Shean Law
The Respect and Results you Deserve.
Firm Overview
Personal Injury / Worker's Compensation / Criminal Defense
Example casesYoung v. Marling, 900 N.E.2d 30 (Ind. App. 2009). The Indiana Court of Appeals agreed with our client that the attending physician designates appropriate medical care for injured employees in the worker's compensation system.
In another case, we recovered a large settlement for a letter carrier who suffered a closed-head injury when his vehicle was rear-ended by a negligent motorist.
Main
1114 N. College Avenue
Bloomington
IN
47404
- (812) 332-3643
- (812) 339-5595
Fees
Free initial consultations on personal injury and worker's comp cases.
Criminal cases have fixed-price fees.
John Shean, $250 / Mike Scarton, $195
Office Information
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Kim Wright
Yes
English
Indiana law requires that your employer provide you, free of charge, with appropriate medical care for any injuries suffered in a work accident. The law does give your employer the right to choose the physician. Once the attending physician is chosen, then the employer and its insurance company are supposed to pay for whatever reasonable treatment the physician recommends.
Often times the insurance industry does not adhere to these requirements. We have helped hundreds of clients with a variety of medical treatment issues including:
* The insurance company refuses to provide the treatment
recommended by their chosen attending physician.
* The insurance company "second guesses" the attending
physician and makes its own diagnosis.
* The attending physician seems to be working for the
insurance company and not for the injured patient.
If you cannot get quality medical care for your work injuries, we may be able to help. Contact our office and we'll be happy to discuss your situation.
Lost Wages
A worker hurt on the job is entitled to receive wage loss benefits known as temporary total disability or "TTD" beginning the second week he or she is off work. The benefit is 2/3's of your normal paycheck. If you're off work more than three weeks, then you get the first week paid.
Many workers find that their claims are not accepted or reported on a timely basis. This can cause a delay in payment of TTD benefits. Other workers discover that their wages were not reported correctly and they receive a TTD benefit that is less than the proper amount.
Permanent Impairment
Indiana law requires employers to provide medical care to injured workers until the attending physician finds that no more treatment is necessary. At that point in time, the employer is supposed to have the employee evaluated for any permanent impairment or loss of physical function. This loss is described as a Permanent Partial Impairment ("PPI") rating and the employee is usually paid in a lump sum for the impairment.
Indiana permanent impairment benefits are low compared to most other states. Therefore, it is very important that the employee receive an accurate and fair PPI rating since the benefits are paid based on this rating.
Each of us drives our vehicle on the roadway knowing that auto accidents are common - but we seldom think we will experience one. Sometimes other drivers are inattentive, late for work, or just plain lazy. They can cause a collision with potentially catastrophic results. The consequences and personal injury of an auto accident can last a lifetime, leaving some victims unable to work at the same job and others unable to work at all.
If you've been the victim of careless driving, you can contact our personal injury law office in Bloomington, Indiana for a free personal injury consultation. We'll take that time to listen, explain your rights, and fight for fair and just compensation. Our auto accident lawyers are experienced in personal injury cases and know how to deal with the auto insurance companies to get medical bills paid, lost wages and compensation for permanent injuries. In auto accident cases, the experienced auto accident attorneys at Shean Law charge no fee unless and until we recover for you.
Wrongful Death
The sudden accidental death of a loved one usually has significant emotional and financial consequences for family members. If the fatal accident was caused by the carelessness of another, personal injury law may allow for compensation for the tragic loss. While no sum of money can fully restore a family, compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit can help with the loss of a father, mother or child.
If you have lost a loved one, take the time to mourn your loss. When you are ready to discuss the legal issues, contact our personal injury lawyers that specialize in wrongful deal lawsuits for a free in-person or phone consultation.
Truck Accidents
A 40-ton semi truck can cause major damage to passenger vehicles on the road. When a semi truck is involved in a traffic collision, the personal injury results are usually serious and can often be catastrophic. Occupants of lighter vehicles stand little chance when faced with the brunt of a heavy semi truck. An experienced truck accident lawyer at Shean Law can help you and your family go through your legal rights when suffering from personal injury from a truck or semi-truck accident.
Truck accidents can result from a variety of causes but often involve driver fatigue, recklessness, speeding, improper or neglected equipment, and violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations. If you've been hit by a truck resulting in personal injury, contact us for a free consultation. You can call our toll free number - 877-SHEANLAW - or send us an email. Our truck accident law consultations are free and we never charge you a fee until we collect.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles and their riders are inherently more vulnerable to serious personal injuries in a traffic accident. Drivers often say "I didn't see him" after they've negligently struck a motorcycle causing personal injury to a rider. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in wrongful death or leave victims incapacitated with a severe brain or spinal cord injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured riding a motorcycle, contact our motorcycle accident attorneys that specialize in personal injury law for a free consultation. We'll give you the respect you deserve and won't assume the accident was your fault just because you were riding a bike.
Defective Products
All of us use dozens of products on a daily basis - from automobiles, to food supplements, to medical devices, to prescription medications, to toys, and so on. We all assume that these products are safe and reliable when used as directed. Unfortunately, dangerous or defective products injure or kill thousands of people each year and most of these cases resulting in personal injuries are completely preventable. The personal injury lawyers at Shean Law Firm specialize in handling sensitive cases dealing with personal injuries from defective products.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year more than 22,000 deaths and 29 million injuries are related to consumer products. Annually, consumer products cause over $500 billion in deaths, injuries, and property damage.
If you have been injured because of a dangerous or defective product, you have the right to file a claim for injuries against the manufacturer of the product and would be to your benefit to consult a defective products lawyer at Shean Law that specialize in personal injury caused by defective products. We have helped clients in several states recover compensation for these injuries.
Construction Site Injuries
Construction sites present some of the most dangerous hazards to American workers. These hazards run the gamut from the risk of falls, electrocution, falling objects, and entrapment. While Indiana law prohibits an employee from suing his or her employer, the injured employee often has a personal injury legal claim for compensation against the general contractor or a subcontractor responsible for the accident.
The wrong decision could have a devastating effect on basic things such as your job, driving privileges, military clearance or status as a student at a university. It could also have a negative impact when you apply for a job, apply for a travel or resident visa, apply for admission to college and other aspects of your future.
Am I Going to Jail?
Protect Your Rights
If you are facing criminal charges, even if you know you did something wrong, you still have rights and we can help ensure that the police and prosecutor have followed the rules.
Your Criminal Defense team at Shean Law will put their extensive criminal law experience to work for you. They will work tirelessly to make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair trial or, when appropriate, negotiate a fair plea bargain custom tailored to fit your circumstances.
Misdemeanor & Felony Attorneys
All criminal offenses in Indiana are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies (except Murder, which is a classification by itself). A misdemeanor is any offense that is punishable by a jail term of one year or less and up to a fine of $5,000. A felony is any offense punishable by a jail or prison sentence of more than one year and up to a fine of $10,000.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony charge, you should speak to an attorney to make sure you understand the nature of the crime charged and potential penalties that could be imposed if you plead guilty or are found guilty by a judge or jury.
Is your firm willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes.
What are your policies about dividing work within the firm to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
We assign one attorney and one case manager/paralegal to each client.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
The vast majority of cases are resolved through mediation and/or settlement negotiations.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
Yes. We serve as pro bono counsel for Real Life Media, Backstreet Missions, and the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Bloomington.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Personal attention to each client and his or her legal matter is what separates us from most other firms.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We encourage our clients to consult with reputable internet sites and other legal resource materials.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes.
John Shean
Shean Law was established in 1990 by John Shean; Shean Law consists of John Shean and Michael Scarton.
JOHN SHEAN:
John is the founder and managing partner of Shean Law. A California native, John obtained his B.A. in History and Political Science from Claremont McKenna College in 1978. John graduated from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, in 1981 and joined the firm of Wise & Nelson in Los Angeles as an insurance defense attorney. John became a partner of the firm in 1987.
In 1988 John and his family left Los Angeles and moved to Bloomington, Indiana where he served as the executive director of COTA - the Children's Organ Transplant Association. In 1990 John returned to the practice of law and opened Shean Law Offices.
John has the highest possible Peer Review Rating of AV® Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell. Per Martindale-Hubbell, "an AV® Preeminent certification mark is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence."
Since 1981 John has handled a great variety of personal injury, products liability, insurance and worker's compensation claims. In 1997 he became certified as a civil mediator. John has taught at dozens of continuing legal education seminars.
John has served as a board member of numerous non-profit organizations including the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Bloomington, Heart of Sailing, Kids' Chance and Realife Media. He is the head coach of the Indiana Cutters - a semi-pro football team in Bloomington. He is an active member of Ellettsville Christian Church.
John Shean has been awarded "Super Lawyer" status each year since 2004
- Bar Number: 14745 53
Indiana , 1989 - Bar Number: 101344
California , 1981
- Loyola Law School - Los Angeles
Doctor of Jurisprudence , 1981
- Claremont - McKenna College
B.A. Political Science and History , 1978
Michael Scarton
We assign one attorney and one case manager/paralegal to each client.
- Bar Number: 21985-49
Indiana , 2000
- Indiana University- Robert H. McKinney School Of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence , 1999
- Ball State University
B.S. Criminal Justice and Criminology , 1994
* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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