Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Milwaukee

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

  Call the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-933-4444 for non-emergency situations.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

  You can get police reports by visiting the Open Records Office Counter of the police station at 2333 N. 49th Street in Milwaukee. The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may also email requests at mpdopenrecords@milwaukee.gov, or call 414-935-7502 for more details.

• How do you file personal injury claims against the city of Milwaukee?

  Submit the documents for personal injury claims against the city of Milwaukee at the claims section of the City Clerk's Office in Room 205 at 200 E. Wells St. The submission must be done within 120 days from the date of the incident and must include proof of the claim's requested amount, the contact information of the claimant, and a detailed description of the incident.

• Would you still be able to recover compensation if you were partly at fault in a Milwaukee accident?

  Yes. Under Wisconsin's contributory negligence rules, a person may still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault in the accident, provided their share of the blame does not exceed 50%. If a person is more than 50% at fault in a Milwaukee accident, they are prohibited from recovering any compensation at all.

• What happens after you have already cashed in or deposited your settlement check in a personal injury case in Milwaukee?

  After you have already cashed in or deposited your settlement check from the insurance company, you will no longer be able to pursue compensation from the insurer further, even if you should have been given more than you received. Thus, it is best to consult with a lawyer prior to accepting any settlement from the insurance company for your personal injury claim in Milwaukee.

• How can you get an interpreter for your court hearing of a personal injury case in Milwaukee?

  Contact Milwaukee County's clerk of the court where the hearing of your personal injury case is set and inform the staff that you need an interpreter. Visit the clerk of court counter to request an interpreter or complete Form GF-149, which can be downloaded from the court's website, to submit a request.

• What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Milwaukee?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Milwaukee is three years, which means a lawsuit must be filed or a claim must be settled within this period to obtain compensation. There are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the case is for wrongful death, the suit must be filed within two years of the victim's death. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.