Serious injuries often occur when we least expect them, and they usually leave us with mounting medical bills, missed days of work, and urgent questions about what to do next. When someone else’s negligence directly leads to life-changing injuries, victims need the help of an attorney to fight for their rights.
At LawtonCates, our DeForest personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping people who shouldn’t be left to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s negligence by themselves. If this is you, you deserve a trusted attorney with a reputation for service, strength, and results. That is precisely what our team will bring to you.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Personal Injuries in DeForest?
Personal injuries often leave victims in harrowing situations. Even a minor fall could cause medical complications and require multiple surgeries to recover fully. In DeForest, there are several common causes of these injuries, including:
- Car Accidents – Highway 51 is a hot spot for severe crashes in Wisconsin, but accidents can happen on roads of all types.
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents – These typically result from liquid spills, uneven flooring, or unmarked steps. Slip-and-fall accidents are common in grocery stores, on sidewalks, and in private.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents – Common near residential areas and schools, these accidents often lead to devastating injuries.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks – Accidents involving an untrained or historically aggressive animal lead to emotional trauma as well as physical trauma for personal injury victims.
- Workplace Injuries – Employers are required to provide a safe environment for their employees, regardless of their occupation. Failing to meet these standards often results in workers’ compensation claims with employers who don’t want to pay out.
No matter where the incident happens or what kind of accident it is, the victim can face severe consequences. Surgeries, rehabilitation, and significant medical bills only scratch the surface of the aftermath the victim has to handle.
What Laws Govern My Personal Injury Claim?
Wisconsin courts use a standard called comparative negligence that influences the outcomes of personal injury claims. This standard allows victims to pursue compensation even if they are partially at fault, so long as they aren’t more than 50 percent at fault.
For instance, if you are the victim of a drunk driving accident but you were going over the speed limit at the time of the crash, the courts will likely assign some fault to you. However, they will also likely assign the greater portion of fault to the drunk driver, which gives you the ability to pursue compensation that is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Wisconsin also has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim. It’s worth noting that there are exceptions that both extend and reduce that timeframe, so it’s vital to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to prevent your case from being dismissed due to a missed deadline.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
Generally, you know if you have a valid personal injury case as long as a negligent party directly caused your injury. You must be able to prove that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- That negligence caused your injury
- You suffered measurable damages as a result
A “duty of care” comes in many forms. It can be a grocery store owner who should have known about and cleaned a spill, a driver who should have sobered up before getting behind the wheel, or a dog owner who didn’t leash their animal. However, each scenario requires evidence to prove your claim. Injury attorneys in DeForest, WI, can help you gather this evidence during their investigations.
What Steps Should I Take After Suffering a Personal Injury in DeForest?
You should take several steps after suffering a personal injury to protect your claim. These steps help lay the foundation of a strong case. You should:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries. This will establish a medical record of your injuries and treatment.
- Document everything, including photographing the accident scene and gathering contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before you’ve talked to an attorney. They are trained to twist your words and minimize your claim.
- Speak to a personal injury lawyer in DeForest who can help you fight for compensation.
Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories can fade, so act soon after the accident. If you’re unable to gather certain types of evidence, your personal injury lawyer can gather it for you. This is why it is essential to have one on your side while recovering from your injuries.
What Compensation Could I Be Eligible to Receive?
Compensation depends on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries. You may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damage
If the injury results in a wrongful death, your family may also pursue damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
To understand the value of your case, it’s best to speak directly with a personal injury law firm in DeForest. They will listen to the details of your situation and determine which compensation types you’re eligible to pursue and what a reasonable compensation amount looks like.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer in DeForest, WI Help Me?
When you are injured, you’re likely to first file a claim with the insurance company. However, insurance adjusters will do everything they can to settle your claim for less than its worth and even deny it outright. A skilled personal injury attorney in Wisconsin will fight for you to protect your rights.
At LawtonCates, we:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence
- Handle all negotiations with the insurance companies
- File your claim and represent you in court
- Will keep you updated on the entire process
LawtonCates has helped our clients recover millions in personal injury settlements and verdicts, and we’re ready to help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us seek justice for you.