Internal Injuries Lawyer in Kokomo
When you need a Kokomo internal injuries lawyer, it is critical to find a firm that combines decades of legal experience with personal empathy and proven results. At our law firm, we have been serving injured individuals for more than thirty years.
Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley has represented clients across Indiana since the late 1980s, including time as a Deputy Prosecutor before dedicating his career entirely to personal injury law. That experience is not just professional but personal as well.
In 1982, Vaughn himself was severely injured in a bicycle accident caused by a drunk driver. He spent more than three months in the hospital, recovering from injuries that gave him a firsthand understanding of the physical and emotional challenges accident victims face.
This personal insight, combined with decades of trial-tested legal work, makes our office a strong choice if you are searching for an injury attorney in Kokomo, IN.
Why Choose Our Law Firm
Decades of Experience
For over three decades, we have worked on behalf of individuals and families who have faced the overwhelming effects of serious injuries. We have handled everything from minor injury cases to catastrophic accidents resulting in life-changing harm.
Every case benefits from the knowledge that comes from years of practice in both Indiana state courts and the federal district courts. While other firms may hand cases to junior associates or approach them only with settlement in mind, we treat each case with the seriousness it deserves and prepare it for the possibility of trial from day one.
Personal Connection and Empathy
The reality of living with an injury is not theoretical to us. Vaughn’s own experience as an injury survivor means we understand the anxiety, pain, and uncertainty that can come with a serious accident.
We know what it means to sit in a hospital bed, uncertain about recovery, and to face the financial and emotional burdens that follow. This empathy is at the core of our representation. When we say that we fight for our clients, we mean it with sincerity and personal understanding.
Commitment to Results
We are trial lawyers who believe in preparing thoroughly and negotiating from a position of strength. Insurance companies are aware of our reputation and know that we will not accept less than what our clients deserve.
While many cases resolve through settlement, we are ready to proceed to trial if necessary. That preparation and determination have led to significant results for injured people throughout Indiana.
Understanding Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are among the most serious injuries a person can experience. Unlike cuts, bruises, or broken bones, internal injuries may not be immediately obvious. In some cases, symptoms are delayed for hours or even days, but the damage inside the body can be life-threatening. Because of this, a medical evaluation is always necessary after serious accidents.
Types of Internal Injuries
- Internal bleeding: Damage to organs or blood vessels can cause hidden bleeding that quickly becomes dangerous if not treated.
- Organ damage: Blunt force or penetrating trauma can rupture the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other vital organs.
- Internal soft tissue trauma: Impact forces can injure muscles, connective tissue, or blood vessels in ways that are not visible from the outside.
- Combined injuries: Internal trauma often accompanies other catastrophic harm, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
These injuries can result from car accidents, motorcycle crashes, trucking collisions, falls, workplace incidents, or violent impacts of many types. In Kokomo and throughout Indiana, victims of such injuries often require hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
The Process of Handling Internal Injury Cases
Initial Consultation and Case Review
When you contact us, we begin with a free case review. We listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain the legal process. There are no fees for this consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Evidence Collection and Investigation
Our legal team investigates every detail of your accident. This includes gathering police reports, photographs, medical records, and witness statements. In serious injury cases, we also consult with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and life care planners who can explain the extent of the injuries and the long-term costs you may face.
Medical Documentation and Treatment Plans
We work with your healthcare providers to collect complete medical records. This documentation is essential not only for your recovery but also for demonstrating the severity of your injuries to the insurance company or to a jury if necessary. For internal injuries, diagnostic imaging, surgical reports, and physician evaluations play a critical role in proving the impact of the accident.
Negotiation and Settlement
Once we have built a comprehensive case, we prepare a detailed demand package for the insurance company. This demand outlines liability, explains your injuries, and sets forth the compensation you deserve. Because we prepare thoroughly and because insurers know our willingness to litigate, we are often able to negotiate settlements that fairly compensate our clients.
Litigation and Trial
When negotiations do not result in a fair offer, we are prepared to file a lawsuit. From depositions to expert testimony, we build the strongest possible case for trial. Preparing for trial also strengthens our negotiating position, because insurers understand that we will not hesitate to go to court to protect our clients.
Indiana Laws That Affect Internal Injury Cases
Every state has its own rules that govern personal injury claims. For residents of Kokomo and the rest of Indiana, several key laws are essential:
- Statute of limitations: Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Indiana. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to compensation.
- Comparative fault: Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially responsible for the accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible, you may still recover damages.
- Damage considerations: Indiana law allows recovery for a wide range of damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available, though they are limited by statute.
Damages You May Recover
Internal injuries can alter your life in profound ways. Victims of serious accidents may recover damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages during recovery and reduced future earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior work
- Pain and suffering, reflecting the physical and emotional impact of the injuries
- Rehabilitation costs and long-term care expenses
- Modifications to your home or vehicle if you are left with permanent impairments
- Loss of enjoyment of life when activities you once loved are no longer possible
- Loss of consortium for spouses or partners whose lives are deeply affected by your injuries
What To Do After an Accident
If you suspect you have suffered an internal injury after an accident in Kokomo or elsewhere in Indiana, follow these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Internal injuries often worsen over time without early warning signs.
- Keep detailed records of your medical care, including receipts, prescriptions, and all doctor visits.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting with a lawyer. Insurers may try to minimize your claim or encourage you to settle for less than you deserve.
- Contact our firm as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and ensure your case is filed within the statute of limitations.
Why Kokomo Residents Trust Us
We are proud to represent clients throughout Kokomo, Howard County, and the surrounding areas. Our familiarity with local courts, insurers, and medical providers allows us to advocate effectively. We are a regional resource, not a distant firm that treats your case like a number. Each client receives personal attention from Vaughn himself, not just a staff member or case manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an internal injury?
An internal injury is damage to organs, blood vessels, or tissues inside the body. It can be caused by blunt force, penetrating trauma, or other serious impacts. These injuries often require surgery and long-term treatment.
How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Indiana’s comparative fault system, you may still recover damages as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
How does your fee structure work?
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.
Will I work directly with Vaughn?
Yes. Vaughn Wamsley personally handles client cases and ensures that you have direct communication with your attorney. We do not hand your case off to someone else.
Our Promise To You
When you choose us as your injury attorney in Kokomo, IN, you gain a team that combines legal knowledge, personal empathy, and proven results. We promise to fight for you as if we were fighting for our own family. We prepare every case for trial, negotiate from a position of strength, and never accept less than what you truly deserve. With more than thirty years of experience, we know what it takes to stand up to insurance companies and win results for our clients.
Understand and Protect Your Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered an internal injury in Kokomo or anywhere in Indiana, you do not need to face the aftermath alone. Our firm has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to guide you through every step of the process. We offer free consultations, no upfront costs, and representation built on decades of dedication to injured clients.
Internal injuries are serious, often life-threatening, and always disruptive to daily life. Let us help you secure the medical care, financial compensation, and justice you need to move forward. Contact our Kokomo, Indiana, personal injury lawyer today to learn how we can help.