How Long Do I Have in Wisconsin to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Wisconsin’s statute of limitations generally allows three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. You should contact an attorney at LawtonCates for the filing date that applies to your specific case. If you fail to file on time, it may result in losing the right to recover the compensation you deserve. By consulting our Madison personal injury law firm as soon as possible after sustaining injuries, we will help ensure you do not miss any crucial deadlines.
How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?
The length of personal injury cases can vary significantly. If injuries are minor and the identities of the at-fault parties are clear, the case could settle within a few weeks. However, what initially seems to be a minor accident can eventually turn out to be far more significant, and insurance disputes can make simple cases far more complex. For this reason, many personal injury cases can take several months or a year or longer to conclude.
In cases involving severe injuries, waiting until the injured individual reaches maximum medical improvement (the point at which further treatment won’t improve their condition) is often advisable to understand the extent of their medical expenses and other losses. Such cases can last a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary.
Regardless of how long a case is expected to last, retaining the services of an experienced personal injury attorney in Madison can help make your case more efficient. It can also optimize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?
For your claim to be successful, you must demonstrate that another party acted unreasonably or failed to act reasonably and that their action/inaction led to an accident that directly caused your injuries. You must be able to prove that the accident and your injuries resulted in demonstrable losses.
Proving these elements requires evidence. A seasoned attorney from LawtonCates will investigate the incident, compile documentation, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a solid case on your behalf.
What Are Common Personal Injury Cases?
Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include:
- Car Accidents – Negligent driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving cause thousands of accidents and injuries each year. Because they happen so frequently, auto accident claims almost always come at the top when attorneys list the types of personal injury cases they take on.
- Premises Liability – Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is reasonably safe for visitors. Slips and falls, swimming pool injuries, assaults due to poor security, and unsecured railings can lead to premises liability claims.
- Medical Malpractice – From surgical mistakes to misdiagnoses of serious illnesses to medication errors, medical negligence can cause severe harm. Medical malpractice claims hold healthcare providers accountable.
- Workplace Injuries – Employers must maintain safe working conditions free from hazards. Claims may involve injuries from defective machinery, falls, or repetitive strain.
- Defective Products – When a dangerously defective product injures someone, the manufacturer may be held liable. Some common defective product claims involve auto parts, medical devices, or products made for children.
- Dog Attacks – Dog owners may be held liable for injury-related losses when their animal attacks someone.
What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?
Accident victims suffer a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. Some examples include:
- Broken Bones – Fractures requiring surgery and extended recovery periods are common after falls, car accidents, and other trauma.
- Back and Neck Injuries – Herniated discs, pinched nerves, whiplash, and spinal cord damage often stem from auto collisions and falls. They can result in chronic pain and disability.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Head trauma after collisions, workplace accidents, or falls can damage the brain, impairing cognition, personality, speech, and emotion regulation.
- Burn Injuries – Victims of fires, chemical exposures, scalding liquids, or electrical shocks may suffer severe skin damage and scarring.
- Amputations – The traumatic loss of limbs can happen in accidents involving heavy machinery, manufacturing equipment, and power tools.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Car crashes, assaults, abuse, and other trauma can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, and behavioral changes.
- Wrongful Death – The worst cases result in fatalities from incidents like medical errors, dangerous premises, defective products, and auto or workplace accidents. Surviving family members can file claims for compensation.
Contact a Madison Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence, LawtonCates can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form for a free case review with a personal injury lawyer in Madison.
