Are you struggling to pay your bills after an accident in Deerfield, Wisconsin? Is whoever caused the accident refusing to compensate you fairly? LawtonCates can take your case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Our Deerfield personal injury lawyers handle all the legal details so you can focus on healing. Call now or complete our online contact form for a free case review and learn about your options.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Deerfield?
One advantage of hiring a Deerfield, WI, personal injury attorney is that your lawyer handles all the legal details. They investigate the accident, document your injuries, file the claim paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement. Your lawyer also prepares your case for trial and presents arguments to a judge or jury if a fair settlement isn’t possible.
The other main benefit of hiring an accident lawyer in Deerfield, Wisconsin, is that they can identify how much compensation you are entitled to and pursue it to the fullest extent. Insurance companies want to keep claim payouts low to protect their profits. They also have large legal teams to dispute your case and work to reduce your compensation. When you hire a lawyer, they can push back against the insurance company and work toward a better settlement.
Why Choose LawtonCates?
LawtonCates has nearly 70 years of experience fighting for Wisconsin’s injured. We don’t accept the insurance company’s (usually insufficient) first offer. Instead, we’ll put in the time and effort to maximize your claim’s value and hold whoever caused your injuries accountable. We also prepare for every case as if it’s headed to trial, which shows the insurance companies we’re prepared to fight for our clients. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured people, and our clients rave about our work on their behalf. Here’s what one client said about their experience with us:
“I am extremely grateful to have had Lawton Cates represent me. From the start, they were not only professional but also compassionate and truly invested in my case. They took the time to explain every detail in a way that made me feel confident and at ease. Their expertise and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the process, and they always kept me informed and updated. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was able to achieve a positive outcome. I highly recommend Attorney Polich to anyone seeking skilled, trustworthy legal representation!” — Jeff Wolf.
Types of Personal Injuries We Handle
Our personal injury law firm in Deerfield handles many kinds of cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Defective products
- Wrongful death claims
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
Whether you have a valid personal injury case depends on whether someone else’s negligence caused your injury. You must also have suffered measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost income, or lasting physical or emotional effects. To build a strong case, you must connect your injury directly to the accident and the other party’s carelessness or wrongdoing. Evidence like medical records, accident reports, video footage, or eyewitness statements can help prove fault and your losses. Because every case is unique, you should speak with a lawyer to better understand your options for seeking financial compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Wisconsin?
Under Wisconsin law, you typically have three years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are some exceptions, though. For example, the deadline for wrongful death lawsuits related to fatal car accidents is two years from the date your family member died. You might also have more time to file if your injuries occurred when you were a minor or if the person responsible for your injuries fled the state. A Deerfield personal injury lawyer can review your case and tell you what deadlines apply.
How to Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
You should let a lawyer gather evidence to support your personal injury case and present it in the best light. That said, some common types of evidence in personal injury cases include:
- Video footage – Surveillance cameras, dash cams, or cellphone recordings can capture the accident as it happened and refute claims that you caused your injuries.
- Eyewitness accounts – People who saw the incident can confirm important details about how it occurred. For example, an eyewitness may have seen a distracted driver looking at their phone or drifting within their lane.
- Photographs – Pictures of the scene, your injuries, or property damage provide a visual timeline to show the severity of the incident and its impact on your life.
- Medical records – Hospital charts, doctor’s notes, and test results document the nature and extent of your injuries. They also show the treatment you received and the cost of your medical care.
- Expert testimony – Accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and other experts can explain complex details in plain terms to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who is responsible.
- Police or accident reports – Official reports often include observations from the responding officer, any citations they issued, or statements from those involved in your case. For instance, many insurance companies require police reports in auto accident claims so they have a baseline account of the collision.
Factors That Impact Settlement Amounts
Some factors that can influence the amount of your personal injury settlement include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you contributed to the crash
- Whether your injuries caused long-term disabilities
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The incident’s long-term effects, such as your pain and suffering
- Your attorney’s skill and experience
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Possibly, but likely not. The vast majority of personal injury cases end in settlements. Trials are expensive, time-consuming, and risky for everyone involved, as juries are unpredictable. Insurance companies typically prefer the lower costs and certain outcome of a settlement. Likewise, a settlement provides you with the money you need more quickly. A trial may be necessary, though, if whoever caused your injuries or their insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer. Preparing for trial, even if one is unlikely, also shows the insurance companies that you’re serious about protecting your rights.
Contact Our Deerfield WI Personal Injury Attorneys Today
A Deerfield personal injury attorney is your best ally in your fight for fair compensation. Call LawtonCates today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.