Lake County Personal Injury Attorney
An unexpected injury can change everything: your health, your finances, and your future. Whether it happens on a highway in Hammond, at a store in Schererville, or in a hospital in Crown Point, the aftermath of a serious injury is overwhelming. If someone else’s carelessness caused your suffering, you may be entitled to compensation under Indiana law. Our Lake County personal injury attorneys can help.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our Lake County personal injury attorney helps individuals and families across Northwest Indiana pursue justice after life-altering injuries. This includes communities like Gary, Crown Point, Hammond, and Schererville. With over 75 years of combined experience, we’re not just legal advocates, we’re trusted allies in your recovery.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process used to seek compensation when you’ve been harmed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing. It’s a civil matter, meaning it doesn’t result in criminal penalties for the wrongdoer, but it does hold them financially accountable for the damage they’ve caused.
Common examples of personal injury claims include:
- A car accident caused by a distracted driver
- A slip and fall on a wet floor at a grocery store
- Medical negligence that results in severe injury
- An injury caused by a dangerous product or piece of equipment
These claims aim to restore the injured person’s life as much as possible through monetary compensation, known as damages.
Legal Framework: How Indiana Personal Injury Law Works
In Indiana, most personal injury cases are based on the legal theory of negligence. To succeed, you must prove four elements.
Duty: The Other Party Owed You a Legal Duty of Care
In any personal injury claim, the first step is establishing that the defendant owed you a legal duty of care. This duty depends on the relationship between the parties and the circumstances of the incident. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, store owners must maintain reasonably safe premises for customers, and healthcare professionals are obligated to follow accepted medical standards. Without this duty, there is no basis for holding the other party responsible.
Breach: They Failed to Meet That Duty
Once duty is established, you must show that the responsible party breached that duty by acting negligently, recklessly, or unlawfully. A breach can take many forms: speeding through a red light, failing to clean up a spill, or misdiagnosing a patient’s condition. The key is proving that the defendant’s behavior fell short of what a reasonable person would have done in the same situation. This is where evidence like surveillance footage, accident reports, or expert testimony becomes critical.
Causation: Their Breach Caused Your Injury
Next, we must prove causation, that the other party’s negligent actions directly caused your injury. There are two types of causation in personal injury law:
- Actual Cause (Cause in Fact): The injury would not have occurred “but for” the defendant’s conduct.
- Proximate Cause: The injury was a foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions.
For example, if a speeding driver rear-ends your vehicle and you suffer a back injury, the connection between the breach (speeding) and the injury (your back condition) must be clearly established.
Damages: You Suffered Real Harm as a Result
Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages because of the defendant’s conduct. These may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Without proof of these losses, through medical records, bills, or expert evaluations, you won’t have a viable claim, even if the other elements are met. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our Lake County personal injury attorneys work with medical professionals, economists, and life-care planners to fully document your damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Indiana also follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Common Causes of Personal Injuries in Indiana
In a busy and diverse region like Lake County, injuries can happen almost anywhere. Here are some of the most frequent causes of personal injury claims we handle:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
From rush-hour collisions on I-80/I-94 to rear-end crashes on US-30, vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury. These can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, or bicyclists and often result in severe harm.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A simple fall in a store, restaurant, or parking lot can lead to broken bones, head trauma, or spinal injuries. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions, and when they fail, they can be held liable.
Medical Malpractice
When doctors, nurses, or hospitals make serious mistakes, like surgical errors, delayed diagnoses, or medication mix-ups, the results can be devastating. Medical malpractice is an area of law requiring detailed investigation and expert testimony.
Construction and Industrial Accidents
Lake County’s industrial hubs often pose risks for serious accidents. Our personal injury lawyers represent injured parties with claims involving third-party contractors, machinery malfunctions, or job site negligence.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Neglect, dehydration, falls, and medication errors in nursing homes can lead to severe injuries or death. We represent families who have lost trust in the facilities meant to protect their loved ones.
Defective Products
When a consumer product, medical device, or vehicle part fails and causes injury, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under Indiana’s product liability laws.
What to Do After You’ve Been Injured
After a serious injury, your physical safety should always come first, but protecting your legal rights is also critical. What many injured people don’t yet understand is that what you do in the hours and days following an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Here’s what we recommend.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, it’s vital to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, don’t appear right away but can worsen quickly if left untreated. Immediate medical care not only protects your health but also creates an official record of your injuries. That documentation will be essential if you decide to file a claim.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you’re physically able to do so, take photos or videos of the accident scene before anything is moved or cleaned up. Capture wide shots and close-ups of:
- Any visible injuries
- Damage to vehicles, equipment, or property
- Hazardous conditions (wet floors, broken railings, poor lighting)
- Weather, traffic signals, or warning signs in the area
Such visual evidence can provide powerful proof of negligence and help your personal injury attorney reconstruct what happened.
Collect Witness Information
Witnesses often disappear quickly after an incident, especially in public places or traffic accidents. If anyone saw what happened, politely ask for their name and contact information. Independent witness statements can back up your version of events and contradict false claims made by the other party or their insurer.
Avoid Insurance Traps
Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after an accident. They might seem helpful, but their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not yours. Do not:
- Provide a recorded statement
- Sign any documents
- Accept a quick settlement offer
Even a minor mistake in how you describe your injuries can be used to deny or reduce your claim. It’s always safer to consult with a lawyer before speaking to any insurance representatives.
Contact Our Lake County Personal Injury Attorneys
Involving a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from our firm early in the process helps preserve evidence, prevent costly mistakes, and ensure your case gets off to a strong start. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we begin every case with a thorough consultation and investigation. From gathering records to dealing with insurers to preparing for trial if needed, we handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Theodoros & Rooth, P.C.?
Choosing the right personal injury attorney can make all the difference. Here’s why Lake County residents trust our law firm:
- 75+ years of combined experience handling high-stakes injury cases
- Award-winning attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
- Team approach for personalized strategy and client support
- Local insight into Lake County courts, judges, and defense attorneys
- Proven results, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements
- 24/7 availability and free, no-risk consultations
- No fee unless we win, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
We’re not just legal advocates, we’re part of the community. Our personal injury lawyers treat every client like family and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
Under Indiana law, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages, no matter how strong your case is.
That’s why acting quickly is so important. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become hard to locate, and your legal options may narrow with time. Don’t wait to speak with an attorney.
Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is my personal injury case worth?
Every case is different. We consider your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact to determine a fair value. We’ll work with experts when necessary to quantify your damages. In serious injury cases, we may also factor in future medical care, diminished earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our goal is to ensure your recovery reflects the full scope of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
How long will my personal injury case take?
Some cases resolve in months; others may take a year or more. It depends on the claim, whether liability is disputed, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly. While we strive to resolve cases efficiently, we never rush a settlement if it would shortchange you. We’ll keep you informed at every stage and help you decide the best time to settle or proceed with litigation.
Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%. We work diligently to challenge unfair blame and minimize any reduction in your recovery.
Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
Many personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court, because being prepared often leads to better settlement outcomes. If a trial becomes necessary, we are experienced litigators ready to present a strong, compelling case to a jury. Whether your case is resolved in or out of court, your voice and your recovery remain our top priorities.
How do I pay a personal injury attorney for legal services?
At Theodoros & Rooth, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front and no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. We also cover the costs of filing fees, expert consultations, and other necessary expenses during the case, so you can focus on healing without worrying about legal bills. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.
What if I had a pre-existing condition?
You can still recover compensation if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition. We’ll use your medical history to show how your injuries worsened because of the incident. Insurance companies often try to deny claims involving prior injuries, but the law recognizes your right to recover for any new or aggravated harm. The personal injury lawyers at our firm have extensive experience countering these tactics and presenting clear, compelling medical evidence.
Contact Our Lake County Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we’re here to guide you through every step, with compassion, clarity, and fierce determination.
Contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Lake County personal injury attorney. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we don’t just fight for compensation—we fight for you.