Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer
Do not speak to the insurance company without first speaking to an attorney!
Personal injury comes in many forms. People are injured in car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip/trip and fall, defective products cases, medical malpractice, dog bites, workplace injuries, battery, sexual misconduct, watercraft accidents, etc. Scott has successfully handled cases in all of these areas.
Statute of Limitations - There are different statutes of limitations for different types of cases. A statute of limitations is the time in which an injured person must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If the injured person fails to settle their case or file a lawsuit within the appropriate statute of limitations, the injured party loses forever their right to recover anything.
Standard negligence cases in the state of Wisconsin have a three year statute of limitations. Intentional acts (for example, battery) have a one year statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for children is different. In addition, the statutes of limitations sometimes change depending on the nature of the at-fault party.
For example, the statute of limitations for municipal entities and state entities (police officers, UW Hospital, State employees) is 120 days. In other words, if you do not file a notice of claim complying with the Wisconsin Statutes within 120 days, you lose your right to recover anything.
What is your case worth? – Scott has more than twenty years experience in the field of personal injury. He recently received a jury verdict in Chippewa County of $3.1 million. Scott receives and reads publications and attends seminars that discuss various settlements and jury verdicts from around the state. Based on his experience, Scott will give you an idea of the value of your case.
However, there are never any guarantees with regard to the value of a case. Insurance companies are often unreasonable. Juries are unpredictable. That is why it is so important to have an attorney with experience in personal injury and a track record of success.
What should I do if I am injured? - First, give Scott a call before you talk to the insurance company. Experience has demonstrated insurance companies will do everything in their power to obtain information that they will, if possible, use against you in the future. Their goal is not to look out for your best interests. If the insurance company has a way of defending the case, their duty is to the company and not to you. They will do everything in their power to win the case and pay you as little as possible or nothing.
A call from an insurance adjuster may seem innocent at the beginning or throughout the conversation. However, that adjuster is sometimes recording the conversation and is always taking copius notes in an effort to obtain information the insurance company can use to limit or eliminate any payments you might deserve.
Call Scott as soon as possible after an injury occurrs. He will talk to you candidly about your situation and advise you regarding insurance issues, medical bills, rental vehicles, lost wages, etc. If you have a case, Scott will talk to you about what must be done immediately and in the long term. If you do not have a case, Scott will be honest with you about your situation and any alternatives.
Most cases settle. However, sometimes lawsuits must be filed in order to obtain an offer from the insurance company and sometimes cases go all the way to trial. Make certain you have an attorney with the experience necessary to file properly worded legal pleadings and zealously advocate your position in front of a jury of your peers. There is no substitute for experience. If you feel it is necessary, meet with a number of attorneys and choose the one you believe will best represent your interests.
Personal injury actions are often about far more than just money. People injured in accidents have significant concerns regarding medical bills, future medical needs, lost wages, rental cars, and in the event of significant injuries, future nursing home needs, retrofitting a home for handicap accessibility, etc. Don’t leave these things to chance. Call Scott immediately after the incident giving rise to your injuries,
Call your lawyer - Attorney Scott McCarthy - 608-352-3366 - 205 S. John Paul Rd. Milton, WI
Or Email your lawyer - Scott@mymiltonlawyer.com