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Personal Injury

I have represented parties in personal injury actions since 1989. Many people who are involved in an accident try to handle their claims personally at first. What they soon discover is that there are a myriad of issues involved, including how to have their medical expenses paid, what insurance coverages apply, whether to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, and how to determine the value of the claim. That value is actually affected by how well the claim is handled from the beginning. Having an experienced attorney on your side allows you to focus on your recovery, and improves your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Typically the fee arrangement would be a contingent fee, with attorney’s fees only being paid if you successfully recover, but I have also represented clients who preferred to pay hourly charges for legal representation. Whatever you choose, making the decision to hire my firm to represent you in your personal injury action will be a wise one. 

There are several types of personal injury cases, including automobile and motorcycle collisions, slip and falls, and animal attacks (usually dog bites). I have substantial experience with each of these types of cases. The laws are somewhat different for the premises liability case, and there are different types of insurance coverage, but the damages available are the same. In order to achieve a fair resolution of your claim, we will contact all of the relevant insurers, witnesses, and your medical providers, and we will maintain contact with those persons while you recover from your injuries. When the time comes to try to resolve your claim, we will work with you to present your claim in the best possible light, and will continue to try to negotiate a fair settlement. If a resolution is not reached, then we will file suit for you, and will litigate your case to the full extent necessary. Ultimately, you are entitled to a jury trial of your case.  If that occurs, you can feel secure in your knowledge that I have extensive courtroom experience in personal injury cases. 

 

 

Lance W. Wonderlin

Lance has been a practicing attorney in Indiana since 1989, and has represented thousands of clients. He founded his own law firm in 1997 and has concentrated on representing businesses and individuals in Central Indiana ever since. Lance is an experienced litigator with broad legal knowledge, but what sets him apart is his personal, caring approach with his clients, integrity, and attention to details.

Recent Blog Articles
Protecting the Elderly

One of the most distressing realizations I have made over the last few years is how often our older family members and friends are swindled.  Whether it is an unscrupulous contractor, an internet investment scheme, or the undue influence of an agent, accountant or attorney, there is an epidemic of abuse against one of our most vulnerable groups.  People who were raised at a time when all of their financial dealings were handled face to face, are not always well equipped to protect themselves in our modern electronic age.  They are often reluctant to ask for or accept your help because of pride, paranoia, or simply a desire not to burden you with their problems. 

I would strongly encourage you when you visit your older family members or friends over the Holidays to take a few minutes to talk to them about their financial situation, and to let them know that you want to help the next time they consider making a purchase, or hiring a contractor, or changing their investment portfolio, or taking a reverse mortgage on their house.  If you are not the best person in the family to provide this assistance, then encourage the person who is better equipped to step up. Talk to your siblings or family friends about your concerns so that they can be watchful for any signs of trouble. Finally, do not be afraid to act when trouble occurs.

 

 

 


 

Professionalism

Yesterday an attorney with whom I had worked for several months to resolve a case, told me he had enjoyed working with me and thanked me for my “professionalism.” While it felt great to receive (and return) the compliment, it also made me a little sad that this type of camaraderie between attorneys has become rare. Treating other parties and attorneys with respect, being polite, and being straightforward with them, are what we, as attorneys, are supposed to do. Yet, sometimes attorneys are arrogant, distrustful, and lack candor. I think they confuse being rude with being an effective advocate for their client.

My experience has been that developing a good working relationship with the other attorneys involved in a case is greatly beneficial to the client, and it enables me to better explore ways of resolving issues in the case, and to manage the case in a more cost-effective manner. Plus, that relationship will be beneficial to future clients when that same attorney and I are involved in another case.

Evidence in the Electronic Age

Evidence via Social MediaMany people are very active on various social media, routinely posting messages about their lives. What they may not consider is that all of those messages can be used as evidence in court many months or years later. A comment like “ I felt great today, went on a walk and played with the dog in the yard”, may make perfect sense for a person who has just started feeling better after an automobile accident and has, for the first time, managed to hobble around outside her house. But two years later in a courtroom, that message can be used to suggest that the person had fully healed from their injuries. My suggestion is that you think twice before posting or sending any message, and that you be especially careful if you are aware that you will be involved in any type of litigation in the future.

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Meet Lance Wonderlin