Personal Injury Attorneys in Merrillville, Indiana
Experienced Merrillville Personal Injury Attorneys Fighting for Maximum Compensation
With more than 25 years of experience in personal injury law, the attorneys at Wilson & Novak Law Offices offer aggressive representation for accident victims in Merrillville and across Lake County. If you are dealing with lost wages, medical expenses, and financial strain due to an injury, we are here to advocate for the compensation you deserve.
The responsible party should cover your injuries, and our skilled personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to make sure they do. You deserve complete and fair compensation, not the inadequate settlement that insurance companies often propose.
A serious injury doesn't just affect your body - it impacts your mental health, your ability to work, and your family's financial stability. Medical treatment can be expensive and recovery can take years. We don't want you buried in medical debt because someone else was negligent. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis - no upfront costs, and we don't get paid unless we win your case.
At Wilson & Novak Law Offices, we provide aggressive representation to maximize your compensation. We have experience working on the defense side for insurance companies, giving us a deep understanding of their tactics. We leverage this knowledge to advocate for you to get the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
- Property damage expenses
Why Merrillville, Indiana Accident Victims Choose Wilson & Novak Law Offices
Work Directly With Experienced Trial Attorneys
Unlike large franchised law firms that assign cases to junior associates, at Wilson & Novak Law Offices you'll have direct access to Attorney Wilson or Attorney Novak throughout your entire case. Both are seasoned trial attorneys with decades of combined experience handling personal injury claims throughout Northwest Indiana. Your case won't be delegated—you'll receive personal attention from attorneys who have the knowledge and commitment to fight for maximum compensation.
Former Insurance Defense Experience Gives Us the Advantage
Our attorneys bring a unique perspective to personal injury law. We have worked on the defense side, representing insurance companies in injury cases. This insider experience is invaluable. We understand the mindset of claims adjusters, their strategies for reducing payouts, and how to effectively counter their tactics. When you choose us, you gain attorneys who know both sides of the negotiation process and leverage that insight to benefit you.
Contingency Fee Basis—No Financial Risk to You
After an accident, the last thing you need is the added stress of legal fees. That's why we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront charges, no retainer fees, and no hourly billing. We only get paid when we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We're motivated to get you the maximum settlement or verdict possible.
Proven Track Record in the Courtroom
Some law firms avoid trial because they lack courtroom experience. That's not us. Our attorneys have successfully litigated numerous personal injury cases, often achieving verdicts and settlements significantly higher than what insurance companies initially offered. Insurance adjusters know we're not afraid to take cases to trial, which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations and often results in better offers for our clients.
Your Trusted Personal Injury Advocates
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Merrillville
Semi-Truck Accidents
With I-65 running directly through Merrillville and numerous commercial vehicles traveling through the area daily, truck accidents are unfortunately common. These cases are more complex than typical car accidents because they often involve multiple parties - trucking companies, insurance carriers, and corporate defendants. Our attorneys have the resources and experience to take on large trucking companies and their legal teams. Our attorneys have the resources and experience to take on large trucking companies and their legal teams.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Workers' compensation covers many workplace injuries, but you may also have the option to file a third-party liability claim in certain situations. If your injury was caused by defective equipment, negligent contractors, or other parties unrelated to your employer, we can help you pursue additional compensation beyond what workers' comp provides. These cases need careful investigation to identify all responsible parties, ensuring you receive the maximum recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Claims
Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. Our wrongful death attorneys offer compassionate support to families pursuing justice and financial compensation for funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages. We approach these sensitive cases with the utmost care and respect, guiding you through the legal process so you can concentrate on grieving and healing.
Serving the MERRILLVILLE Community with Care, COMPASSION AND AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION
Our personal injury law firm is conveniently located in Merrillville, Indiana
Our office is located at 200 W 80th Place in Merrillville, making it easy and convenient for local clients to meet with us in person. We're accessible from all parts of Merrillville and the surrounding communities, with ample parking and a welcoming office environment designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible during what is often a stressful time.
We are familiar with the Merrillville area, including high-traffic corridors like Broadway (US Route 30), Interstate 65, and the busy intersections throughout the community where accidents frequently occur. Our local presence means we understand the unique traffic patterns, road conditions, and accident-prone areas in Merrillville. Whether you've been in a collision on I-65, an accident at the intersection of Broadway and Colorado Street, or injured at a local business, we know the area and can respond quickly.
We understand the local court system in Lake County and know how to navigate Indiana's personal injury laws to benefit our Merrillville clients. Our location means we can meet with you quickly after an accident, visit accident scenes when necessary, and provide the hands-on representation you deserve. Many clients appreciate the convenience of working with a law firm that they can visit in person whenever they have questions or concerns about their case.
Areas We Serve:
While our office is located in Merrillville, we proudly represent injury victims throughout Northwest Indiana, including all of Lake County, Porter County, Jasper County, Newton County, La Porte County and the surrounding region.
What to Do After an Accident in Merrillville
If you've been injured in an accident, taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case. The steps you take in the hours and days after an accident can greatly affect your chances of receiving full compensation. While your health and safety should always come first, it’s also essential to document the incident and safeguard your legal rights.
Here's what you should do:
Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention right away. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. A prompt medical evaluation creates documentation of your injuries and demonstrates that you took your health seriously.
Preserve Evidence from the Scene
If you're able, take photographs of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, and any hazards that contributed to the accident. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. This evidence can be crucial to proving liability.
File an Official Report
For vehicle accidents, contact the Merrillville Police Department to file a report. For slip and fall or other premises liability accidents, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request that they document it in writing.
Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident seeking statements. While you should report the accident to your own insurance company, avoid giving detailed recorded statements or signing any releases until you've consulted with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
Contact Wilson & Novak Law Offices
Time is critical in personal injury cases. Call us at (219) 757-0225 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we receive about personal injury claims in Indiana. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Indiana?
Indiana law imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, meaning you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of your accident. There are some exceptions to this rule, and certain cases may have shorter deadlines. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely, so it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Indiana uses a modified comparative fault system. You can still pursue compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident, as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Our attorneys work diligently to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
How much is my case worth?
The value of a personal injury case varies widely depending on multiple factors: the severity and permanence of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills (both past and future), lost income and reduced earning capacity, the degree of pain and suffering you've endured, and the strength of the evidence proving liability. During your free consultation, we'll evaluate the specific details of your case and provide a realistic assessment of its potential value.
Do I really need a lawyer for my injury claim?
While Indiana law doesn't require you to hire an attorney for a personal injury claim, having legal representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies employ teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to pay as little as possible. Studies consistently show that injury victims represented by attorneys receive substantially higher settlements than those who negotiate alone - typically several times more, even after legal fees are paid.
How long will my case take?
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, and the insurance company's willingness to negotiate fairly. Some straightforward cases may settle in a few months, while complex cases involving serious injuries or multiple defendants may take a year or longer. We'll work as efficiently as possible while ensuring we don't settle for less than your case is worth.
What does it cost to hire Wilson & Novak Law Offices?
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and no fees throughout the process. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, and if we don't win your case, you owe us nothing for attorney fees. This arrangement allows injured people to access experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation and ensures we're fully committed to maximizing your recovery.
Contact Our Merrillville Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Don't face the insurance companies alone. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovering from your injuries. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your case and explain your legal options.
Call (219) 757-0225 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We're available to answer your questions and start fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Wilson & Novak Law Offices serves Merrillville, Lake County, and all of Northwest Indiana with dedicated personal injury representation.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case.
Within minutes of speaking with Attorney Wilson you can sense the vast knowledge and experience he has with personal injury cases. He is passionate about his work. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of a personal injury lawyer!
Ann
