When you’re hurt in an accident someone else caused, everything changes. Simple tasks become difficult, work feels like an uphill struggle, and the financial strain makes coping that much harder. You didn’t ask for this. Now you’re in dire need of resources for your recovery and wondering where to turn.

The good news is that you could recover money for your losses through a personal injury claim. But making this type of claim is not a simple task. It often requires handling complicated filing processes and challenging insurance companies that are bent on short-changing you. The journey is undoubtedly tough, but you don’t have to take it alone.

Andrew Schwaba and Schwaba Law Firm have a track record of recovering millions of dollars in fair compensation for deserving clients just like you. Andrew has the experience, grit, and diligence to demand the recovery you’re rightfully owed.

Don’t let the hardship of an unexpected injury derail your life. Reach out for a free consultation now with an Appleton personal injury lawyer from Schwaba Law Firm.

What Are Common Personal Injury Cases in Appleton, WI?

Personal injury law encompasses a wide range of incidents where an individual suffers harm due to someone else’s wrongful conduct. Some common types of personal injury cases in Appleton include the following:

What Types of Injuries Happen Due to Personal Injury Accidents?

Accidents can result in a wide array of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to debilitating and life-altering conditions. The purpose of filing a personal injury lawsuit after an injury accident is to recover money to make up for the resulting personal and financial losses.

The following are some common types of injuries that arise due to injury accidents in Appleton:

  • Cuts and bruises
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocations
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Burn injuries
  • Traumatic amputations
  • Crushing injuries
  • Entanglement injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Facial and dental injuries
  • Eye injuries and vision loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other psychological injuries
  • Neck and back injuries

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury case arises when you suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. The harm that gives rise to an injury case can manifest in various forms, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses. This type of harm can result from car accidents where another driver is at fault, slip-and-fall incidents on poorly maintained premises, or instances of medical malpractice.

If you have been injured under such circumstances, you could have grounds for a personal injury case. Consulting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Appleton, such as one from Schwaba Law Firm, is the best way to validate your injury case. Through a detailed consultation, they can evaluate the specifics of your situation, provide insight into the applicable laws, and advise you on the best course of action.

What Must Be Proven in a Personal Injury Claim?

In a personal injury case, you must show that the other party’s actions or inaction violated a responsibility they owed you and that you got hurt due to this violation. This could involve showing that a motorist failed to drive with due consideration for other road users or that a product manufacturer sold a dangerously defective product.

It’s also necessary to establish a direct link between the other party’s conduct and the injuries you sustained as a result. This includes physical injuries as well as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, emotional distress, and other related losses.

Because personal injury cases can get complicated quickly, skilled legal representation is essential. The experienced legal team at Schwaba Law Firm can assemble the available evidence and craft a strong argument on your behalf.

What Damages Could I Be Entitled to in a Personal Injury Case?

In a successful personal injury case, damages are the money the injured party is awarded for their case. The specific types of damages available can vary based on the nature of the case and the types of losses.

Here are some categories of damages you could be entitled to in a personal injury case:

  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages
  • Property damage

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Was Partly to Blame for My Injuries?

Under Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation from a personal injury case even if you’re partially at fault for your injuries. However, the amount you can get decreases based on your percentage of fault for the incident.

For instance, you might be found to be 30 percent at fault for an accident that left you with $10,000 in losses. In this case, the most you could recover would be $7,000, reflecting a 30 percent reduction in your total losses. More importantly, if you’re held to be more than 50 percent at fault, the courts could bar you from getting any compensation at all.

This is why it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side. Andrew Schwaba is well-versed in Wisconsin’s personal injury laws and dedicated to securing the maximum compensation his clients are entitled to.

How Long Does a Typical Personal Injury Case Last?

The duration of an injury case is variable, It can be subject to influence by numerous factors like the complexity of the situation, the parties involved, and the nature of the claim. Some cases might reach a settlement within weeks or months, while others, especially those that go to trial, can take years. Certain elements, like the need for future medical care or complications in liability, can prolong a case.

Strategic decisions by your legal counsel could also influence the timeline of your case, as it is often advantageous to be patient in pursuit of a more favorable outcome. Engaging an attorney from Schwaba Law Firm promptly can be beneficial, as they can estimate a tailored timeline based on the nuances of your case and strategize accordingly.

How Long Do I Have in Wisconsin to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In Wisconsin, most personal injury lawsuits are subject to a three-year time limit. This three-year period begins on the date of the accident, whether it’s a car wreck or a preventable fall. However, it’s important to note that there are exceptions to this rule that could shorten or lengthen the time frame for your individual case.

Insurance claims don’t fall under this three-year filing requirement, but it’s still essential to report covered accidents to insurers as soon as possible. Insurers often require you to notify them within weeks or even days after an incident. Delaying could give them grounds to deny your claim.

Given these unforgiving time frames, it’s wise to seek legal counsel promptly after an accident.

How Soon Should I Start a Personal Injury Claim?

It’s always wise to start a personal injury case at the earliest opportunity following an accident or injury for several reasons.

First and foremost, evidence that could be pivotal to your claim, such as photographs, witness testimonies, or surveillance videos, is usually more accessible and dependable shortly after an incident. Moreover, filing deadlines establish finite filing periods for most personal injury lawsuits and insurance claims. Failing to meet a deadline could jeopardize your right to pursue compensation.

Initiating your claim promptly allows you to preserve valuable evidence, adhere to filing stipulations, and safeguard your interests. Engaging an Appleton personal injury lawyer like Andrew Schwaba from the onset can be advantageous, as he can guide you forward and keep your case on track from day one.

What Will an Appleton, WI, Personal Injury Attorney Do for My Case?

Engaging an Appleton, WI, personal injury lawyer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a fair settlement or verdict after an accident.

A reputable personal injury attorney in Appleton:

  • Has the knowledge and experience to work within the labyrinthine legal system, negotiate assertively with insurance companies, and present compelling arguments in court if necessary.
  • Can handle the collection and preservation of vital evidence, manage complex case paperwork, and ensure compliance with strict filing requirements.
  • Will work to calculate a reliable estimate for your case value considering all facets of your losses, including medical costs, future treatment needs, lost income, and lost quality of life.

Andrew Schwaba prides himself on his commitment to his clients. He provides personalized legal representation and tailors his strategies to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Appleton, WI, Today

Don’t let the stress of a legal claim add to your burdens after an unexpected injury. You have a right to recover compensation, and Andrew Schwaba is here to help you assert it.

Reach out to an Appleton personal injury attorney from Schwaba Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation.