Personal Injury

Our experience working with accident victims has shown us first-hand the physical and emotional suffering collisions can cause.

The decisions you make following a collision are vital and can have a substantial effect on your future. We can offer our knowledge to help guide you through the complex legal procedures and issues involved in pursuing your claims. This will enable you to focus on recovering from your injuries.

What to do following a Car Accident:

We recommend taking the following steps after an accident to comply with the law, and preserve your claims, and the claims of your family members:

• Remain at the scene of the accident if anyone has suffered an injury or significant property damage and call the police for help.
  The police will help investigate the crash, can call for medical help if needed, and create a report documenting the details of the collision.
• Seek medical treatment.
  It is vital that you seek professional help as soon as you can after an accident, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Your care providers can then assess your injuries, document them, and develop a plan of care. This is important not only for your own well-being, but also to protect any potential injury claims you may have.
• Take photographs and notes.
  Taking photographs at the scene of an accident can be very helpful for your case, especially if the police were not called. Photos after you have left the scene, which document your injuries and damage to the vehicles should also be taken, if possible.

  Take notes as soon as possible about what you remember following the accident, and write down the names and contact information for any witnesses. This information will be helpful in building your case later, and protecting your claims.

• Keep your medical and therapy records and bills.
  Also, be sure to record the mileage you log to and from these visits.
• Keep a record of the time you miss from work.
  This is important even if you are paid for the time you missed.
• Ask an attorney when selecting an auto repair garage.
  Many times, insurance companies recommend “preferred” garages, which serve their interests, instead of yours.
• Do not cash insurance checks or sign releases without speaking to an attorney.
  Your attorney can advise you regarding the terms of any settlement offers and releases the insurance company wants you to sign. Seek this advice before making any decisions.

How long do I have to file a Car Accident claim?

In Wisconsin, in most cases, people injured in car accidents have three years from the date of the crash to file lawsuit. There are exceptions to this rule, however. If a government employee is at fault for the collision, for example, the injured person must send written notice of their claim to the appropriate government agency within 120 days, or they could lose their right to file a lawsuit.

You should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a collision, so that he or she can advise you about the deadlines for your particular case, and help you to file your claims on time.

Bicycle accidents often result in serious injury to the cyclist, especially when involving a collision with a vehicle. These collisions are frequently caused by distracted driving, or drivers simply not keeping an eye out for cyclists in bike lanes or the roadway.

Victims of bicycle accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of another may be entitled to bring a claim for financial compensation for their injuries, including: their medical expenses, property damage, time lost from work, physical pain or emotional suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and reduced earning capacity.

A personal injury attorney can help you to protect your claims after a bicycle accident, and advise you about the steps to take, so that you can focus on your medical care and healing.

What to do following a Bicycle Accident:

We recommend taking the following steps after a bicycle accident to comply with the law, and preserve your claims:

• Remain at the scene of the accident if anyone has suffered an injury or significant property damage and call the police for help.
  The police will help investigate the crash, can call for medical help if needed, and create a report documenting the details of the collision.
• Seek medical treatment.
  It is vital that you seek professional help as soon as you can after an accident, no matter how minor your injuries may seem. Your care providers can then assess your injuries, document them, and develop a plan of care. This is important not only for your own well-being, but also to protect any potential injury claims you may have.
• Take photographs and notes.
  Taking photographs at the scene of an accident can be very helpful for your case, especially if the police were not called. Photos after you have left the scene, which document your injuries and damage to your bicycle or other personal property should also be taken, if possible.

  Take notes as soon as possible about what you remember following the accident and write down the names and contact information for any witnesses. This information will be helpful in building your case and protecting your claims.

• Gather insurance information.
  Be certain to obtain the insurance information from the driver of the vehicle or motorcycle that struck you. Especially in cases where the police were not called, it can be difficult to obtain this information later.
• Keep your medical and therapy records and bills.
  Also, be sure to record the mileage you log to and from these visits.
• Keep a record of the time you miss from work.
  This is important even if you are paid for the time you missed.

Slipping or tripping and falling due to a hazardous condition on private property or a place of business can often lead to severe injuries. Unfortunately, these cases present complicated legal issues in Wisconsin, and can be extremely difficult to navigate without legal representation. If you have suffered an injury after slipping or tripping and falling due to a property or business owner’s carelessness, an experienced personal injury attorney can help advise you about your potential claims, and the steps to take to ensure you are properly compensated.

What are some common causes of Slip / Trip & Fall Injuries?

Slip/trip and fall injuries happen frequently, on all types of properties and in all types of businesses, for a multitude of reasons. Some common causes of these injuries include:

• Failure to maintain a property in a safe manner
  Loose handrails, broken stairways, or cracks/holes in pavement can all lead to serious injury if not corrected in a timely and thorough manner.
• Inadequate visibility
  Poor lighting, or lack of visual cues on stairways or curbs can make navigating dark areas or changes in floor surfaces particularly hazardous.
• Failure to remove hazards or correct dangerous conditions
  Spills, leaks, clutter in store aisles, or improperly stocked store shelves are also common causes of slip/trip fall injuries, and present particularly challenging legal issues.
• Failure to properly remove snow and ice
  Slipping on ice is a very common occurrence in Wisconsin, and an experienced attorney can advise you regarding your potential claims when a business or property owner fails to adequately remove snow or ice from their premises.

As our loved ones age, finding proper care for them can be an incredibly difficult and emotional process for the entire family, especially when this involves moving them from their home to a long-term care facility or nursing home.

Unfortunately, these facilities are often under-funded, short-staffed, and have high turnover rates, resulting inadequately trained staff, poor hiring practices, lack of supervision, and overall deficient care. In such an environment, neglect and and/or abuse, and breaches of the residents’ rights can easily occur.

If your loved one has been injured or suffered abuse or neglect as a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, who can advise you as to your loved one’s rights, and how to proceed with bringing a claim against those responsible.

What are some common signs of Nursing Home Neglect and/or Abuse?

• Bed sores / Pressure sores
• Malnutrition & dehydration
• Repeated falls
• Unexplained bruises, abrasions, welts, lacerations, or other physical injuries
• Poor hygiene
• Errors in medication administration
• Depression, emotional withdrawal, or lack of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies/activities