Personal Injury Lawyer in Brookfield, WI

Brookfield Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury accidents happen every day. Whether they are car accidents, pedestrian accidents, slips and falls, or medical malpractice incidents, they result in many victims each day. If you are an accident victim, obtain a lawyer who specializes in personal injury accidents so that you can get the legal assistance that you need. A trained and professional lawyer like one at Hickey & Turim, SC can advocate for you and protect your rights. For more information, request a risk-free consultation with a personal injury lawyer Brookfield, WI today. 

Personal Injury Lawyer in Brookfield, WI

As a family-owned firm, the legal team at Hickey & Turim have decades of experience representing a wide range of clients. They have experience across various practice areas including personal injury and workers’ compensation. If you are searching for a lawyer to fulfill your legal needs, make sure to hire a lawyer who can provide you with affordable and personalized legal assistance. We will work hard to advocate for you so that you can receive the results you deserve as an accident victim. 

Personal Injury Scenarios 

No victim should be burdened with the difficult task of navigating a personal injury claim all on their own. Whatever kind of scenario you are dealing with, a lawyer can provide crucial assistance. Some of the most common types of accident cases that a personal injury lawyer handles include:

• Car accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Construction accidents
• Defective products
• Wrongful death 

Damages in a Personal Injury Case 

Personal injury cases often result in extensive damages awarded to the victim. Damages are the losses that you have experienced as a result of the accident. You can be compensated for things such as the cost of your current and future medical treatment, loss of your property, emotional pain, and more. As a personal injury lawyer in Brookfield, Wisconsin can tell you, insurance companies use a special formula to calculate damages, but you should always refer to a lawyer so that they can do their own calculations as well to ensure that the amount is accurate.

When you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence in Brookfield, WI, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. Understanding the types of damages available can help you navigate the legal process more effectively. At Hickey & Turim S.C., we specialize in personal injury law and are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Here are the primary types of damages you can claim in a personal injury case:

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are intended to compensate for financial losses directly resulting from the injury. These are quantifiable expenses and include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital bills, surgical costs, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical expenses that may arise.
• Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery period.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury has impacted your ability to earn in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for the difference between your earning capacity before and after the injury.
• Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged as a result of the incident (e.g., a car in a vehicular accident), you could claim the cost of repairs or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate for non-monetary losses that are more subjective and harder to quantify. These include:

• Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the injury.
• Emotional Distress: If the injury has caused significant emotional or psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you can seek compensation.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury has hindered your ability to enjoy day-to-day activities and hobbies, you may be entitled to damages for this loss.
• Loss of Consortium: This relates to the impact the injury has had on your relationship with your spouse or family members, including loss of companionship and support.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages. These are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are relatively rare and are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were especially egregious.

Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Having a personal injury lawyer work for you can greatly reduce the stress that you have to go through. As an accident victim, you should not have to deal with the aftermath of a case. Hire a dedicated lawyer at your side who will be able to fiercely advocate for your rights as a victim.  Personal injury claims are highly complex. There are many forms that must be filled out for the claim to be submitted. There are too many risks in getting a claim wrong and you can lose out on compensation that you are entitled to.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Brookfield, WI

When pursuing a personal injury claim, one of the critical legal considerations is the statute of limitations. This legal concept refers to the deadline within which you must file your lawsuit. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is a crucial factor that can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. At Hickey & Turim S.C., we want to ensure our clients are fully informed about their rights and the timelines that govern their cases.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations sets a specific time frame within which a plaintiff must file a lawsuit. If this period expires, you lose the legal right to pursue a claim, regardless of the merits of your case. The purpose of the statute of limitations is to encourage timely filing and to ensure evidence remains fresh and available.

Wisconsin’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means you have three years from the date of your accident or injury to file a lawsuit in court. Failing to do so within this time frame typically results in the court dismissing your case.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

While the three-year statute of limitations is standard for most personal injury cases in Wisconsin, there are exceptions and specific circumstances that can alter this timeframe:

1. Discovery Rule: In some cases, the injury or its cause may not be immediately apparent. The statute of limitations may be extended based on the date when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
2. Minors: If the injured party is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the minor reaches the age of 18. Therefore, they typically have until their 21st birthday to file a lawsuit.
3. Incapacity: If the injured party is deemed legally incapacitated at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the incapacity is lifted.
4. Claims Against Government Entities: If your claim is against a government entity, different rules apply. In Wisconsin, you must file a notice of claim within 120 days of the injury, and the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is shorter than for other personal injury cases.

Importance of Acting Promptly

Understanding and adhering to the statute of limitations is vital for preserving your legal rights. Acting promptly not only ensures compliance with legal deadlines but also aids in gathering and preserving evidence, locating witnesses, and building a stronger case. Delays can result in lost evidence, faded memories, and a weakened legal position.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Laws in Brookfield, WI

What should I do immediately after a personal injury accident?

After a personal injury accident, prioritize your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Document the accident scene by taking photographs and gathering contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to the relevant authorities, such as the police or your employer if it was a workplace accident. Finally, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?

To determine if you have a valid personal injury claim, consider whether your injury resulted from another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. A valid claim typically involves proving that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries and damages as a result. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial, as they can evaluate the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and provide a professional assessment of your claim’s validity.

What types of compensation can I seek in a personal injury case?

In a personal injury case, you can seek various types of compensation, including economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means you must initiate legal action within this period, or you risk losing the right to pursue compensation. However, certain exceptions and specific circumstances can alter this timeframe, such as cases involving minors, incapacitated individuals, or claims against government entities. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures you meet all necessary deadlines.

How can a personal injury lawyer help me with my case?

A personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout your case by offering expert legal advice, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. They will help gather evidence, document your injuries and damages, and build a strong case to maximize your compensation. An attorney’s experience and knowledge of personal injury laws ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment and a just settlement for your injuries.

Receive Urgent Legal Assistance

There are many benefits you can gain from talking to a lawyer. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until the last minute to request legal assistance. There is limited time to file a claim. You need to have the right documents, evidence, and other things submitted to receive compensation. Learn more about legal services you can have access to and how a personal injury lawyer in Brookfield, Wisconsin at Hickey & Turim, SC can be there to support you.