Know Your Rights

Schuerman Law believes that you and your loved ones should know your legal rights and should not have your life interrupted anymore than it already has been. Here are some things to consider when hiring an attorney.

Do I need an attorney?

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, you deserve justice. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. You don’t have to settle for the small amount the insurance company offers you. The insurance companies will deny or limit the value of your claims any way they can. When you choose Schuerman Law, you can be confident knowing that an experienced legal team will aggressively fight for the full compensation of your claim.

It is important to seek the advice of an attorney as they have the professional experience and education that can assist you in seeking the medical care you may need. An experienced Injury Attorney also has the expertise to take care of the complex legal and insurance issues involved in an injury claim.

It is a common mistake for people to believe that their insurance companies work for them. Their slogans and commercials often create a perception that the companies’ teams of agents, adjusters and claim processers are waiting to take care of their customers if and when they need them.

Unfortunately, in many cases this simply isn’t true. Insurance is a big, multi-billion dollar business. These companies stay in business by making a profit. Their number one concern is their bottom-line, not their policyholders’ well-being. The insurance companies will have an expert working for them. You want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

With over 40 years of experience, John Schuerman is a compassionate advocate for injury victims and their families while being an aggressive fighter for justice and full compensation for the injury victims’ claims. Call 1-800-274-0045 today for a free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments as well as home and hospital visits are available.

What am I entitled to?

You are entitled to recover any and all damages that were caused by the other parties’ carelessness or negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can estimate the worth of your case based on several different factors. Some factors include the extent of the injury, the type and length of medical treatment, permanency of the injury and the applicable insurance limits available to recover.

Here are some of the things in which you are entitled to recover:

Medical Bills – All reasonable and necessary medical bills you incurred as a result of the accident.
Prescriptions – Any medicine that was prescribed because of the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Pain and Suffering – Financial compensation based upon the pain and suffering you endured as a result of the accident.
Mental Anguish – You should recover for the mental anguish you suffered following the accident.
Lost Wages – The amount of lost wages incurred as a result of the accident.
Mileage and Parking – Mileage incurred as a result of the accident.
Permanent Injuries – Scarring and all permanent injuries as a result of the accident.
Auto Repair – If your car was damaged, you are entitled to the lesser of the cost of repairing the vehicle or the fair market value.
Loss Of Use of Vehicle – You are entitled to be compensated for any days you go without the use of your vehicle, or the cost of a rental car.
Other Damages – You are entitled compensation for any other property that has been damaged, i.e., clothing, glasses. You are entitled to towing expenses or any other damages directly caused by the wrongful conduct of the other party.
Consortium – Your spouse is entitled to receive money for the loss of love and affection and other problems related to your injuries. A parent has a similar claim when a child is injured.

How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit?

The statute of limitations in the State of Indiana for a civil tort action is two (2) years from the date of injury. If your claim is not filed within this time frame your claim will be forever barred – banned from court. However, there are also other deadlines that occur sooner than two years from the date of the incident if a state or government entity is involved. To protect your right to pursue a claim, you should contact Schuerman Law immediately.

How long will the lawsuit take?

Several factors determine the length of time involved in a personal injury lawsuit and determine when a settlement offer will be given. One main factor to consider is the length of medical treatment you will need before you have reached maximum recovery and whether your injury is permanent. It is not a good idea to settle a claim until you have made a full recovery from your injuries. John Schuerman has handled thousands of injury cases and will be a compassionate advocate for you and an aggressive fighter for justice and full compensation for you and your family.

How do I prove my case?

Have a consultation with The Schuerman Law Firm an attorney to decide which route is best for your case. Collect all documents that support your claim including but not limited to police reports, medical diagnosis and bills and photographs of the injuries and damages. Subpoenas can be obtained from the Clerk to require witnesses to appear and testify on your behalf.

What Services Can Schuerman Law Provide?

John Schuerman has handled thousands of injury cases and will be a compassionate advocate for you and an aggressive fighter for justice and full compensation for you and your family.

Initial accident investigation and liability summaries.
Investigate all areas of potential compensation, including, but not limited to, insurance coverage, personal assets, potential umbrella policies or corporate policies that might be applicable.
Investigate medical payment contractual coverage.
Review all Under Insured Motorist and Uninsured Motorist insurance coverage possibilities.
Review and protect county and state tort claim deadlines.
Anticipate affirmative defenses.
Review and protect statute of limitation deadlines.
Obtain, assess and summarize all medical records.
Assess the value of a claim through computerized analysis, experience, recent court judgments and case law.
Track and document all correspondence and activities with the claim.
Ensure you mitigate your damages in accordance with the law.
Gather all information, package that information and send a request for settlement to the insurance company, after consulting with you and your family.
Negotiate the settlement package on your behalf with keeping in constant communication with you during the negotiating process.
If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement during the negotiations, Schuerman Law will set up a meeting with you to discuss our continued strategy for a successful conclusion of your claim. If a settlement is eventually agreed upon, you will have access to complete documentation and a complete copy of all documentations in your file for any future needs.
Schuerman Law will advance the payment for expenses for medical reports, any other reports that might be needed, any accident investigation, any doctor charges for depositions, and mock jury trials during the course of your claim, so you will not be burdened with those additional expenses until you receive your settlement funds.

What Should I do If the Insurance Company Offers Me A Check Right Away?

Do not sign anything until you talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Know your rights before you accept any settlement offers. Signing a release or accepting a check could take away your rights to payment of future medical bills or lost wages.