Craig R. Van Schouwen
Attorney/Partner
Assistant Name:
Jennifer Bryant
Paralegal:
Kathleen Albrecht

Areas of Practice:

--Plaintiffs' Workers' Compensation

Professional Credentials:

--J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 1991
--B.S., Business, Indiana University Northwest, 1988
--Illiana Christian High School

Bar Admission:

--Indiana, 1991
--U.S. District Court, Northern & Southern Districts of Indiana

--Member, Workers' Compensation Committee, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

Bar Associations:

--Porter County Bar Association
--Association of American Trial Lawyers
--Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
--Workplace Injury Litigation Group

Publications:

--Pocket Guide to Indiana Workers' Compensation
--Social Security Disability -- Coordination of Benefits
--The Independent Medical Examination: An Overview from the Plaintiff's Perspective

Personal:

--Born in Harvey, Illinois, Oct. 1, 1964

An attorney/partner, Craig Van Schouwen concentrates his practice in plaintiffs' Workers' Compensation law. He is a frequent lecturer and conducts seminars to educate workers about their rights and benefits. A former insurance defense attorney, Mr. Van Schouwen "changed hats" in 1995 when he joined the Valparaiso law firm. He has represented injured workers across the nation since that time.

A passionate advocate for his clients, Mr. Van Schouwen takes pride in helping people get the medical treatment and benefits they need. Understanding that the Workers' Compensation system "isn't perfect," Mr. Van Schouwen participates in activities directed at strengthening that system.

A Lake County native, Mr. Van Schouwen originally went to Indiana University Northwest in Gary to learn to be an accountant. His career course changed when he was inspired by an attorney who taught a business law course.

Committed to helping the families of injured workers, Mr. Van Schouwen serves on the board of directors of Kids' Chance, a national organization of attorneys, insurance executives, union representatives and Workers' Compensation Board members, that provides scholarship funding for children whose parent has been injured in a catastrophic workplace accident.

A runner, Mr. Van Schouwen has participated in three Chicago Marathons and is also active in coaching youth sports.