Losing a loved one due to someone else’s careless actions is an unthinkable tragedy that no person should have to endure. The grief, confusion, and anger can be overwhelming, and the financial strain can be significant. You deserve answers and accountability. You’ll need skilled legal representation and trusted guidance.
The dedicated Green Bay wrongful death lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm have stood beside Wisconsin families as they faced some of the toughest times of their lives. Our compassionate attorneys seek truth, justice, and the full financial compensation you need to move forward after a loved one’s death. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law allows certain family members who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or intentional actions to seek compensation. Under Wisconsin law, a death is wrongful when a person dies because of another party’s careless, reckless, or intentional ac-tions.
Surviving family members endure intense grief and emotional distress as well as significant fi-nancial strain after these tragic events. They often face medical bills, lost household income, funeral costs, and an altered financial future. Wisconsin law recognizes these losses, and the Wisconsin wrongful death statute provides a path to seek justice and financial stability.
Our wrongful death lawyers at Schwaba Law Firm understand that no amount of money can make up for the untimely loss of your loved one. At the same time, your family should not have to endure financial hardship because of someone else’s wrongful actions. In our experience, a successful wrongful death lawsuit can help a family attain financial stability as well as a sense of closure after the death of a loved one.
Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Green Bay
Fatal accidents happen in many different ways. Some of the common causes of wrongful death cases that our Wisconsin wrongful death attorneys handle include:
- Car Accidents: Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and reckless behavior put every-one on the road at risk. A careless decision to drive and drive can alter the lives of others in an instant.
- Truck Accidents: The size and weight of commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic con-sequences when a collision occurs with a passenger vehicle. When someone loses their life, truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance contractors, and more may face liability.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries when struck by a moving vehicle. Drivers have a responsibility to remain alert for people on foot. But if a driver gets distracted or takes their eyes off the road, their inattention can lead to a fatal acci-dent.
- Workplace Incidents: Factories, industrial settings, construction sites, and other work-places present serious hazards. Employers must follow safety rules and provide adequate train-ing. If a worker dies in a workplace accident, the worker’s dependents may be entitled to work-ers’ compensation death benefits, including compensation for funeral expenses. In certain workplace accidents in which someone’s negligence other than the employer’s caused the death, a wrongful death lawsuit may be in order. A wrongful death lawyer in Green Bay can investi-gate the accident and help you evaluate your legal options.
- Medical Negligence: Healthcare providers must meet professional standards of care. Sur-gical errors, misdiagnoses, medication mistakes, and delayed treatment can lead to preventable deaths and wrongful death claims.
- Unsafe Premises: Property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they ignore known hazards, people can get seriously injured or lose their lives, and the property owner may face liability.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law sets specific rules for how to file a wrongful death claim and who is eligible to file one. In most cases:
- The personal representative of the deceased’s estate files the claim
- The claim is for the benefit of the surviving spouse, children, or parents
- Courts distribute compensation recovered through the claim according to state law
If the deceased person leaves behind a spouse and minor children, the court may set aside an appropriate amount for the children’s benefit, up to 50 percent of the total recovery, with the rest going to the surviving spouse. If the deceased had no minor children, the surviving spouse or domestic partner receives the full amount. Otherwise, the money goes to lineal heirs (which may include the deceased’s adult children or parents), followed by the deceased’s siblings.
Wrongful death claims are complex, and mistakes can be costly. A Green Bay wrongful death lawyer can file your claim properly and promptly, so that you don’t put your rights to fair com-pensation at risk.
Types of Damages Available in a Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for both the financial losses and the profound per-sonal harm that surviving loved ones experience.
Wisconsin law allows recovery for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
- Lost income the deceased would have earned
- Loss of employment benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance, capped at $350,000 for adults and $500,000 for minors
Our wrongful death lawsuit attorneys work closely with medical and financial professionals to understand the full scope of your losses, and then fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
How a Green Bay Wrongful Death Lawyer Helps Your Family
A dedicated wrongful death lawyer in Green Bay can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. The team at Schwaba Law Firm can help by:
- Investigating the cause of death to identify all liable parties
- Obtaining and preserving critical evidence to build a compelling claim
- Consulting with experts to obtain key testimony
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Preparing the case for trial, if needed, if the insurance company refuses to make a just set-tlement
Here’s what our former client Love Light said of their experience with us:
“I cannot say enough good about this law firm. Andy made us feel like family. He was there at our side every moment. Never did we feel like a client. He fought for us as if we were his own family. I don’t know what I would have done without him. He is not just a great lawyer. He is a good man. I would definitely go to him again. I just pray I never have to need him ever again, but if I do, I will be confident he will get the job done.”
Get Justice & Compensation for Your Loved One
You don’t have to face the wrongful death of a loved one alone. The team at Schwaba Law Firm in Green Bay, WI, can provide compassion and trusted legal guidance during this difficult time. Our law office can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you take legal action, if necessary.
Our team offers experienced advocacy and extensive legal knowledge of Wisconsin’s wrongful death law. We will stand by your side throughout the process and help you make well-informed decisions with your future in mind. Contact us today for your free consultation.
