Carmel Wrongful Death Lawyer

Carmel Wrongful Death Lawyer – Fighting for Justice When It Matters Most

Losing someone you love is devastating.

When that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions? The pain becomes unbearable. You’re grieving. You’re angry. You’re trying to figure out how your family will move forward without them. And on top of everything else, you’re facing mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of income your loved one provided.

You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.

At Pavlack Law, we understand that no amount of money will bring your loved one back. Nothing can. But Indiana law provides a path for holding negligent parties accountable and securing the financial resources your family needs to rebuild. We’ve spent 50 years combined fighting for families throughout Carmel and Hamilton County who’ve lost loved ones due to preventable tragedies.

Our team has recovered millions in wrongful death settlements and verdicts. That includes $6,000,000 for the widow and surviving children of a man who died due to negligence and $1,800,000 in a medical malpractice case for a family whose married father of four died due to failure to diagnose a serious cardiac condition. We’ve also secured $1,250,000 for a family whose young man was killed in a collision with a negligently operated semi.

We can’t take away your pain. But we can fight to make sure the people or companies responsible are held accountable. We can work to secure compensation that helps your family maintain financial stability during this impossible time.

If you’ve lost a loved one in Carmel due to someone else’s negligence, call us at 317-733-5171. Your consultation is completely free. You’ll speak directly with experienced attorneys who genuinely care about helping your family through this tragedy.

Why Families Throughout Carmel Choose Pavlack Law

When you’re dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one, choosing the right wrongful death attorney matters. You need someone who combines legal expertise with genuine compassion. Someone who’ll fight aggressively for your rights while treating you and your family with the respect and sensitivity you deserve.

Here’s what sets Pavlack Law apart.

Proven Results in Wrongful Death Cases

We’ve helped families throughout Hamilton County secure substantial compensation after losing loved ones. These are actual results we’ve achieved.

$6,000,000 settlement for the widow and surviving children of a man who died due to negligence.

This case demonstrates our ability to secure maximum compensation for families dealing with catastrophic loss. The settlement provided financial security for the surviving spouse and children during an unimaginably difficult time.

$1,800,000 settlement in medical malpractice case for family of married father of four who died due to failure to diagnose a serious cardiac condition.

Medical negligence cases are complex. They require extensive investigation, expert medical testimony, and the ability to prove that healthcare providers fell below the accepted standard of care. We secured substantial compensation for this grieving family.

$1,250,000 settlement for family of young man who was killed in collision with a negligently operated semi.

Truck accident fatalities devastate families. We held the trucking company accountable for their driver’s negligence and secured compensation that acknowledged the full value of this young man’s life.

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes (every case has unique circumstances), they demonstrate our 50 years of combined experience winning complex wrongful death cases against well-funded insurance companies and corporate defendants.

Attorney Eric Pavlack: Super Lawyers Recognition 2009-2025

Attorney Eric Pavlack has been recognized as a Super Lawyer or Super Lawyers Rising Star consistently from 2009 through 2025. This peer recognition isn’t something you can buy. It’s earned through results, reputation, and a proven track record of excellence in personal injury and wrongful death representation.

Direct Access to Experienced Attorneys

When you call Pavlack Law, you speak directly with experienced attorneys. Not intake specialists. Not paralegals.

Attorney Eric Pavlack personally handles wrongful death cases. We intentionally limit our caseload so every family receives the attention and communication their case demands.

Zero Financial Risk to Your Family

We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. No consultation fees. No retainers. No hourly bills. We advance all case costs. You only pay if we recover compensation for your family.

If we don’t win? You owe us nothing.

Your family is already facing financial stress from funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost income. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees on top of everything else.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

Most wrongful death cases settle. But insurance companies know we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if they won’t offer fair compensation. Attorney Eric Pavlack is admitted to practice in Indiana state courts, U.S. District Courts for both the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana, and the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Insurance companies take our cases seriously because they know we’re experienced trial attorneys who win in courtrooms.

We Come to You During This Difficult Time

If traveling to our office is too difficult during this painful time, we’ll come to you. We can meet at your home or any location that’s convenient. Your legal rights don’t wait. Neither do we.

What Our Clients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Eric Pavlack handled my father’s case with the level of professionalism and care it required. He worked with us for a long while and kept up communication extremely well. Eric oversaw the situation with care even after long periods of waiting. We appreciate all he’s done for us. He is truly exceptional!”
— Desirae Michaels

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Eric and his team are top notch. Handled my son’s case with the upmost professionalism. Great communication and responsiveness. Would highly recommend his services.”
— Jennifer Hart

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Eric was always there for our family. I highly recommend his law office. A very professional law firm. Thank you and God Bless you”
— Joyce Kendall

You can read additional reviews from our clients on our Google Business Profile.

Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Carmel

Wrongful death cases arise when someone dies due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. If your loved one would have had the right to file a personal injury lawsuit had they survived, your family likely has grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Here are the most common causes of fatal accidents we handle in Carmel and Hamilton County.

Fatal Car Accidents

Hamilton County experiences thousands of traffic collisions each year. Many result in serious injuries. Too many result in death.

We’ve represented families who lost loved ones in car accidents including rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents at intersections, multi-vehicle pileups, and hit-and-run accidents.

Common accident locations in Carmel include Interstate 465 (the beltway circling Indianapolis sees frequent serious collisions), U.S. Route 31 (major north-south corridor through Carmel with numerous fatal accidents), State Road 431/Michigan Road (heavy commercial and residential traffic), State Road 32/136th Street (busy east-west route with complex intersections), Keystone Parkway, and Range Line Road.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes annually in the United States. In Indiana, impaired driving and excessive speed contribute to a significant percentage of fatal accidents.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents are fundamentally different from standard vehicle crashes. They often result in catastrophic injuries or death due to the massive size and weight of semi-trucks and 18-wheelers.

Common causes? Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations. Distracted or impaired driving. Improper loading and cargo securement issues. Mechanical failures from inadequate maintenance. Aggressive driving.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face significant vulnerabilities on Indiana roads. When crashes occur, the injuries are typically severe or fatal. We fight against the unfair bias that motorcycle riders somehow contributed to their own deaths when the reality is often a car driver’s negligence caused the fatal collision.

Medical Malpractice and Misdiagnosis

When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, patients die. We’ve recovered millions in medical malpractice wrongful death cases. Birth injuries where mothers or newborns died during delivery. Surgical errors and anesthesia mistakes. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer or cardiac issues. Medication errors. Emergency room negligence.

Our $1,800,000 settlement for a family whose father died due to failure to diagnose a serious cardiac condition demonstrates our expertise in complex medical malpractice wrongful death cases.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

With Carmel’s growing senior population, nursing home negligence cases are becoming more common. When nursing homes fail to provide adequate care, residents die.

These cases often involve understaffing leading to inadequate supervision, dehydration and malnutrition, untreated infections, medication errors, and falls due to unsafe conditions.

Workplace Accidents

We represent families whose loved ones died in workplace accidents. Construction site fatalities. Industrial accidents. Falls from heights. Struck-by accidents involving heavy equipment. Electrocutions.

Many workplace deaths are preventable and result from inadequate safety protocols or OSHA violations.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Carmel has extensive trails and bike-friendly infrastructure. Unfortunately, this also means pedestrian and bicycle fatalities. Drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, or operate vehicles recklessly can kill vulnerable road users.

Defective Products

Product liability wrongful death cases arise when defective or dangerous products cause fatal injuries. Defective vehicles or vehicle parts. Dangerous pharmaceuticals. Defective medical devices. Unsafe consumer products.

Premises Liability and Fatal Slip and Falls

While many people think slip and falls only cause minor injuries, they can be deadly. Especially for older adults. Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions can be held liable when someone dies from a fall.

Our $925,000 settlement for a construction worker who fell through an unmarked roof opening demonstrates the serious nature of these cases.

Criminal Acts and Negligent Security

Property owners have obligations to provide reasonable security in certain situations. When inadequate security leads to assaults, shootings, or other violent crimes that result in death, families may have grounds for wrongful death claims against property owners.

Understanding Indiana Wrongful Death Law

Indiana has specific statutes governing wrongful death claims. Understanding these laws is essential to protecting your family’s rights.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Indiana?

Indiana law is very specific about who can file a wrongful death claim. It depends on whether the deceased was an adult or a child.

For Adult Deaths:
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file the wrongful death lawsuit. If your loved one died with a will, the personal representative is the executor named in the will. If there’s no will? The probate court appoints a personal representative.

You can’t just file a wrongful death lawsuit on your own as a surviving spouse or child. The personal representative must bring the case on behalf of the estate and eligible beneficiaries.

For Child Deaths:
When an unmarried child under 20 years old (or under 23 if enrolled in college or technical school) dies, the parents must file the wrongful death claim. Not the child’s estate. The action must be maintained by the parents jointly, or by either parent personally.

This is governed by Indiana’s wrongful death statutes under Indiana Code sections 34-23-1-1, 34-23-1-2, and 34-23-2-1.

Who Can Recover Compensation?

Just because the personal representative files the lawsuit doesn’t mean they’re the only one who receives compensation. Indiana law specifies who can recover damages based on the deceased person’s status.

If the deceased had dependents (spouse or children):

• The surviving spouse
• Dependent children
• Dependent next of kin (in some cases)

If the deceased was an unmarried adult without dependents:

• Non-dependent parents
• Non-dependent adult children

If the deceased was a child:

• The parents

The types of damages available also vary depending on the deceased person’s status and who they left behind.

The Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Here’s the thing. Indiana law gives you exactly two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Not from the date of the accident or negligent act. From the date of death.

This deadline is strictly enforced. Miss it and your right to compensation disappears forever, no matter how strong your case or how clear the negligence.

There are limited exceptions. If the deceased was a minor, different rules may apply. Claims against government entities have even shorter deadlines (180 to 270 days depending on whether it’s local or state government).

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Insurance companies use delays against you. Contact Pavlack Law immediately at 317-733-5171.

Damages Available in Indiana Wrongful Death Cases

What compensation can your family recover? It depends on your loved one’s status and their relationships.

For Adults with Dependents:

• Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost wages and income the deceased would have earned
• Loss of love and companionship
• Loss of guidance and counsel

For Unmarried Adults Without Dependents:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of love and companionship (capped at $300,000 under Indiana Code 34-23-1-2)

You can’t recover for lost earnings in these cases. The law limits compensation.

For Children:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Loss of the child’s services
• Loss of the child’s love and companionship
• Counseling services required by parents or minor siblings
• No cap on damages for child wrongful death cases

Estate vs. Beneficiary Distribution:
Medical, hospital, funeral, and burial expenses go to the estate to pay those bills. The remainder goes to eligible beneficiaries (spouse, dependent children, etc.) and is distributed like personal property.

What Compensation Can Your Family Recover?

While no amount of money replaces your loved one, Indiana law provides compensation for the financial and emotional losses your family has suffered.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses:
All reasonable medical and hospital expenses your loved one incurred for the injury or illness that caused their death. Emergency room treatment. Surgery. Hospitalization. Medications. Diagnostic tests. Any other medical care related to the fatal injury.

Funeral and Burial Expenses:
Reasonable costs for your loved one’s funeral service, burial or cremation, casket or urn, cemetery plot, headstone, and related expenses.

Lost Earnings and Income:
If your loved one had dependents, you can recover compensation for the wages and income they would have earned over their lifetime. This calculation considers their age, health, life expectancy, occupation, earning history, and potential for advancement.

For a 35-year-old with dependents earning $60,000 annually, lost earnings over a 30-year work life could exceed $1.8 million. That’s not accounting for raises and promotions.

Loss of Benefits:
Health insurance, retirement contributions, and other employment benefits your loved one provided to the family.

Non-Economic Damages

Loss of Love and Companionship:
Compensation for the emotional support, comfort, companionship, care, protection, and affection your loved one provided. For unmarried adults without dependents, this is capped at $300,000. For others? There’s no cap.

Loss of Guidance and Counsel:
Particularly important when a parent dies. Children lose not just financial support but also guidance, mentorship, and counsel throughout their lives.

Loss of Household Services:
The value of services your loved one provided, like childcare, home maintenance, meal preparation, and other contributions to the household.

What You Can’t Recover in Indiana

Indiana law specifically prohibits recovery for grief. While the emotional pain is real and devastating, you can’t recover damages solely for the grief experienced by survivors.

Punitive damages (meant to punish the defendant) are generally not available in wrongful death cases in Indiana except in very limited circumstances.

The Wrongful Death Claims Process in Carmel

Understanding what to expect can help reduce some of the stress during this difficult time.

Step 1: Free Consultation with Pavlack Law

Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. We’ll listen to what happened. Review any documentation you have. Discuss Indiana wrongful death law and how it applies to your situation. Answer all your questions. Provide an honest assessment of your case.

We can meet at our office, by phone, or at your home if traveling is too difficult right now.

Step 2: Opening the Estate and Appointing Personal Representative

If your loved one’s estate hasn’t been opened yet, we’ll guide you through the probate process. Someone needs to be appointed as personal representative before the wrongful death lawsuit can be filed.

We work closely with probate attorneys (or can connect you with experienced probate counsel) to handle this efficiently.

Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We immediately begin investigating your loved one’s death. Obtaining police reports and accident scene documentation. Collecting comprehensive medical records. Interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh. Consulting with relevant experts (accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, etc.). Identifying all potentially liable parties. Researching insurance coverage available.

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Witnesses become unavailable. We act fast to preserve everything needed to prove your case.

Step 4: Filing the Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Once we’ve gathered sufficient evidence and the personal representative has been appointed, we file the wrongful death lawsuit within Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations.

The lawsuit identifies all defendants, establishes their negligence or wrongful conduct, details the damages your family has suffered, and demands compensation.

Step 5: Discovery and Case Building

Discovery is the process where both sides exchange information and documents. We’ll request maintenance logs, employment records, training documents, internal communications, and anything else relevant to proving negligence.

We take depositions (sworn testimony) of defendants, witnesses, and experts. We continue building the strongest possible case for your family.

Step 6: Settlement Negotiations

Most wrongful death cases settle before trial. That’s often in your family’s best interest. Settlement avoids the stress, time, and uncertainty of trial. It provides compensation more quickly.

But we only recommend settlement when the offer is fair and reflects the true value of your claim.

Insurance companies make lowball offers. They count on grieving families accepting less than they deserve. We don’t let that happen. We negotiate aggressively from a position of strength. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial if necessary.

Step 7: Trial (If Necessary)

If we can’t negotiate a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. Our 50 years of combined courtroom experience means we know how to present compelling evidence, cross-examine defense witnesses effectively, and deliver persuasive arguments to juries.

Most cases that go to trial in Carmel and Hamilton County are heard in Hamilton County Superior Court.

Step 8: Distribution of Recovery

When we secure a settlement or verdict, we handle distribution according to Indiana law. Medical, funeral, and burial expenses go to the estate first. The remainder is distributed to eligible beneficiaries (spouse, dependent children, etc.).

We ensure everyone receives what they’re entitled to under Indiana law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a wrongful death lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. No consultation fees. No retainers. No hourly bills. We advance all case costs. You only pay if we recover compensation for your family.

If we don’t win? You owe nothing.

Your family is already under financial stress. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Indiana?

Two years from the date of your loved one’s death. This deadline is strictly enforced. There are limited exceptions (minors, government claims with shorter deadlines).

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly. Contact us immediately.

Who can file a wrongful death lawsuit?

For adults, only the personal representative of the estate can file. For children (unmarried, under 20, or under 23 if in college), the parents file. Even if you’re a surviving spouse or child, you can’t file on your own. The law requires the personal representative to bring the case.

Who receives the compensation?

It depends. For adults with dependents, the spouse and dependent children receive most of the compensation. For unmarried adults without dependents, non-dependent parents or adult children can receive compensation (but it’s capped).

Medical and funeral expenses go to the estate first, then the remainder is distributed to beneficiaries.

Can I sue if my loved one was partially at fault?

Possibly. Indiana follows modified comparative fault. If your loved one was 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, but compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. If they were 51% or more at fault? You can’t recover anything.

We investigate thoroughly to establish the true facts and minimize any claims of contributory fault.

What if the person responsible doesn’t have insurance?

We evaluate all potential sources of recovery. Multiple parties may be liable. There may be umbrella policies. We pursue every avenue to secure compensation for your family.

How long does a wrongful death case take?

It varies. Some cases settle within months. Others take a year or longer, especially if they go to trial. Complex medical malpractice or product liability cases typically take longer than straightforward car accident cases.

We work as efficiently as possible while building the strongest case for maximum recovery.

Can we sue if our child was killed?

Yes. If your child was unmarried and under 20 (or under 23 if enrolled in college or technical school), you as parents can file a wrongful death claim. Indiana law provides compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of your child’s services, love and companionship, and counseling services needed by parents or minor siblings.

There’s no cap on damages in child wrongful death cases.

What if our loved one died in a medical malpractice incident?

Medical malpractice wrongful death cases are complex. They require extensive medical expert testimony, review of medical records, and proof that healthcare providers fell below the accepted standard of care.

We’ve recovered $1,800,000 in a medical malpractice wrongful death case and have experience with these challenging claims. Indiana has special procedures and damage caps for medical malpractice cases that differ from other wrongful death claims.

Should we accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Almost certainly not without having a lawyer review it first. Initial offers are typically far below what your claim is worth. Insurance companies count on grieving families accepting quick money without understanding the full value of their loss.

Once you accept and sign a release? You can’t reopen the claim later. Let us review any offer before you consider accepting.

About Pavlack Law: Experienced Wrongful Death Representation

Attorney Eric Pavlack has devoted his entire legal career to representing injured people and grieving families throughout Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University in 1996 with a B.S. in Biology, then earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1999. He’s practiced personal injury and wrongful death law exclusively since entering the profession.

Credentials and Recognition

Bar Admissions:

• State of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Professional Memberships:

• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indianapolis Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Awards and Honors:

• Super Lawyers (2015-2025)
• Super Lawyers Rising Star (2009, 2011-2013)

Attorney Pavlack’s legal work has been featured in prominent media outlets including IndyStar, WRTV Indianapolis, WFYI Public Media, Chicago Tribune, and FOX59 Indianapolis. His cases have addressed significant legal issues affecting families throughout Indiana.

A Personal Commitment to Justice

Eric didn’t choose wrongful death and personal injury law by accident. He entered this field because he’s genuinely committed to helping families navigate the most difficult times in their lives. He understands that behind every wrongful death case is a family dealing with devastating loss, genuine grief, and overwhelming uncertainty about the future.

He and his wife Lorrie are proud parents of two college students. When he’s not advocating for clients, Eric enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, home improvement projects and woodworking, sports, and playing guitar in bands.

This personal approach shapes how we operate the entire firm. We treat every family with the respect, compassion, and attention they deserve during the most painful time of their lives.

Serving Throughout Carmel and Hamilton County

Carmel is home to approximately 102,000 residents. It’s recognized for its excellent quality of life, thriving arts community, and strong economy. Unfortunately, growth and increased traffic also bring higher risks of fatal accidents.

We’ve represented families who lost loved ones in accidents throughout Carmel and Hamilton County. On Interstate 465. U.S. Route 31. State Road 431 (Michigan Road). State Road 32 (136th Street). Keystone Parkway. Range Line Road.

Important Local Resources

Carmel Police Department
3 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
317-571-2500

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
18100 Cumberland Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-776-2617

Hamilton County Coroner’s Office
18100 Cumberland Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-776-9822

Hamilton County Superior Courts
One Hamilton County Square
Noblesville, IN 46060-2229

Areas We Serve

While our office is located in Indianapolis, we represent families who’ve lost loved ones throughout Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Indianapolis, all of Hamilton County, Marion County, and Central Indiana.

Take Action Today: Protect Your Family’s Rights

If you’ve lost a loved one in Carmel or Hamilton County due to someone else’s negligence, time is critical. Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations means you must act before the deadline expires.

Evidence disappears. Witnesses become unavailable. Insurance companies use delays against you.

Don’t attempt to navigate this alone. You’re grieving. You’re overwhelmed. You need someone who understands both the legal complexities and the emotional weight of what you’re going through.

Here’s what Pavlack Law offers:

• Free consultation with absolutely no obligation
• Compassionate legal representation during the most difficult time of your life
• 50 years of combined experience in wrongful death cases
• Proven results including multi-million dollar settlements
• Direct attorney access (you’ll work with experienced lawyers, not support staff)
• Zero financial risk (no fees unless we win)
• Trial-ready advocacy in Indiana state and federal courts

Contact Pavlack Law Today

Call us anytime at: 317-733-5171

Or visit our office:
Pavlack Law Firm
8955 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46217

We’re available 24/7 for emergencies. If you can’t travel due to your grief or other circumstances, we’ll come to you.

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your family during this vulnerable time. Don’t miss your opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable. Don’t let the statute of limitations expire.

Contact Pavlack Law today for your free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on grieving and supporting your family.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling.

We can’t bring your loved one back. But we can fight for justice and the financial security your family deserves.