Frequently asked questions about Kokomo personal injury accidents
When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, having the right information can make all the difference – but not all advice is reliable. That’s why Boughter Sinak, LLC has put together these FAQs, giving you clear, trustworthy answers from a real authority you can count on to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What should I do if I was injured in a slip and fall accident at a business in Kokomo?
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident at a business in Kokomo, taking immediate action is crucial to protecting your health and your legal rights. First, report the incident to the store manager or property owner and request that they document it. Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, such as a wet floor at the Kroger on Dixon Road or an uneven sidewalk outside Markland Mall. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine — some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, take time to appear. Businesses and their insurers often try to downplay slip and fall claims, so speaking with a lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Return to Top
Can I sue my landlord if I was injured due to unsafe conditions in my rental property?
Yes, if your landlord failed to maintain a safe living environment and you were injured as a result, you may have a claim. Indiana law requires landlords to keep rental properties in good repair, meaning they must fix hazards like broken stairs, faulty wiring, or leaking pipes that lead to mold growth. If you slipped on a loose handrail at an apartment complex on Sycamore Street or suffered burns due to a defective water heater in a rental near Washington Street, your landlord may be liable. However, proving negligence can be challenging, especially if the landlord claims they weren’t aware of the hazard. A lawyer can help gather evidence, such as maintenance records and witness statements, to hold them accountable.
Return to Top
What are the most common types of personal injury accidents in Kokomo?
Personal injury accidents happen every day in Kokomo, often in places where people expect to be safe. Many of these incidents result from negligence, meaning the property owner, employer, or another responsible party failed to maintain a safe environment. Some of the most common types of personal injury accidents in Kokomo include:
- Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, and poor lighting in places like shopping centers, restaurants, or apartment complexes.
- Workplace injuries: Factory and warehouse workers often suffer falls, equipment injuries, and exposure to hazardous conditions.
- Premises liability accidents: Injuries due to unsafe conditions at businesses, hotels, rental properties, or public spaces.
- Dog bites and animal attacks: Injuries caused by uncontrolled pets or dangerous animals.
If you were injured in one of these situations, it’s important to understand your legal rights. A personal injury lawyer can help determine liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Return to Top
Who can be held responsible for my injuries after an accident on someone else’s property?
When you are injured on another person’s property, determining who is responsible for your damages is essential for filing a successful claim. Indiana law holds property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions, but liability depends on the details of your accident. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Property owners: Landlords, business owners, and homeowners must fix hazards or warn visitors about dangers.
- Businesses or employers: Stores, restaurants, and workplaces must maintain safe conditions for employees and customers.
- Property management companies: If a management company oversees a rental property or commercial space, they may be responsible for safety.
- Government entities: If your injury occurred on public property, such as a poorly maintained sidewalk or city-owned building, the city or state may be liable.
Identifying the liable party can be complicated, especially if multiple entities are involved. Our Kokomo personal injury lawyers can investigate your case and ensure the right parties are held accountable.
Return to Top
How do I prove that negligence caused my injury in Kokomo?
Proving negligence is key to winning a personal injury case. Even when an accident seems straightforward, insurance companies often challenge claims, arguing that you were responsible for your own injuries. To establish negligence, you typically need to show:
- Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to keep you safe, such as businesses maintaining hazard-free premises.
- Breach of duty: The property owner or employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent danger, such as failing to clean up a spill or repair broken stairs.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly led to your injury, such as slipping on unmarked wet floors at a grocery store.
- Damages: You suffered financial, physical, or emotional harm as a result of the accident.
A lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence — such as security footage, maintenance records, or expert testimony — to strengthen your claim.
Return to Top
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana law gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and other personal injury claims, meaning if you were hurt at a business on Markland Avenue or at a factory near U.S. 31, you must take legal action within that time. If you miss the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose your right to compensation. Gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies takes time, so contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can help ensure your case is filed before it’s too late.
Return to Top
What are the most common injuries in personal injury claims?
Personal injuries can range from mild to life-altering, and even seemingly minor injuries can lead to long-term complications. The most common injuries seen in Kokomo personal injury claims include:
- Broken bones and fractures: Common in slip and fall accidents and workplace injuries.
- Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Concussions and brain trauma caused by falls or blunt force impacts.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the back or neck that can lead to long-term disability.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments that cause ongoing pain and mobility issues.
- Burns and electrical injuries: Common in workplace accidents and faulty property maintenance cases.
No matter the severity of your injury, seeking medical treatment immediately is crucial for your health and your legal case. A lawyer can help document your injuries and ensure you receive proper compensation.
Return to Top
Can I file a claim if I was injured while working in a factory or warehouse in Kokomo?
Yes, workers injured in factories and warehouses in Kokomo are typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, but in some cases, they may also have a personal injury claim. If your injury was caused by employer negligence — such as unsafe working conditions at a Chrysler transmission plant or a failure to provide proper safety gear at a warehouse off Dixon Road — you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond workers’ comp. You may also have a claim if a third party, such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury. Since workplace accidents often involve complex liability issues, a lawyer can help determine whether you have a case beyond workers’ compensation.
Return to Top
What types of compensation can I recover in a personal injury case?
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The damages available in a Kokomo personal injury case typically include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injury.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Future medical costs: If your injury requires long-term care, you may recover additional damages.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so working with an attorney can help ensure you receive the full amount you are owed.
Return to Top
What are common tactics insurance companies use to deny or reduce claims?
Insurance companies prioritize profits over payouts, and they often use deceptive tactics to reduce settlements. Some of the most common strategies they use include:
- Blaming the victim: They may argue that you were partially or fully responsible for your own injury.
- Delaying the claim: They may take weeks or months to process your claim, hoping you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration.
- Downplaying your injuries: Insurers may claim your injuries aren’t serious or that they were pre-existing conditions.
- Lowball settlement offers: They might offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your full expenses, hoping you’ll accept before consulting a lawyer.
Our personal injury attorneys know these tactics and can fight back to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Return to Top
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Yes, Indiana follows a comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for your injury. However, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were awarded $50,000 in damages but found to be 20% responsible, your final compensation would be reduced to $40,000. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce payouts. A lawyer can help protect your claim and prevent insurers from unfairly assigning fault to you.
Return to Top
What happens if I don’t file a personal injury claim?
Failing to file a personal injury claim can have serious financial and legal consequences. If you don’t take action:
- You may be stuck with medical bills: Without compensation, you’ll be responsible for covering treatment costs on your own.
- You could lose your chance to recover damages: Indiana law imposes a statute of limitations – if you wait too long, you lose your right to sue.
- The responsible party faces no accountability: Businesses, landlords, and employers may continue unsafe practices that harm others.
- You may struggle financially: Lost wages and medical costs can create a long-term financial burden.
Taking legal action isn’t just about compensation – it’s about ensuring justice and protecting your future. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for what you deserve.
Return to Top
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Kokomo?
Most personal injury lawyers in Kokomo, including Boughter Sinak, LLC, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they win your case, taking a percentage of the settlement or court award. This allows injured victims to pursue legal action without worrying about legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses. If you’re unsure whether you have a case, scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer can give you clarity and help you understand your legal options without financial risk.
Return to Top
Why should I hire Boughter Sinak, LLC for my personal injury case?
Boughter Sinak, LLC is known for fighting aggressively for injury victims in Kokomo and throughout Indiana. Unlike large, corporate law firms that treat clients like case numbers, we take a personalized approach, ensuring each client gets the attention they deserve. We have a deep understanding of Indiana’s personal injury laws and have successfully taken on big insurance companies that try to minimize or deny claims. Whether you were hurt at a local business, in a rental property, or on the job, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you want a law firm that fights hard for its clients, Boughter Sinak, LLC is ready to stand up for you.
Return to Top
Get the legal help you deserve – We fight for maximum compensation
An injury caused by someone else’s negligence can turn your life upside down, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies alone or settle for less than what you’re owed. A Kokomo personal injury attorney at Boughter Sinak, LLC can take on the legal battle for you, holding negligent businesses, property owners, and insurance companies accountable while you focus on healing.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win your case. There’s no risk to getting the legal help you need – only the opportunity to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Boughter Sinak, LLC today for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward justice.
