarded after a catastrophic house fire. The value of the contents and the home will be claimed in addition to the injury claims.
Contact an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or your loved one have been injured or died in a devastating house fire, it can be stressful and overwhelming. It can be even more shocking to find out that the fire was the result of someone else’s neglect or due to a defective product. The attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock, P.C. will review your case and determine if you have a claim for compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and let us help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Indiana Man Arrested for Felony Child Molestation

James Johnson, 32, was arrested and is facing charges of felony child molestation after law enforcement conducted an investigation surrounding an incident involving a girl younger than 14 years of age. The Petersburg, Indiana, resident was accused of molesting the girl in October.
Anytime you are facing criminal charges, especially for a felony crime such as child molestation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. These crimes carry serious penalties and even a plea agreement can result in substantial time in prison. This makes it imperative that you contact legal representation as early as possible. Crucial things can occur even early on in a case that could make a difference to the outcome.
Evidence in a Child Molestation Case
Sex crimes often involve forensic evidence from a rape kit and DNA, but may also be nothing more than the victim’s statement of the alleged crime. Investigations into sex crimes often begin with the police attempting to get the person accused of the crime to submit to a polygraph examination. These are not reliable and usually not admissible in a court setting as evidence. However, police will often try to get the accused to take one by saying that it could prove their innocence.
When the polygraph report shows inconclusive or indicative of deception, even though it is not admissible in court, it may be used to make the accused look guilty. Keep in mind, that you will not be able to prove your innocence through a polygraph, but instead, the evidence will be based on the credibility of the defendant and the accuser.
Penalties for Child Molestation or Sexual Misconduct
Sex crimes come with steep penalties and result in sex offender registration. For child molestation, the charges start at a level three felony but can elevate to a level one felony if the accused is over the age of 21. Sexual misconduct with a minor can be either a level four or level five felony if the accused is at least 21 years of age, child exploitation is a level five felony, and rape is a level three felony but can be raised to a level one felony if it committed by threatening or using deadly force.
Penalty ranges for these sex crimes is based upon the level of the felony and can be as little as six months in jail for a level six felony or as much as 40 years in prison for a level one felony crime. All of them may result in a fine of up to $10,000 regardless of the level of the felony charge.
Contact an Experienced Indiana Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Winning a child molestation case is not impossible, but it requires the experience and skill of a criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock, P.C. have the years of experience needed to investigate your case and craft the best possible defense strategy for your situation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock
Possible DUI Defenses in Indiana

Obviously, there are numerous aggravating and mitigating factors that will ultimately determine the sentence in your DUI case, or whether it gets tossed out.
In raising an amicable DUI defense, attorneys tend to question numerous points surrounding your charge, then attack the veracity of all activity leading up to the pullover, the tests, and arrest. Let us examine three possible defenses to driving under the influence in Indiana.
Inaccuracies in Breathalyzer
The state leaves no defense of the score related to when the last drink was consumed, which would lead any reasonable person to conclude that this would be relevant in calculating the result of something like an Intox EC/IR II breath analysis.
There are many known mechanical flaws in breathalyzer machines, many of which point to the method of calibration and accuracy of the final reading. Unfortunately, the police and other government agencies leave no options for people to question the validity of results used by the state to prosecute cases of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. It may seem like a conspiracy theory, but the defense has every right to question the accuracy of testing procedures.
In most counties across Indiana, you are often found guilty in advance whether you submit to a breathalyzer test or not. The state may use your refusal to submit to an imperfect testing medium to charge and convict you with a crime, often expecting your DUI defense attorneys to never object.
Entrapment
By far the best scheme police turn to when seeking DUI arrests is sitting outside of bars at closing time, many times out of plain sight. Some may concur that a good portion of DUI arrests occur after 2:00 AM and after the 25th of the month, although exact data validating that statement is not easy to acquire.
Also, is it by chance that most DUIs are issued during times when traffic is almost non-existent and the hazard posed by DUI drivers is minimal? ‘Low-hanging fruit’ would be an accurate description of people caught on empty roadways after bar closing.
Entrapment defenses are plausible, yet proof must be irrefutable.
Lacking Reasonable Suspicion
Reasonable suspicion in America is an imperfect legal standard of proof less strict than probable cause, but more strict than an inchoate and unparticularized suspicion or hunch. In layman’s terms, one may reasonably ascertain guilt without proof provided it is more than a ‘gut feeling.’ This definition epitomizes many counties in Indiana, including Lake.
How do ‘gut feelings’ translate into DUI arrests? Sobriety checkpoints and one’s inability to operate their vehicle in an ethical manner are often enough, even if you are swerving due to working consecutive 16-hour shifts.
Defense attorneys will often wonder how one was qualified to arrive at the notion reasonable suspicion existed.
A Final Thought
Sure, Indianans know distracted driving is deadly and presently illegal. DUIs cause the deadliest crashes known to man and offer few answers as to why folks who were beyond the legal limit felt inclined to risk their freedom and countless lives.
Defending DUI charges is one of the more difficult tasks in Indiana for individuals to undertake without an attorney. If defenses can be raised, Tanzillo, Stassin & Babcock will raise them to defend their clients. Contact us today to begin mounting your defense.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock

The family of an Indiana ironworker who was killed during a construction project has been awarded $11 million after a Cook County jury awarded damages. Joel Ogiego was crushed by equipment in January of 2015 when a crane technician admitted to failing to get an all-clear from Ogiego before moving an overweight load.
The family is reportedly pleased with the verdict and hopes to send a message to companies that overloading equipment should never be acceptable, especially when it is a potential risk to other workers on the project.
What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
When a loved one is killed at the hands of another negligent party, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The wrongful death may occur from a personal injury, medical malpractice, or a work injury like in the case above. While a lawsuit can never bring back your loved one, it can help reduce the financial burden that results from the loss. An experienced wrongful death attorney can review your case and help you understand all the factors that could affect your situation.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Indiana, all wrongful death lawsuits have to be filed by a legal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This is most often the person’s next of kin such as a spouse, adult child, siblings, or parents. It is important to know that any damages will be awarded to the deceased person’s spouse and children first. If there is not a surviving spouse or children, other relatives who were dependent financially on the deceased person may then be awarded damages.
Limits on Damages
Civil damages is the term used for the money that is recovered in a wrongful death claim. In Indiana, some claims have caps, or limits, on the damages that are available. Below is a review of some possible claim limits in the state of Indiana:
- If the deceased was an adult and a spouse and children are surviving, there is no limit to the damages. The amount awarded is left up to the jury, who will determine damages based on the details of each case such as wages lost, medical bills, etc.
- If the deceased was a child, there is also no limit to damages. A child is defined as someone who is under 20 years of age, or under 23 years of age if enrolled in college.
- If the deceased was an adult, had no minor children, and was unmarried, the non-economic damages will be capped at $300,000. Medical bills, burial and funeral costs, and attorney fees may be awarded in addition to the non-economic damages.
- In medical malpractice claims, the cap for all claims is $1,250,000.
For wrongful death lawsuits against government entities, there is an exception to the above rules. For cases against entities such as the state, a town or city, or a school, the cap is $700,000 regardless of medical costs and attorney fees.
Contact an Indiana Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be entitled to damages for loss of financial support, loss of love and affection, medical expenses, burial and funeral costs, and attorney fees.
The attorneys at Tanzillo, Stassin, and Babcock, P.C. have decades of experience helping clients receive the compensation to which they are entitled. They will listen to you and help develop the best possible course of action to receive the greatest outcome available. Contact them to schedule a consultation today.
- Written by Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock


