Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?
Many people have concerns that they may have been partially responsible for their injuries, as they worry that would prevent them from recovering compensation. Fortunately, Wisconsin law holds that as long as your degree of fault for an accident is less than 51 percent, you can recover compensation for your injuries.
That said, your compensation in these situations is reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can gather evidence to minimize your degree of fault and maximize your potential compensation after an accident.
How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?
It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate within days or weeks, making it much harder to prove your case and recover the money you need. Furthermore, you have a limited window to take legal action after an accident, or else you lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. The sooner you speak to a LawtonCates lawyer, the more they can do for you, and the better your chances are of winning your case.
How Long Do I Have in Wisconsin to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date you sustained your injuries. In other words, you have three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this deadline, and you should contact an attorney at LawtonCates to find out the filing date specific to your case.
If you miss the deadline, the courts will most likely dismiss your case, meaning you will lose your right to demand compensation for your injuries. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you don’t lose your right to file a lawsuit.
How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?
It’s difficult to say how long a personal injury case will last until we have a chance to investigate the underlying facts. Some cases conclude within a few weeks or months, while others take several years, especially if they go to trial. The factors that influence the timeline of a personal injury claim include:
- Severity of Injuries – Cases involving more severe injuries may take longer to resolve, as it’s crucial to fully understand the extent of the injuries and their long-term impact before reaching a settlement.
- Complexity of the Case – Cases with multiple involved parties or disputed facts require more time for thorough investigation and evidence gathering, which can extend the timeline.
- The Claim’s Value – Claims involving extensive losses often lead to more resistance from insurance companies or defendants, leading to prolonged negotiations or a trial.
- Willingness to Settle – The readiness of both parties to reach a settlement can significantly affect the case duration. Unwillingness to compromise may result in a trial, extending the timeline.
- Court Backlog – The caseload of the court where a plaintiff (the injured party) files a lawsuit can impact the timeline. A congested court schedule can delay trial dates and other important hearings.
- Appeals – The case may be significantly prolonged should either party decide to appeal the court’s decision, as the appeals process involves additional hearings and legal scrutiny.
What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?
Winning a personal injury claim in Wisconsin requires you to prove someone caused your injuries through their intentional actions, careless behavior, strict liability, or other legal fault. To do so, your lawyer will gather and assemble compelling evidence, such as:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Video surveillance footage
- Expert witness testimony
- Employment and wage records
- Property damage reports
- Personal journals or diaries documenting the injury’s impact
- Correspondence with insurance companies
What Are Some Common Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury cases in Wisconsin come in many forms. Some common personal injury cases we handle at our firm include:
- Car accident cases
- Slip-and-fall cases
- Medical malpractice cases
- Workplace accident cases
- Product liability cases
- Dog bite cases
- Cases involving assaults and other acts of intentional harm
- Wrongful death cases, for the families of injury victims who do not survive
What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?
Personal injury cases in Wisconsin involve many different injuries, but some of the most common injuries we at LawtonCates see include:
- Internal injuries
- Dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Severe injuries can have long-lasting consequences on a victim’s physical, emotional, and physical well-being. A personal injury claim is often the best way to secure the financial means to offset these consequences and move on with dignity and hope for the future.
Contact a Jefferson, WI, Personal Injury Attorney Today
Have you been injured in Jefferson, Wisconsin? Do you suspect someone else was to blame? No matter the type of accident or incident, the Jefferson personal injury lawyers at LawtonCates can handle the legal proceedings and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Call us today or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case review.
