If you suffered injuries in an accident in Cottage Grove, you could be entitled to compensation under Wisconsin law. Unfortunately, securing the compensation you deserve can be an uphill battle. Insurance companies are rarely eager to pay. Reaching out to an attorney for guidance can help you navigate challenges like these.

Whether you were injured in an accident on I-94, a slip-and-fall in a local store, or on one of the many construction sites in the area, the legal team at LawtonCates stands ready to fight to protect your rights. We’ve provided personalized and comprehensive support to injury victims since 1958, representing them in nearly every legal forum and demanding maximum compensation on their behalf.

Put us to work for you. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Cottage Grove personal injury lawyer.

Common Types of Personal Injuries in Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove may be a quiet town, but accidents happen — and sometimes, the consequences are devastating. Some of the most common types of injuries our Cottage Grove personal injury attorneys see include:

  • Whiplash
  • Soft-tissue injuries, like sprains and strains
  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Internal injuries
  • Burns
  • Amputation
  • Psychological trauma

An attorney can get started on your legal case while you heal and focus on rebuilding your life. That process includes investigating the accident, determining who may be responsible, and building a compelling personal injury claim seeking maximum compensation.

Why Is it Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Cottage Grove?

You’re already dealing with the challenges of recovery, from medical expenses to missed work. You don’t need to add the burden of pursuing a personal injury case on your own, too. Instead, you can turn to an experienced attorney for help:

Getting legal representation accomplishes more than lightening your workload. An attorney can help craft the strongest possible case, explain the legal process, and develop a strategic plan for pursuing the money you deserve. This support is essential to prevent the other side from taking advantage of you during a vulnerable time.

At LawtonCates, we can:

  • Review your case for free
  • Investigate what happened
  • Gather evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Place a fair value on your case
  • Handle all communications with insurance companies
  • Represent you during settlement negotiations
  • Evaluate the fairness of a settlement offer and challenge unfair claims
  • File a personal injury lawsuit and argue your case in court, if necessary

Consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. In Wisconsin, you generally have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury claim, but exceptions apply. Your attorney can determine the appropriate timeline for your case.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

It’s not always easy to determine whether you have a valid case. You could have grounds to file a claim if:

  • Someone else acted carelessly, recklessly, or deliberately, leading to your injuries.
  • You suffered serious injuries that required medical treatment.
  • Your injuries impact your daily life and/or finances.

Don’t let the insurance company talk you out of filing a claim. Ask a personal injury lawyer in Cottage Grove to assess your case. At LawtonCates, we offer free initial consultations so you don’t have to worry about further financial strain.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Several parties could be responsible for your injuries. It could be someone directly involved in the incident — or someone who wasn’t present but failed to prevent the accident from occurring. Sometimes, more than one party is at fault.

Examples of potentially liable parties include:

  • Drivers
  • Property owners
  • Business owners
  • Employers
  • Manufacturers
  • Government entities

A knowledgeable injury lawyer in Cottage Grove can determine who should be held financially accountable for what happened to you.

What to Do After an Accident in Cottage Grove

You can protect your legal claim in the days and weeks following the incident by:

  • Reporting it – A police report or incident report creates vital documentation to support your case.
  • Documenting the accident scene – Photos, videos, and witness statements can corroborate your version of events.
  • Getting medical treatment – Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Timely medical care can connect your injuries to the accident and protect your health.
  • Keeping careful records – Your ability to recover compensation depends on the proof of your losses. Keep all medical records, financial documents, evidence of lost wages, receipts, bills, invoices, and other relevant documents in an organized file.
  • Contacting a lawyer – A Cottage Grove personal injury attorney can inform you of your rights, build your claim, and help you make informed decisions as you seek justice for your injuries.

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer?

Try not to speak with any insurers before contacting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies strive to protect their profits by requesting recorded statements or making early settlement offers. These tactics can work against you, especially if you suffered long-term injuries and don’t know what their final impact will be on your life.

If an insurance company reaches out to you, you should never:

  • Admit fault
  • Downplay your injuries
  • Accept quick settlements
  • Agree to give a recorded statement
  • Authorize them to access your medical history

Instead, tell the insurer that you plan to speak with a lawyer before offering further information.

How Does the Claims Process Work in Wisconsin?

While each personal injury case is unique, the claims process usually involves:

  • Investigating the incident – Your attorney will investigate the accident, determine what caused it and who may be responsible, then gather the evidence needed to establish liability.
  • Sending a demand letter – Your personal injury lawyer will review the evidence to determine your case’s value and then send a demand letter to the responsible parties outlining your claims.
  • Negotiating a settlement –Your attorney aims to recover a settlement that pays you fairly without the need for litigation. Most personal injury claims settle without going to trial.
  • Going to trial, if necessary – If the insurance companies won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge and jury.

Contact a Cottage Grove Personal Injury Lawyer Today

For nearly 70 years, LawtonCates has fought for the rights of injured clients in Cottage Grove, securing millions in settlements and holding negligent parties accountable. We don’t settle quickly — we work diligently to help our clients pursue full and fair compensation available under Wisconsin personal injury law.

Get the legal assistance you need now. Contact us today for a free consultation.