Personal Injury (Trial-First Representation in Indiana)
When someone else’s negligence injures you, you need a trial lawyer who actually prepares cases for court—not just quick settlements. Matthew W. Chapel is a Fort Wayne-based trial lawyer licensed in Indiana (and Ohio) with advanced trial training (NITA Master Advocate; Trial Lawyers College) and a Marine Corps background that translates into disciplined case prep and relentless advocacy.
Cases We Handle
- Motor-vehicle crashes (car, motorcycle, truck)
- Pedestrian & bicycle injuries
- Premises liability (slip/trip, negligent security)
- Dog bites & animal attacks
- Catastrophic injury (TBI, spinal, burn)
- Wrongful death
Not seeing your situation? Ask for a free case review.
Why Hire a Trial-Focused Lawyer for a PI Claim
- Leverage at the table: Insurers evaluate risk. A lawyer known for trial prep increases settlement leverage.
- Evidence discipline: Rapid scene preservation, black-box/ECM downloads, CCTV subpoenas, medical causation proof.
- Story for the jury: Training from national trial programs helps translate complex facts into a clear, persuasive case narrative.
Our Process (Fast, Practical, No Fluff)
- Free Consultation & Case Screening – timelines, coverage, viability.
- Evidence Lockdown – photos, witness statements, 911/CAD, body-cam where relevant, property & med records.
- Liability & Damages Build-Out – crash reconstruction when needed, treaters/experts, life-care planning for serious injuries.
- Demand Package – clean damages model, ICD/CPT summaries, liens identified.
- Negotiate or File – if the carrier games it, we file.
- Litigation – discovery, motions, mediation; trial when it moves value.
Compensation You Can Pursue
- Medical bills (past/future), lost income/earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and loss of normal life
- Property damage and out-of-pocket costs
- Wrongful death damages (where applicable)
(Nothing here is a promise of outcome; every case is different.)
Service Area
Based in Fort Wayne and serving clients across Northeast Indiana (Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, Whitley, and surrounding counties). Office: 110 W Berry St, Suite 1904, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
Injured? Get a free consultation today: (260) 387-6236 or use the contact form. Evening/weekend calls accommodated.
FAQs (PI)
How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?
Indiana generally has a statute of limitations that can be as short as two years for most PI claims; certain claims (e.g., against government entities) have notice deadlines that are much shorter. Talk to counsel immediately. (Confirm specifics per case.)
Will my case settle or go to trial?
Most settle—but we prepare like it’s going to trial. That’s leverage.
What does it cost to hire you?
Contingency fee for PI cases (you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless there’s a recovery). Standard costs and terms explained in writing at intake.
Internal Linking
- Criminal Defense hub
- About (credentials: Marine, NITA, Trial Lawyers College).
- Contact Us or review our Blog for more information on sensitive injury topics (statute of limitations, comparative fault, how to handle insurer calls).
