Tag Archive for: personal injury

I Was Bitten by a Dog – Can I Sue?

Dog Bite

Whether someone likes dogs or not, nobody likes being bitten by one. Unfortunately, dog bites can cause serious, long-lasting physical and psychological injuries including infections, disease, scars, abrasions, “crush wounds”, nerve damage, and a life-long fear of animals. If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation through the Wisconsin court system.

Dog Owners’ Liability in Wisconsin

If you were injured by a dog in Wisconsin, the so-called “dog bite law” – Wisconsin Statutes section 174.02(1) will likely apply.

In layperson’s terms, this law says that dog owners are automatically accountable for their animal’s actions and are responsible for paying the full amount of damages when their dog bites or otherwise injures other people, someone else’s pet, or someone else’s property.

In some situations, the dog’s history of biting others can entitle the victim to a penalty paid by the dog owner.

Compensation for the Victim

After a dog bite injury, expenses can quickly add up. If you are successful in a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you, you may receive compensation to pay for things like:

  • Medical care, including emergency room or urgent care, ambulance fees, first aid, hospital care, surgical procedures (including cosmetic surgery), etc.
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Personal property damaged in the dog attack, such as eyeglasses and clothing
  • Counseling to deal with the psychological trauma that can come from dog bites
  • Loss of earnings while you are under medical and psychological care
  • Long-term disability care

Compensation will depend on the facts of your case. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine what type of damages you may be able to obtain.

Factors That Can Influence Compensation

There are a number of considerations that can impact whether you’ll be able to recover damages after a dog bite, and if so, how much compensation you may be entitled to. Some of those factors include the following:

  • Did the dog bite break the skin? Even seemingly minor cuts or punctures can result in disease or infection.
  • Was there permanent, physical scarring?
  • Did the bite result in emotional or psychological trauma?
  • Was the dog provoked, or did the bite occur without provocation?
  • Has the dog ever injured someone else before? If so, does the owner know about previous injuries?
  • Does the dog owner have insurance that covers injuries caused by the dog?

Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP

It’s not always easy to make the decision to file a lawsuit. That can be especially true if you were injured by a friend’s, neighbor’s, or family member’s dog. However, you may be entitled to funds that can help pay for your medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disabilities resulting from the dog bite.

Let the experienced, compassionate personal injury attorneys at GCW help you determine whether it makes sense to take legal action. To schedule a free case review and consultation in Madison, Milwaukee, or Eau Claire, contact us today.

/by

What You Need to Know About Nursing Home Neglect in Wisconsin

Nursing Home

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you are putting a lot of trust into the facility and its staff. You want that facility’s employees to treat your loved one with the respect and dignity that your loved one deserves. You also want to be absolutely sure that your loved one is getting the best care possible.

Unfortunately, many nursing homes neglect their residents. In fact, more than 90% of nursing home residents state either they have been mistreated or they have witnessed others be neglected.

What are your legal rights and remedies if your loved one is being neglected? They are more extensive than you might think—and it may be a good idea to take action with the help of a nursing home attorney.

What is Elder Neglect?

Wisconsin law defines “neglect” in the context of elder abuse as the failure of a caretaker to secure or maintain adequate care, services, or supervision for an individual. This includes services related to:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Shelter
  • Safe facilities
  • Physical or mental care
  • Proper distribution of medication
  • Basic hygiene

Your loved one has a right to be taken care of in a way that provides for his or her physical, emotional, and medical needs. When a caregiver fails to meet the minimum standards of proper care – or worse, physically abuses a resident – that caregiver or the facility for which he or she works is legally responsible for the injuries caused by that misconduct. Many nursing home residents lack the ability to advocate for themselves. That makes it essential for their loved ones to be their voice.

Your Options if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect

The first thing that you should do if you suspect nursing home neglect is talk to the nursing home management. You should make a formal report with the nursing home so they can address the problem, and be on the lookout for retaliation after making your concerns known.

You can also make a complaint with state authorities. You can file a report with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). You can call that office at 1-800-642-6552, or you can submit a report online.

You should also keep in mind that it is never too early to speak to a lawyer about elder abuse. In fact, it is a good idea to speak to an expert sooner rather than later if you suspect neglect or other abuse. Unfortunately, if you wait too long to report the problem, that could mean that your loved one suffers unnecessary pain or discomfort.

Private Lawsuits and Nursing Home Neglect

If a care facility was negligent, or if its employees were abusive, you might be able to sue the facility on behalf of your loved one. You can recover compensation for things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. For some elderly individuals, nursing home neglect causes serious medical problems that will need to be addressed. Those can be very expensive.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP Can Help

Get help asserting your loved one’s rights by speaking to a member of our team. When it feels like you don’t have any options or when you are unsure of what to do, the caring lawyers at GCW are here for you. Contact our team to learn more.

/by

Firework Accidents: Who is Responsible?

Fireworks

Attending fireworks displays on the Fourth of July is a tradition for many Americans, as much a symbol of the holiday as the American flag and cookouts. Fireworks can be fun and exhilarating. But, they can also be dangerous, resulting in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, or even death.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 250 people are treated for fireworks injuries every day in the month surrounding our nation’s birthday. More than two thirds of injuries involve burns, while other injuries include blindness or the loss of extremities. Although it’s rare, fireworks displays can also end tragically. On average, seven people died each year from fireworks between 2001 – 2016.

Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks

Wisconsin law makes certain fireworks legal without the need to buy a permit, including small sparklers and novelty devices that spin on the ground. In order to legally use or possess other types of fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, or roman candles, you need to obtain a permit.

Of course, injuries can happen whether the people shooting off fireworks have a legal permit for them or not.

Determining Responsibility When Fireworks Injuries Occur

Fireworks accidents can happen no matter how careful you are. When an injury or death occurs, who is responsible? The answer depends to a large extent on the specific circumstances of the injury. Here are some of the people who may be held liable:

The Municipality

If an injury occurs at a public fireworks display put on by your city or municipality, the local government may have some liability. The state’s fireworks laws are intended to keep residents safe. If the city was negligent somehow and someone was injured because of that negligence, injured parties may be able to recover damages.

For example, if the city didn’t establish safety barriers, didn’t obtain required permits, or was negligent in choosing a fireworks company to run the display, it may be responsible when injuries occur.

The Fireworks Operator

The person or company running the fireworks display may also be responsible for injuries. Even professional pyrotechnic operators can be liable if they didn’t keep their equipment in good working order, or if they shot off fireworks too close to the crowd.

The Manufacturer

Fireworks, just like other consumer products, can have hidden defects. If a firework explodes too early because of a manufacturing defect, explodes in an unintended or unexpected fashion, or doesn’t follow the expected “flight path” because it wasn’t made properly, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible.

The Property Owner

For private fireworks displays held at a friend’s or neighbor’s home, the homeowner may be responsible, or may share in responsibility for the injury. Often, homeowner’s insurance policies include liability coverage to pay for injured persons’ medical bills and related expenses. There can be extenuating circumstances that can increase the homeowner’s liability, especially when alcohol is involved.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP Can Help Determine Liability and Hold Responsible Parties Accountable

If a fireworks accident injured you or someone you love, contact one of the skilled personal injury attorneys at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP. We will work hard to help you get the justice you deserve and to protect others from suffering the same types of injuries. Contact us today in Madison, Milwaukee, or Eau Claire for a free consultation.

/by

Can I Sue?: When Can You Sue Your Landlord

Landlord

Your lease is up, and all of a sudden your landlord claims she never agreed to allow you to take up the carpeting in exchange for refinishing the floors underneath?

Your mother falls down the stairs in her apartment building when the railing gives way, and the insurance companies are ghosting you?

You’re being threatened with eviction — even though you made a series of payments to your landlord?

If you’ve been a tenant in Wisconsin, you may wonder how you can fight back.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Suing Your Landlord in Wisconsin

  • You can take your landlord to small claims court for failing to return a security deposit and recover up to $10,000.

Before even being able to collect a security deposit, Wisconsin law gives tenants a week to document any damage to the unit. They also have the right to request a list of items the landlord asked the prior tenant to pay for out of that tenant’s security deposit.

The landlord must notify the tenant about any habitability issues in the residence.  The landlord must also be clear about responsibility for utility payments.  Your landlord has 21 days to return your security deposit.

Landlords may collect a portion of the security deposit for only four reasons:

  1. Damage that exceeds normal wear and tear.
  2. Unpaid rent.
  3. Unpaid utilities.
  4. Money owed for violation of a nonstandard rental agreement, or a signed document stipulating other reasons a landlord might deduct.

If the landlord chooses to deduct from a tenant’s security deposit, she must send an itemized list in writing detailing the deductions she made and how much they were.

  • You have the right to withhold rent if your landlord doesn’t attend to a major repair.

Rent abatement is a partial rent credit, predicated on the fact that conditions in your apartment are so bad or unsafe that you have to move out until your landlord addresses the damage.

Laws vary in different municipalities of Wisconsin, so this is strategy tenants should attempt only when they have no other choice. You could be evicted for nonpayment of rent, and it’s possible that the court would rule in the landlord’s favor.

  • You are entitled to protection if a landlord tries to retaliate against you for reporting damage to state authorities.
  • You are protected against housing discrimination based on your race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability and membership in other protected classes, by both Wisconsin state and federal laws.

Tired of the Landlord Winning?

The lawyers at Gingras, Cates & Wachs can help. They take on personal injury, medical malpractice, insurance fraud, and class action cases because they believe in justice for everyone. With offices in Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee, they provide legal help for accident victims in Milwaukee while also advocating for tenants facing unsafe or unfair housing conditions. They have achieved some of Wisconsin’s most successful results for their clients both in terms of jury verdicts and out-of-court settlements. Schedule your free consultation today to find out if Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP can help.

 

/by

Driveway Accidents: Who’s Responsible When Kids Get Hurt?

Driveway Accidents

No matter how careful a driver is, accidents can occur at any time. While we often think of accidents as occurring on highways or at busy intersections, they can occur in our own driveways, too. Tragically, children are all-too-often the victims of driveway accidents. In fact, an estimated 50 children per week in the U.S. are victims of such backup accidents in driveways or parking lots, resulting in a staggering 13,000 injuries and 232 fatalities every year.

Children may not be aware of the dangers of playing in front of, behind, or under automobiles. Because children are small, they can go unnoticed until it is too late. With warmer temperatures upon us here in Wisconsin, the risk of driveway accidents is greater than times of the year, simply because more children are playing outside.

When it comes to determining legal liability for a driveway accident, it’s natural to think that the person driving the vehicle is at fault. However, it’s not always that simple; others can bear liability too.

Who Else Could be Liable?

  • Homeowner or Business Owner Responsibility. In some accidents, the property owner in whose driveway or parking lot the accident happened can be legally liable. For example, if a homeowner was negligent in maintaining the driveway, or didn’t maintain a clear line of sight for drivers, and if that negligence contributed to or caused the accident, that homeowner might have some responsibility.
  • Product or Vehicle Manufacturer Liability. In some instances, the automobile manufacturer or the company that made certain parts or components can be liable for driveway accidents. For example, a manufacturer could be at fault if a faulty sensor or camera led to an incident where a child was run over.
  • Driver of the Vehicle. Of course, in most cases, liability rests with the person driving the vehicle that struck a child in a driveway accident. Wisconsin drivers are expected to exercise caution and care in their actions. Whether a driver was distracted by a cell phone or other mobile device, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, swerved from the vehicle’s normal trajectory, or simply didn’t verify first that the pathway was clear before backing up, the presumption is generally that the driver was at fault.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP Can Help You Pursue Justice After a Driveway Accident

If the unthinkable happens to you, and your child is injured or killed in a driveway accident, contact the experienced, compassionate attorneys at Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP. With offices in Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Eau Claire, we have experience representing clients across the state in the pursuit of justice. We’ll work to help you obtain the best possible result based on the circumstances of your case while you focus on your child’s recovery and healing process. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.

/by

When Can I File an Injury Lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Personal Injury

Have you been injured in a crash or fall? Have you been injured by a careless doctor or other professional?  Was a loved one injured in a nursing home?  Are you thinking about suing the person whose negligence harmed you or a loved one? Deciding whether or not to file a lawsuit is a big decision. Speaking with a personal injury attorney will help you make a careful and informed choice when filing an injury claim.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Wisconsin

When filing a personal injury lawsuit, there are restrictions and deadlines in terms of how long you have to file after your accident. The deadlines are a part of state law called the “statutes of limitations.” In Wisconsin, the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit depends on several things.

  • Whether the injury resulted from a vehicle crash or a fall.
  • Whether the injury was caused by someone who worked for the government.
  • Whether the injury caused death.
  • Whether the injured party was a minor.
  • Whether the injured party was disabled.
  • Whether the injury resulted from a health care provider’s negligence.

Which time limit applies can vary with the situation, so you should talk to a Wisconsin personal injury attorney to find out exactly what the statute of limitations would require for your individual situation.  Statutes of limitations can be as short as 120 days, so you should call sooner rather than later.

In any case, it is important to file your lawsuit within the required date. If you have not filed on time, you will lose your right to sue to get compensation for the injuries that you suffered. If you file on time, you may be entitled to money that will help you pay for your medical bills, any income you lost if you had to cut back on or stop working, and any loss of future income. You may also be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP

Our team is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. If you have any questions about the deadlines for filing a personal injury claim, or if you have any other questions about your rights to compensation for your injury, please contact us at GCW. We would be glad to help. Call us toll-free at 888-357-7661 or send us your contact information on our website.

/by

June Is National Safety Month: Bicyclists’ Safety in Wisconsin

BicycleJune is National Safety Month for 2018. This year’s theme is: No One Gets Hurt. Each week focuses on a different issue. These themes include:

  • Emergency preparedness
  • Wellness
  • Falls
  • Driving

As the weather gets warmer, bicyclists are taking to the roads, sidewalks, and trails. You can use the following tips and information to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe on their bikes the entire summer.

Laws that Apply to Bicyclists in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, bicycles are treated just like cars. They are required to follow all of the rules of the road, including obeying stop lights and stop signs. Also, a ticket for driving while impaired is the same for a cyclist as it is for someone driving a car.

Bikers should ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road, just like any other vehicle would. They should also signal stops and turns, just like a motorist.

Riding on the Sidewalk: Is It Allowed?

Whether it is legal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk varies with the community.  But riding on the sidewalk presents safety issues concerning pedestrians, so cyclists should lookout for walkers when on the sidewalk, as well as cars pulling out of driveways. Cyclists on sidewalks should also be extra cautious at intersections.

Here are the rules about riding on the sidewalk from several Wisconsin communities:

  • Madison: Bicycling on sidewalks is allowed, except where buildings are not set back from the sidewalks, such as in commercial districts. Keep in mind that pedestrians always have the right of way.
  • Milwaukee: If you are older than ten years old, you must bike in the street. You can ride your bike with your child on the sidewalk, but not in business districts. You are required to move at a slower, pedestrian pace when you ride on the sidewalk.
  • Eau Claire: You can usually ride on the sidewalk, but there are certain areas of Eau Claire where sidewalk riding is not permitted. There should be signs posted on or near sidewalks where bicycles are not allowed.
  • Each city in Wisconsin can make their own rules and regulations. Check your local area before you ride on the sidewalk.

General Safety Tips for Wisconsin Bicyclists

Keep in mind that cyclists should act as though they are passenger cars when riding the streets of Wisconsin. You should keep at least three feet between yourself and other vehicles. Keeping your distance allows you to avoid people opening their doors on their parked cars. Never weave in and out of traffic or along parked cars.

Learn hand signals so that you can communicate with other bikes and vehicles around you. Be sure to always yield to pedestrians, as they have the right of way in almost every situation.

Call Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP After a Bike Accident

Accidents happen when you least expect them to. This summer when you are out biking with your friends or family, remember that there are rules and laws to help keep you safe on the roads. Proper bike safety starts with knowing the rules and regulations that apply in your area. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident with another vehicle, give our personal injury attorneys a call. GCW will handle the legalities of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

/by
,

I Was Hit on My Motorcycle – Can I Settle or Sue?

Motorcycle Accident

Now that winter weather is finally in the rear-view mirror, motorcyclists on Wisconsin roadways are a common sight again. Unfortunately, that also means it’s motorcycle accident season. According to the WI Department of Transportation, there were 2,250 crashes involving motorcycles in 2016, the most recent year for which statistics have been published.

Because of their design and size relative to other vehicles, motorcycle accidents can have catastrophic consequences. A victim who survives a motorcycle crash may suffer from long-lasting physical and emotional injuries. Insurance settlements may not offer adequate compensation, which can leave victims struggling to handle long-term health care expenses. Fortunately, Wisconsin law provides a recourse for people involved in motorcycle crashes, allowing them to file lawsuits to seek legal remedies.

What About Insurance Coverage?

After a motorcycle accident, the other driver’s insurance company may ask you to accept an insurance settlement to resolve the matter. Before you ever agree to settle you should always seek legal advice because insurance companies are known for their low ball offers. Even if the other driver didn’t have insurance or had inadequate insurance, you may also be able to file a claim against your own uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist insurance coverage.

Legal Remedies When a Product Defect Caused the Accident

In some cases, motorcycle accident victims may have recourse against someone other than the other driver.
If there was a product defect with your motorcycle or your helmet, or if road conditions caused or contributed to the accident, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you pursue a claim against the manufacturer or others responsible for maintaining roadways.

How Motorcyclist Negligence Can Impact Damages Awards

If we cannot settle the case for you for fair compensation and you must file a lawsuit after a motorcycle accident, a process our Milwaukee personal injury legal team regularly guides clients through under Wisconsin law, you will need to prove that the other driver or another responsible party was at fault and that you suffered injuries for which you should be compensated.

Sometimes, motorcycle accident victims assume they will not be able to obtain compensation for their injuries if they were speeding or their own actions or negligence otherwise contributed to their injuries. In actuality, you may still be able to recover under a lawsuit. The amount you could recover may be reduced to reflect your role in the accident.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP Help Motorcycle Victims

Accidents can happen when you least expect them to. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Gingras, Cates & Wachs in Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire. We will help you identify your options, advise you on potential outcomes, and help you take action while you focus on recovering.

/by

Top 8 Boating Accident Causes in Wisconsin for 2017

Boating Accident

As the weather gets warmer, Wisconsinites are gearing up to get back on the water, whether that is by visiting a beach, swimming in a lake, or going boating. Roughly 2.5 million Wisconsin residents will participate in these types of activities every year. In 2017, there were over 620,000 registered boats in Wisconsin. The vast majority of those are motorized vessels.

In 2017 alone, Wisconsin saw 106 boating incidents that caused at least 79 injuries and 25 fatal boating accidents. That means that 2017 had four deaths per 100,000 registered boats. Unfortunately, this is a significant uptick in the number of fatalities. The ten-year trend indicated 2.81 deaths per year. Drowning is by far the most common reason that death occurs, but hitting objects also happens frequently.

Eight Reasons for Boating Accidents

Causes of boating accidents vary. Once boating drivers and passengers realize the causes of boating incidents, they can be better prepared to address them. Below are Wisconsin’s “Top Eight” reasons boating accidents occurred in 2017.

Operator Inexperience

When drivers are not familiar with their vessels, that can cause serious problems. Knowing how to control the boat at all times is essential to travel safely in a boat. Interestingly, the age groups that created the highest numbers of accidents were between 20 and 29 as well as 50 and 59.

Alcohol Use

Boating accidents due to alcohol use spiked in 2017. In fact, 2017 saw a 12-year high in the number of incidents that involved alcohol. It was a contributing factor in nearly one-fourth of all 2017 boating accidents.

Operator Inattention

Distraction is a serious issue no matter what type of vehicle you are driving—from a car to a boat. Inattention in a vessel could result in failing to avoid obstacles, other ships, or even the shoreline.

Equipment/Machinery Problems

Faulty motors or other equipment can cause a boat crash as well. While equipment problems rank in the top five for incidents, they actually are far less likely to actually cause injuries.

Carelessness/Recklessness

When drivers get out on the open water, they may become adventurous. They travel at high speeds, engage in unsafe turning or other maneuvers, and get uncomfortably close to others or objects. These types of actions can cause the boat to capsize or hit an object or person.

Hazardous Waters

Traveling through treacherous waters or going out in bad weather is never a good idea. While there are situations where water becomes dangerous, a little research or know-how can go a long way to determine whether waters are safe.

Weather

It is always a good idea to head back to shore at the first sign of a storm or high winds. Severe weather can make water choppy, which, in turn, makes boats harder to control safely.

Improper Lookout

Improper lookout occurs when a boat driver is not watching for other boats. Because of their inattention, they do not react fast enough to avoid an accident. The concept is similar to distraction, but it is specifically applied in the context of other boats.

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP

Accidents can happen when you least expect them. One minute you are enjoying a sunny day out on the boat with friends and family, and the next minute your life could be changed forever. The personal injury attorneys at GCW will fight to help you get what you deserve after a boating accident if the accident occurred because of carelessness or a violation of safe boating rules. Stay safe on the water this summer!

/by
, ,

GTW Attorney Seeks Justice for Madison Referee After Attack in January

referee

Image via Wisconsin State Journal

Pat Anderson, a Madison basketball referee of 33 years, may never ref another game due to post-traumatic stress episodes and injuries caused to him earlier this year. On January 3, 2018, Anderson was reffing a UW-Rock Valley men’s basketball game, which they lost to UW-Waukesha, 80-76. After the game, former UW-Rock Valley coach, Jamal Mosely (41), and his son, J’shon Mosley (21) allegedly attacked Anderson in the hallway, punching and kicking him.

Jamal Mosley resigned as head coach on January 23, 2018. Both of the Mosleys were charged on January 30, 2018 in Waukesha County with battery and disorderly conduct. GTW Attorney, Robert Gingras, will be defending Anderson in his law suit against the Mosleys. “This type of conduct has to be stopped in its tracks,” said Gingras, “As a society we cannot tolerate a referee getting beaten up out in the hallway after a game.”

/by

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Car Accident

You hope you’re never in a car accident but no matter how careful you are, it could happen. You may not be able to avoid distracted drivers, drunk drivers, fender benders or truck drivers who are going too fast. If you have been hurt in an accident, and you are able, you should take these steps to make sure you are compensated. If you are not able, this blog will help your family or a close friend know what to do in the event you are in a car accident.

At the Accident Scene

Allow the ambulance crew to check you out. Allow them to take you to the hospital if they feel you need care.

If possible, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and to other vehicles involved from a distance so all vehicles involved are in the frame. Take close-up photos showing the damage to each vehicle. Write down the names, phone numbers and addresses of witnesses. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.

Never say anything that could implicate you as the person who caused the accident. Even if you believe you were at fault, the other driver may share some of the liability for the accident. Anything you say could be recorded to be used against you later.

After the Accident

As soon as possible, contact your own insurance company to let it know you were in an accident. You have an obligation to cooperate with your own insurance company by giving it the information it requests.

You probably will be contacted by the insurance company for the driver who caused the accident. Be careful about giving them any detailed information about the accident before you speak with an attorney.  Insurance companies want to make a profit and pay you the least amount possible, therefore you also should be careful about trying to settle your personal injury claims with them without talking to a lawyer. You may not get enough compensation to cover all your medical bills, and other expenses if you settle your case too early. You can’t tell immediately after an accident how quickly you will heal, and some injuries may not manifest until days or even months later. If you settle with the insurance company too early, you could lose compensation for those injuries.

Within a few days after the accident, go to your regular doctor to get a full checkup. Be sure to follow your doctors’ advice; get a second opinion if you are concerned about what your doctor recommends. Take care of yourself and do everything you can to recover from your injuries.

When Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney?

If possible, call a Milwaukee car accident attorney the same day or the next day after your accident. You’ll want to have the initial consultation as soon as possible while the events of the accident are still fresh in your mind; this also will let your attorney investigate the accident while all the facts are fresh. Additionally, you will want to talk to a lawyer promptly because you have a deadline to file a lawsuit and may have deadlines for filing legal paperwork to notify the defendant about your claim. The statute of limitations — how long you have to file a lawsuit —typically is three years from the day of the car accident. (Your lawyer can tell you about exceptions to this rule). However, if you are filing on behalf of a loved one who died as a result of injuries from the accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit. Deadlines for filing paperwork to notify the defendant of your claim can be as short as 120 days.

Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP

Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP today. If you are hospitalized because of a car accident and cannot talk on the phone, a family member or close friend can contact us on your behalf. If you are reading this and a loved one has passed because of personal injuries sustained during a vehicle accident, you can contact our office on their behalf. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience in representing car accident victims – we’re here to help.

/by
Facebook-circled Facebook-circled
Linkedin-circled Linkedin-circled
Instagram Instagram
Youtube-play Youtube-play
Rss Rss
EAU CLAIRE
101 Putnam St
P.O. Box 390

Eau Claire, WI 54703

715.598.3737

MADISON
8150 Excelsior
Drive

Madison, WI 53717

608.807.0039

MILWAUKEE
219 N Milwaukee St
Suite 520

Milwaukee, WI 53202

414.928.7756

WAUKESHA
Please call to
schedule an appointment.

Waukesha, WI 53186

414.310.3187

Nationally Recognized Law Firm

Super Lawyers - profiles.superlawyers.com
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP | Attorneys at Law | Lawyers in Wisconsin | GTW is ALL IN TO WIN®

Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP | Attorneys at Law | Lawyers in Wisconsin | GTW is ALL IN TO WIN ®
Located in Wisconsin, the law firm of Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP represents clients throughout Wisconsin, including, but not limited to the cities of Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire and Waukesha.

© 2026 Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP — All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Website powered by image.works.