Green Bay Personal Injury Attorney

A multitude of scenarios might lead to an injury that is caused by another party’s negligence or intent to harm. Many personal injury cases arise from someone else’s negligence, making it crucial to have legal representation to secure rightful compensation. In addition to assault, victims might suffer injuries when they are driving in the Green Bay area, shopping at Brookfield Square, or dining at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Michigan.

After an injury, victims experience physical pain, but they must also cope with emotional distress, which is a compensable harm in personal injury cases. Common types of injuries in these cases include bruises, fractures, amputations, and emotional distress. Victims also face the financial burden of missing work while amassing medical expenses.

This financial hardship can be overwhelming, as lost income and mounting expenses make recovery even more difficult. Wisconsin law entitles those who have been injured by another party to seek damages in civil court. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Wisconsin is three years from the date of the injury.

The legal team at Groth Law Firm has extensive experience in negotiating, settling, and litigating a wide variety of personal injury cases in Green Bay. We advocate for our clients through each step of the legal process, aggressively pursuing the best outcome for each case. If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life because of another party’s careless actions, contact our office at (920) 245-8475 to learn about the best course of action for you and your family.

What Is a Green Bay Personal Injury Lawyer?

A Green Bay personal injury lawyer is a legal professional who practices tort law and represents injured people who have suffered injuries caused by another person, business, government agency, or any party’s negligence or intent to harm. These injuries can be physical or emotional. Personal injury lawyers most often represent plaintiffs in lawsuits and do not typically handle defense unless they are defending a client against a counterclaim.

A personal injury lawyer assesses whether a client has a viable claim by reviewing the injuries caused and the circumstances of the accident. Professional medical records are critical evidence for proving the extent of harm in personal injury claims. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help identify key case deadlines and protect your rights after an injury accident.

What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?

When you hire a Green Bay personal injury lawyer nearby to represent you in a civil lawsuit, they walk with you through the entire legal process to give you the best odds of a positive outcome for your case. It is important to hire an experienced injury attorney to help navigate complex insurance claims and legal battles, ensuring your interests are effectively represented. The following are some of the specific things a personal injury attorney can do for you:

• Case evaluation. A qualified and reputable personal injury attorney will conduct a thorough evaluation of your case during a free consultation to determine if you have a viable claim and your eligibility to recover damages in civil court. After you share the specifics of your injury, your lawyer will advise you on the next steps.
• Accident investigation. Groth Law Firm may investigate the accident or event that caused injury to their client. Your attorney will gather any relevant information and documentation to build a case against the defendant. Identifying the liable party early in the process is crucial to establishing legal responsibility and ensuring the right individual or entity is held accountable. The scope of an investigation will vary based on each case. Some examples include taking witness statements, obtaining medical records, obtaining police reports, enlisting experts to reconstruct accidents, talking to specialists who can assess future health care needs, and more.
• Valuing your claim. When your personal injury attorney brings a lawsuit on your behalf, he or she must place a monetary value on losses. This is a simple process for tangible things that are justified by medical bills and pay stubs from work; however, placing value on non-economic losses such as pain and suffering or a reduced quality of life might require enlisting the aid of a specialist to value your claim.
• Filing an insurance claim. Many times, personal injury claims involve insurance claims with vehicle policies, homeowners’ policies, or commercial policies. An experienced personal injury attorney will handle communications with insurance carriers and might even recover damages for you without going to the trouble of filing a lawsuit.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit. When liable parties and their insurance carriers deny claims or refuse to fully compensate you for your injuries, your attorney will escalate your claim to a lawsuit. This not only includes filing paperwork, but also beginning settlement negotiations. If settlement is not an option, a seasoned lawyer will litigate your case in court and try to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Personal injury attorneys assist by managing complex procedures, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, drafting legal documents, handling discovery, and representing clients in settlement talks or trial. Hiring a personal injury lawyer early in the process can help ensure that evidence is collected and preserved. A lawyer’s strong trial skills and a history of securing large settlements and verdicts can lead to better offers from insurance companies.

While minor injuries may not require legal representation and can sometimes be handled independently, serious injuries—such as those involving traumatic brain injuries or requiring ongoing medical treatment—typically require the expertise of a personal injury attorney.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle at Groth Law Firm

Many different scenarios might lead to injuries that motivate a client to bring a lawsuit against another party to recover losses related to their injury. Here are some of the most common types of cases handled by the skilled legal team at Groth Law:

• Traffic accidents. Groth Law Firm attorneys are top-rated car accident lawyers in Green Bay. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates almost 130,000 traffic accidents on Wisconsin roads in 2016, including 501 fatal crashes. About 29,000 crashes resulted in injury. When traffic accidents lead to severe or catastrophic injuries, victims turn to a qualified and reputable lawyer to recover damages.
• Bicycle accidents. Wisconsin had more than 1,000 reported bicycle accidents in 2016, resulting in 10 fatalities and more than 900 injuries. Riding a bicycle remains a favorite activity of adults and children alike, but it does carry risk when careless drivers hit bicycles. You can trust that you are getting our best when you hire us for a Milwaukee bicycle accident case.
• Pedestrian accidents. Summertime in Milwaukee is a wonderful time to walk around the city and along Lake Michigan, but pedestrians should know that they face more risk on foot than those who drive and ride in cars. In 2016, approximately 1,200 pedestrians were injured, and 46 died when they were hit by motor vehicles. Many pedestrian accidents involve motor vehicles, and we have handled many pedestrian accident cases in recent years.
• Truck Accidents. Truck accidents are generally more severe than car accidents. In 2016, 7,461 large truck crashes took place in Wisconsin, which resulted in 2,342 injuries and 79 deaths. This represents about 7 percent of Wisconsin road accident injuries, but 15 percent of the total deaths, which shows the tragic and destructive nature of truck accidents. In one recent case, our client suffered severe injuries in a truck accident, and we were able to secure a significant settlement to help cover their damages. We also represent families in wrongful death cases resulting from fatal truck accidents, helping them pursue justice and compensation for their loss.
• Slips, trips, and falls. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that Wisconsin has one of the highest death rates—twice the national average— from unintentional falls in the country. Although slip and fall victims might sustain multiple types of injuries, unintentional falls remain the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Those over age 65 have the highest risk for a slip or trip and fall. A Wisconsin court might hold a property owner liable if he or she didn’t maintain a safe environment or warn visitors about hazards that led to injury.
• Medical malpractice. Society depends on doctors and other medical professionals to cure and treat illness and disease. When those whom we trust fail to uphold their legal obligations to provide a standard of care, victims and their families are devastated. At Groth Law Firm, we help victims hold medical professionals accountable when they commit malpractice. Examples include surgical errors, physical abuse, emotional abuse, failure to diagnose an ill patient, making a wrong diagnosis, prescribing the wrong medicine, providing inadequate aftercare, and more.
• Workplace injuries. Unfortunately, work accidents are a common occurrence in Wisconsin and across the United States. Immediately after injury, most employees file a workers’ compensation claim to recover some of the medical expenses and lost income from their injury. Yet, workers’ comp insurance carriers deny claims, reduce benefits, downplay victims’ injuries, and some employers don’t have workers’ comp insurance. An experienced workers’ comp attorney will help you through the claims process and advise you on whether or when you should escalate your claim to a personal injury lawsuit against your employer or a third party.
• Defective product accidents. When companies put new products on the market, they might be defective. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains reports and warns of dangers about injuries related to chemicals, fuels, lighters, and fireworks; home decor and furniture; public facilities; home construction; kitchen products; sports products; and toys and children’s products. Any party involved in a product’s chain of distribution might be liable for a defective product; this includes manufacturers, distributors, retailers, shippers, and more. Product defects might happen during design or manufacturing, or companies may fail to warn consumers of dangers regarding the product. Depending on the product and the defect, injuries vary.

Under Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. Be cautious—accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company can waive your right to sue for future compensation.

Understanding the Injury Claim Process

Navigating a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with pain, stress, and mounting medical bills. That’s where a knowledgeable personal injury attorney comes in. The process typically starts with a free consultation, giving you the chance to discuss your situation with a skilled personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and explain your options.

Once you decide to move forward, your personal injury attorney will guide you through the entire legal process. This includes investigating the circumstances of your injury, gathering crucial evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, working to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your injury lawyer is prepared to take your case to court to secure maximum compensation. With a dedicated legal advocate by your side, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney manages every aspect of your injury claim.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time is of the essence after a personal injury accident. Wisconsin law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, meaning you have a limited window to file your claim. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to recover compensation altogether.

Acting quickly not only preserves your legal rights but also strengthens your injury claim by ensuring that evidence is preserved and witnesses’ memories remain fresh. Insurance companies often move fast to protect their own interests, sometimes pressuring accident victims into accepting lowball offers or denying claims outright. By consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible, you can avoid these pitfalls and improve your chances of reaching a fair settlement.

Your attorney will help you navigate the legal process, advocate for your best interests, and make sure you don’t miss critical deadlines that could jeopardize your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your personal injury claim. One of the most common errors is failing to seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting prompt medical care is essential for your health and for documenting your damages.

Delaying treatment can make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries later on. Another frequent mistake is speaking directly with insurance companies or their adjusters without the guidance of a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and may use your statements against you.

A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you avoid these traps, handle all communications on your behalf, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the injury claim process. By working with an experienced injury lawyer, you can avoid costly missteps and focus on your recovery.

The Role of Insurance Companies

Insurance companies play a central role in the personal injury claim process, but their primary goal is to protect their bottom line—not to ensure you receive fair compensation. After an accident, you’ll likely need to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. The insurance company will investigate the incident and determine what, if anything, they are willing to pay.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often try to deny valid claims or offer settlements that fall far short of covering your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is so important. Your attorney will handle all interactions with the insurance company, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and fight to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.

With strong legal representation, you can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.

Contact an Experienced Green Bay Personal Injury Lawyer Nearby

Personal injury firms handle the vast majority of their cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that lawyers typically front all costs associated with litigating your case and only deduct their fees from the settlement or jury award if they win. Clients are only responsible for paying attorney fees if they win their case.

In Green Bay, personal injury lawyers typically offer a no-obligation consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, making legal help accessible without upfront costs. Your first interaction with a personal injury lawyer typically is a free, no-obligation consultation and case review. This allows you to share details of your case and discuss potential strategies with a qualified attorney.

If you choose to have the lawyer represent you, he or she will work on your case without an upfront payment. This arrangement provides the lawyer with an incentive to succeed and helps clients who may not otherwise afford legal representation. Financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, are a key component of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case.

If you have suffered severe injuries, it is especially important to seek legal help promptly, as these cases are often more complex and require experienced representation to secure fair compensation. It is advisable to start a personal injury claim immediately after an injury to preserve crucial evidence. The quality and availability of evidence and witnesses diminish over time, making it more difficult to support your claim.

In Wisconsin, you typically have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and if you do not file before the statute of limitations expires, you will likely lose your right to compensation. The sooner a personal injury lawyer is hired, the better the chances of preserving evidence related to the accident. When choosing a Green Bay personal injury lawyer, look for peer recognition, board certification, relevant experience with cases similar to yours, a strong reputation, excellent communication, proven trial success, financial strength, and a genuine client focus.

Ensure the firm has the financial strength and competent staff to take on costly, lengthy trials if necessary. You can also contact the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service for a referral to local attorneys. Remember to seek medical care immediately and document everything, as you have three years to file a lawsuit under Wisconsin’s statute of limitations.

When you are injured, the last thing you want to do is deal with the headache and confusion of working with an insurance company to try and receive compensation. Leave the hard work and headaches to the professionals here at Groth Law Firm. We can provide thorough and timely representation for your personal injury case, no matter the type.

We have years of experience working with personal injury cases. We know all the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies and the best strategies to ensure you get the full compensation that you deserve. Often, insurance companies and at-fault parties do not want to take responsibility.

They will try to get you to settle and take less money than you deserve, but we won’t let that happen. There is a statute of limitations on your personal injury case, so don’t hesitate. Call our offices today at (920)-245-8475 for a free, confidential consultation.

We can help you determine if you have a case and let you know what the next steps are.