Edward Charles Lawhead | Highland Accident & Injury Lawyer

• Member of:
• Lake County Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association
• National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Reatives.
  present

• Member of the Indiana State Bar since .
  2007

One of the most significant cases I've been involved in was a Indiana worker's compensation case that went up to the Court of Appeals in 2012 that set the standard for how all of the judges are to interpret work-related injuries that involve risk (i.e. personal risk, neutral risk, work-related risk). I was successful in arguing that my client was injured as the result of a compensable neutral risk, as opposed to a personal risk. My case clarified the ambiguity that existed with respect to an earlier case on the issue, as well as a 2006 statutory amendment. I continue to field calls and questions about this case almost 4 years since the Court of Appeals ruled in our favor.

My partners and I have built a successful practice through hard work, compassion, and diligent advocacy.

Clients should look for a lawyer who they "connect" with, meaning someone who they trust completely and are able to communicate openly with. Many cases are derailed by a lack of communication and/or a breakdown in trust.

Local knowledge is extremely important to cases, particularly so with worker's compensation cases because the various judges' respective positions can vary on the exact same evidence so you must have an understanding of how a potential judge will rule on the evidence presented. To broaden that further into the Social Security Disability realm, you must also possess an understanding of how a particular judge conducts his/her hearings, what evidence they focus on, and what testimony you need to get out of your client to prove the claim.

I will give a fair and honest assessment of the case in our initial phone consultation. I will listen to every aspect of the circumstances that led the individual to need to speak to a lawyer and analyze the best course of action moving forward. Discussing realistic expectations, including pros and cons of a case, are crucial during the initial conversation.

What I refer to as the ""basics"" of any initial phone conference are: type of injury, mechanism of injury, when the injury occurred, treatment received to date, treatment prognosis, reporting of the injury, lost wages, medical bills, insurance information.

I believe the way I can empathize with my clients sets me apart from most. I truly care what the client is going through and I always strive to do my absolute best to achieve the best possible outcome. As an injury and disability lawyer, my goal is to take on the burdens that my clients should not be carrying because they already have too much on their plate to deal with.

My greatest satisfaction is seeing a client recover from an injury and return as closely as possible to his/her pre-injury status, which is the goal of Indiana worker's compensation. With respect to my disability clients, I get tremendous satisfaction in knowing that when I get them approved for benefits, at least some of the financial and medical strain is alleviated because now they will have a steady source of income and eventually health insurance through the federal government, if they do not qualify immediately upon approval.

My family first and foremost. I have been married for over 17 years and we have 3 beautiful and intelligent daughters that keep us on our toes. I love going to their various events and coaching my middle daughter's travel soccer team.

I am on the Board of our local soccer club and I try to attend as many of the local charitable events as I can in my community.