Catastrophic accidents and subsequent medical expenses can be devastating for the victim and their family. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, contact a Milwaukee catastrophic injury lawyer at our personal injury law firm to pursue financial compensation.
In this Article
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
A catastrophic injury is a severe, life-altering injury or permanent disability that changes a person’s quality of life, independence, or ability to work. These injuries often require extensive medical attention and rehabilitation.
What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries in Milwaukee?
Common severe injuries that are considered catastrophic in personal injury cases include:
- Brain damage/traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Multiple broken bones
- Severe burn injuries
- Partial or complete paralysis
The Lifelong Impact of Catastrophic Accidents
A catastrophic injury impacts every part of an injury victim’s life. They may face a permanent loss of income if they can’t return to work. Medical bills for surgeries, lifelong care, and medication can become overwhelming. These injuries also cause pain, suffering, and a reduced quality of life for victims and their families.
What Are Some Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Some causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Slips and fall accidents from dangerous property conditions
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice (misdiagnosis or treatment errors)
- Birth injuries (like cerebral palsy)
- Dog bites
How Does a Milwaukee Personal Injury Attorney Prove I Have a Valid Case?
Your Wisconsin personal injury attorney must prove:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligence or wrongdoing.
- This breach directly caused your catastrophic injury.
- Your injuries resulted in significant damages.
Who Is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Figuring out who is at fault in a catastrophic injury case can be complex, and multiple parties might share the blame. For example, if you were in a car accident, the other driver or their employer could be liable. In a medical malpractice case, a doctor or hospital might be responsible. For workplace injuries, an equipment manufacturer could be at fault. A property owner could owe you compensation if they ignored a hazard.
How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help Me?
A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses. We investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and interview witnesses. Our team gathers medical records to project your future care needs and handles all negotiations with the insurance company. If negligent parties refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial lawyers can provide legal representation in court. If the accident involves a fatality, we can file a wrongful death claim.
What Compensation May Be Available for Catastrophic Injuries?
When a catastrophic injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, the law allows victims to seek compensation for their losses. This can include medical treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced future earning capacity. You may be able to recover costs for ongoing care, physical therapy, medical devices, and modifications to your home or vehicle. You could also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, and (in some cases) punitive damages.
How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Every case is unique. A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer can assess your civil lawsuit’s value based on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, who is at fault, your lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Settlements for catastrophic injuries can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation for Serious Injuries?
The length a catastrophic injury claim takes to resolve depends on the severity of the injury, the duration of medical care, and the complexity of the case. Some claims settle in months, while others can take years. Acquiring legal services from an attorney can make this process easier.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?
Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault, according to Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence rule if you are partially at fault for an accident. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the damages. An experienced attorney can protect your legal rights and help you pursue fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File in Milwaukee, WI?
Per Wisconsin law, the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the Milwaukee accident. However, certain factors can drastically shorten your timeline—such as a two-year deadline for wrongful death motor vehicle claims or a strict 120-day notice requirement if a government entity is involved. Because missing these windows permanently bars you from compensation, it is vital to discuss your circumstances with a lawyer immediately.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Milwaukee Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact our law office for a free consultation. A lawyer will review your case, explain your legal options for maximum compensation, and answer your questions. Our legal team has a proven track record of successful outcomes, and we work on a contingency fee basis so you only pay if we win.
(312) 223-1700