Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial AttorneysFindLaw IM Template2026-07-29T15:36:16Zhttps://www.theverdict.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1100479/2018/10/cropped-site_icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Can astigmatism make car accidents more likely?]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516822026-07-29T15:36:16Z2026-07-29T15:36:16Zuncorrected astigmatism can lead to streaky or blurry lights, and people may see circles or halos.
These make it more difficult for them to see at night. A driver with astigmatism may see significant streaks around taillights ahead of them, headlights coming in their direction or streetlights along the side of the road.
This can often make car accidents more likely because it is harder for the driver to process the visual information outside of the vehicle. If there is a pedestrian crossing the road, for example, the driver may not see them because they are seeing streaks of light from nearby streetlights. Oncoming cars may make the driver feel like they are temporarily blinded until the vehicle passes them.
Weather conditions can make it worse
In some situations, the weather conditions a person is driving in can make astigmatism issues even more significant. For instance, if it starts raining, this can cause even greater streaking and blurring as the light passes through a wet windshield.
For a driver with astigmatism, driving at night (and especially in the rain) can be very difficult. They may feel like their range of vision is significantly limited, and they have to focus intently to see things that would stand out easily in clear, daylight driving conditions.
Seeking financial compensation
Even if you do not have these visual issues yourself, the drivers around you might. They could make significant mistakes and cause a serious car accident. Having a medical condition does not relieve them of responsibility for the crash.
If you have suffered injuries in a crash caused by another driver, having experienced legal guidance can help you consider your options for seeking financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Where should you report nursing home abuse?]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516792026-07-22T02:25:54Z2026-07-22T02:25:54Zprotecting your loved one and helping ensure that the situation receives the attention it deserves.
Take swift, informed action
The appropriate reporting channel will depend on the specific circumstances involved. It could be the agency responsible for investigating abuse allegations, protecting vulnerable adults or regulating long-term care facilities. Indiana has a Long-term Care Ombudsman Program.
These organizations can review complaints, conduct investigations and take action when resident safety is at risk. In situations involving physical violence, sexual misconduct, theft or other potentially criminal behavior, contacting law enforcement may also be appropriate.
Gather and preserve evidence
Evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes. Memories fade, records may be lost and physical signs of abuse can heal. Taking steps to preserve information early may strengthen efforts to hold responsible parties accountable.
If possible, keep records of injuries, changes in behavior, medical treatment and conversations with nursing home staff. Photographs, medical records and witness statements may also help establish what happened.
Addressing the harm done
Nursing home abuse can lead to significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, additional medical expenses and a diminished quality of life, and the outcome of an investigation may not necessarily compensate a resident for the harm they have suffered.
As such, it may be necessary to explore other legal options in addition to filing a report. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help you understand your rights, protect your loved one and pursue accountability from the negligent parties.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[How can you avoid a wrong-way driver?]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516762026-07-06T13:45:41Z2026-07-06T13:45:41ZWrong-way drivers can lead to devastating car accidents. Often, these are high-speed, head-on collisions, two factors that make severe injuries more likely.
One way to avoid a wrong-way driver is to focus on staying to your right. Remember that the wrong-way driver may not even realize they are heading the wrong direction, so they believe that your left lane is actually their right-hand lane—such as when two cars are approaching each other on the interstate. If you stay to the right, they may naturally miss your vehicle as they go by.If you can spot the wrong-way driver before a collision occurs, try to get their attention. Honk your horn. Flash your lights. Do not try to stop the car on your own, but try to alert the driver so they become aware of the mistake they have made.
Why do these accidents happen?
The thing about wrong-way accidents is that many of these drivers are intoxicated. They have consumed too much alcohol, and their impairment is the reason they are traveling the wrong way. They would not make the same mistake if they were sober.It is important to understand this because it also explains why the wrong-way driver may not even realize they have made a mistake in the first place. They are not driving in the wrong direction maliciously or even intentionally. They are simply under the influence, and they are putting everyone else in danger.Trying to avoid these crashes is important, but it is not always possible. If you have suffered serious injuries due to another driver's negligent actions, you need to know what legal options you have.
]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Even at low speeds, pedestrian crashes can cause major injuries]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516742026-06-21T10:50:58Z2026-06-21T10:50:58ZSpeed is one of the most important factors when assessing the severity of a pedestrian crash. As vehicle speeds increase, the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries increases as well. At 23 miles per hour (mph), a vehiclehas a 25% chance of causing severe injuries to a pedestrian and a 10% risk of causing fatal injuries. At 31 mph, the risk of injury increases to 50%, while the risk of death reaches 25% at 32 mph.The speeds and residential neighborhoods are typically low enough to minimize the risk of severe injury or death. However, those struck at low speeds, including in parking lots and at the ends of driveways, can still sustain significant injuries that leave them struggling to cover collision costs.
Knock-down incidents cause major injuries and costs
The speed of a vehicle is only one factor that influences the severity of pedestrian injuries. The size of the vehicle is another important consideration. Bigger vehicles can easily cause serious injuries by knocking pedestrians to the ground.Taller vehicles with vertical front ends can easily cause a knock-down incident. Even at low speeds, pedestrians knocked to the ground by a vehicle are at risk of broken bones, brain injuries and other severe medical consequences. If the pedestrian involved in the incident is a minor, an older adult or someone with underlying medical challenges, the risk of severe injuries increases.Anyone affected by a pedestrian crash may have medical expenses and lost wages to address. Reviewing insurance coverage and crash details with a lawyer can help injured pedestrians and their family members hold drivers accountable afterserious pedestrian collisions.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Can you sue a nursing home for negligence?]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516722026-06-19T14:57:22Z2026-06-19T14:57:22ZWhen a nursing home may face legal responsibility
You can generally pursue a claim against a nursing home when a failure in care directly leads to injury, illness or death. To succeed, the evidence often must show that the facility owed a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, caused the harm and left the resident with measurable losses.
Some conditions may point to a serious breakdown in care. A closer look may be necessary if:
Your parent develops serious bedsores that staff failed to prevent or treat
Unexplained weight loss points to dehydration or malnutrition
A preventable fall causes broken bones or another significant injury
Medication mistakes lead to medical complications
Poor supervision allows a health condition to worsen unnecessarily
Establishing these elements is only one part of pursuing a claim. In Indiana, some nursing home neglect cases follow special procedures when the claim involves health care or professional services covered by the Medical Malpractice Act. Under this law, a medical review panel typically examines the evidence. It then issues an opinion on whether the facility met the applicable standard of care.
Additionally, state law places time limits on legal action. In Indiana, you generally must file a personal injury action within two years after the claim arises, making prompt review important.
Understanding your options after suspected neglect
Suspecting that your parent suffered mistreatment in a care facility can leave you searching for answers. Photographs, medical records and notes about changes in your loved one's condition often help clarify what occurred.
Since these matters may involve medical evidence, regulatory requirements and procedural deadlines, legal guidance is often important. A qualified attorney can evaluate the circumstances, explain the available options and determine whether the facts support a nursing home neglect claim.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[You don’t have to accept a car accident settlement]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516662026-06-11T23:09:08Z2026-06-11T23:09:08Zaccept a settlement that does not reflect the true value of your losses. You retain full control over whether to accept or reject any offer, no matter how it is framed or how urgently it is presented.
What happens once you accept a settlement offer?
Accepting a settlement offer is typically a final step in your claim. Once you sign the release agreement, you are not simply confirming payment. You are also closing the door on the entire case. That release is a legally binding document that prevents you from going back later to ask for additional compensation, even if your condition worsens or new complications arise.
What comes after rejecting a settlement?
Turning down an offer doesn’t mean you’re heading to trial. In many cases, the settlement process simply continues through negotiation, with both sides exchanging additional information and refining their positions. As your medical treatment progresses and the long-term effects of your injuries become clearer, the overall value of the claim can be reevaluated and may increase.
You also preserve your ability to choose how you want to proceed. If negotiations do not lead to a fair resolution, you still retain the ability to pursue your claim in court, where a judge or jury can determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
Protect your interests after a crash in Minnesota
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to close your claim for as little as possible. Before you sign anything or agree to a settlement, get a professional evaluation of what your claim is truly worth to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Signs of internal bleeding after a car accident]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516642026-05-29T01:54:03Z2026-05-29T01:54:03ZInternal bleeding can be a very serious injury that requires immediate medical assistance. But it can also be difficult to identify, which leads some people to delay getting the medical care that they need.
If you are involved in a car accident and you suspect you may have suffered internal injuries, always talk to medical professionals to get an official diagnosis. But to help you know what warning signs to look for, here are a few common symptoms of internal bleeding.
External symptoms
Even though the injury is internal, it can sometimes lead to visible symptoms. If you have suffered lung damage, for example, you may find yourself coughing up blood. If you have a traumatic brain injury, you could experience bleeding from the nose or the ears.
Non-visible symptoms
In addition, look for symptoms that change the way you feel or act after the injury, even if there is no external evidence of bleeding. These could include:
Lightheadedness or dizziness as your blood pressure drops
A feeling of weakness or excessive fatigue
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and a corresponding increased breathing rate
Symptoms that make you feel as if you are sick, such as nausea and vomiting
An increased heart rate as your body tries to compensate for the loss of blood flow
If you experience these symptoms, especially if you have multiple symptoms simultaneously, you may have internal injuries that require immediate medical assistance.
Seeking financial compensation
Medical care for these types of injuries can be prohibitively expensive. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, such as if they caused a car accident, then it is helpful to know how you can seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[Holiday weekends increase risk for motorcycle riders]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516612026-05-19T10:46:58Z2026-05-19T10:46:58ZWhy are the holidays more dangerous?
There are multiple factors that influence the likelihood of a motorcycle crash on a holiday weekend. The number of people traveling to spend time with family or take vacations can increase traffic levels, which has a direct correlation with collision risk. People who have been out celebrating for hours may be quite fatigued by the time they head home, which is another safety concern.
Finally, there is the possibility of drunk driving to consider. Many people celebrate holidays, such as Memorial Day, with alcohol at barbecues or family get-togethers. They may then drive home after drinking. Alcohol is often a contributing factor to motorcycle collisions, as drivers who are under the influence may fail to monitor their surroundings effectively.
Those injured in motorcycle collisions may need help holding drivers accountable. Reviewing a crash report with a lawyer can help injured motorcycle riders understand insurance claim options and determine if a personal injury lawsuit might be possible.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[How to document a slip-and-fall and hold a business accountable]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516592026-04-30T08:40:13Z2026-04-30T08:40:13Z1. Proof of the incident
People injured at businesses typically need to report the incident to management as soon as possible. Internal records can validate that the slip-and-fall occurred, which is critical for any future compensation claim. Getting the names and contact information for witnesses can also be helpful.
2. Proof of negligence
Premises liability claims typically rely on allegations of negligence on the part of a business. Taking photos or recording video of unsafe property conditions, such as spills or damaged floors, can help people prove that negligence was a major contributing factor to the incident.
3. Proof of damages
To ask for slip-and-fall compensation, an injured person must sustain economic losses. Diagnostic reports from health care providers, documentation of days away from work and other evidence of economic damages may be necessary for a successful premises liability claim.
Consulting with an attorney can help people evaluate the evidence they have already collected and determine if they are in a position to take legal action after a slip-and-fall. If a business causes a slip-and-fall, injured patrons may need guidance to understand their rights and demand accountability from a company by filing a premises liability lawsuit, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Sweeney Julian Personal Injury Trial Attorneys<![CDATA[4 ways traumatic brain injuries can develop from car accidents]]>https://www.theverdict.com/?p=516572026-04-24T14:56:13Z2026-04-24T14:56:13ZA car accident can happen in an instant. But a brain injury from that crash can leave lasting consequences on your quality of life. Every year, thousands of Indiana drivers suffer traumatic brain injuries after a violent collision. Hence, knowing how these injuries develop is the first step toward protecting your health and your legal rights.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a form of brain damage that results from a powerful external force disrupting normal brain function. Motor vehicle collisions are usually among the most frequent causes of TBIs across the country. As a result, these injuries span a wide spectrum, from minor concussions to debilitating brain damage. Some symptoms appear right away, while others may take days or weeks to surface. This is why knowing what causes a TBI can help you spot the warning signs early.
Four ways a car crash can cause a TBI
Car accidents put extreme physical force on your body and your brain is not immune to the forces at play. In fact, a violent collision can injure your brain in more than one way. Here are four common ways a car crash can lead to a traumatic brain injury:
Rapid acceleration and deceleration: This occurs when a crash forces your vehicle to stop suddenly while your body is still moving. Your brain shifts violently back and forth inside your skull, tearing nerve fibers and compromising neurological function.
Direct impact: This happens when your head strikes a hard surface like the steering wheel, dashboard or your windshield. The force of the blow causes bruising or bleeding inside the brain, which can significantly impair cognitive and motor function.
Penetrating injuries: These occur when shattered glass or sharp debris from the car cabin pierces the skull. This is how foreign objects entering the brain can cause severe localized trauma that often requires emergency surgery.
Whiplash: This is the sudden, forceful snapping of your head and neck during a collision. Even without a direct blow to the head, this violent motion shakes the brain inside the skull and can cause a concussion.
Each of these injuries varies in severity, but all of them carry serious health risks. If you suffered any of these injuries in a recent crash, your next step is just as important.
Protect yourself after a crash
A TBI can affect every part of your life, from your health to your finances and daily routine. Seeking medical attention right away is always the most important first step. But recovery extends well beyond physical healing. As an Indiana driver, understanding your full range of options after a serious crash can make a meaningful difference in how you move forward. The road to recovery is far more manageable when you have the right information and the right people in your corner.]]>