Wisconsin Catastrophic Injury Attorney

At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin catastrophic injury lawyers have the professional skills and legal experience to handle all types of catastrophic injury claims. It is our core objective to protect the rights and interests of the injured and the disabled. If you or a loved one sustained a catastrophic injury in an accident, we can help. Contact us today for a free, completely confidential case review with a top Wisconsin catastrophic injury attorney.

Catastrophic injuries permanently alter a person’s life, and catastrophic injury claims involve substantial future medical and quality-of-life damages that go well beyond immediate medical bills. Our personal injury law firm takes on these cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. Contingency fee agreements must be in writing in Wisconsin, and we make sure every client fully understands our arrangement before we begin.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research defines a catastrophic injury as one that “results in permanent functional disability” and “serious injuries that result in temporary functional disability with full recovery.” These injuries can result from various incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports, or workplace hazards. All catastrophic injuries not only require immediate emergency medical care, but also the proper ongoing rehabilitative support.

Catastrophic injuries are not just about current medical bills. These cases require a full evaluation of a person’s life going forward, including lost wages, the cost of future medical treatment, and the impact on a person’s ability to enjoy life. Medical bills alone cannot prove catastrophic injury claims. These cases require a multidisciplinary team of experts, specialized legal expertise, and extensive upfront capital to build a winning framework.

We Handle All Types of Catastrophic Injury in Wisconsin

A catastrophic accident can change a person’s entire life in a single moment. The entire family could be affected. Given the high stakes of these cases, injured victims need a top law firm on their side. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we handle the full range of catastrophic injuries in Wisconsin. Some of the most common examples of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions and TBIs can occur when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. With a severe TBI, there can be long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Our Wisconsin catastrophic injury lawyer has the skills and experience to take on all types of TBI-related claims. 
• Internal Organ Injuries: Most often caused by blunt trauma or penetrating wounds, internal organ injuries can lead to critical conditions that require immediate medical intervention. We understand the complexities of these injuries. 
• Spinal Cord Damage: There is no minor spinal cord injury. Even a seemingly small amount of spinal cord damage is a catastrophic injury that can result in paralysis and other adverse consequences. We help injured victims get compensation for lifelong medical care, loss of earning power, and their pain and suffering.  
• Amputations: Losing a limb—whether in an accident or as a medical necessity post-injury—is life-altering. We provide compassionate legal representation to amputation victims in Wisconsin. Contact our catastrophic injury lawyers for immediate help. 
• Severe Burns: A severe burn can qualify as a catastrophic injury. The victim could be left enduring terrible pain, significant physical disfigurement, deep emotional trauma, and the need for extensive medical treatment. Some burns are the result of electric shock
• Whiplash Injuries: Typically impacts the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons within the neck region. This injury arises from sudden and forceful bending of the neck either forward or backward, often resulting from a rear-end automobile collision.
• Other Injuries: We handle all types of injuries, including broken bones, and more.

Over 30,000 people are injured in Wisconsin car accidents annually, and many of those accidents result in serious injury or catastrophic injury that changes lives forever. Car accident cases, motorcycle accident claims, auto accident and auto collision cases, premises liability claims, nursing home abuse cases, and wrongful death claims all fall within our personal injury law practice areas. If you or a loved one suffered burns, spinal damage, or any other catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, our injury lawyers are ready to help.

Every Catastrophic Accident in Wisconsin Requires a Thorough Investigation

With most types of accidents in Wisconsin, including car accidents, truck accidents, and slip and falls, liability is based on fault. In other words, your ability to hold another party liable for a catastrophic accident depends on your ability to prove liability. Proving liability requires satisfying four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation, and damages. For this reason, every serious accident requires a thorough investigation. Our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers can conduct a proactive, detail-focused investigation.

Insurance companies mount aggressive defenses against high-value claims, and catastrophic injury cases are among the highest-value claims in personal injury law. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements that fail to account for future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages. A lawyer must have trial experience to improve settlement offers, and our Wisconsin personal injury attorney team is fully prepared to take cases to court when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

Recovering Compensation for a Catastrophic Accident in Wisconsin 

A catastrophic accident can change a person’s entire life. In Wisconsin, injured victims have the right to hold the at-fault party legally responsible for the full scope of their damages, including likely future costs and non-economic damages. Our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys have the specialized experience to help victims and families secure the maximum settlement or trial verdict after a catastrophic accident. Financial compensation may be granted for: 

• Property losses; 
• Ambulance fees;
• Emergency medical care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Other medical costs; 
• Medications; 
• Medical devices; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Lost wages; 
• Loss of future earning power 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Mental distress; 
• Long-term disability; 
• Permanent impairment; and
• Reduced quality of life. 

Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving egregious conduct by the responsible parties, serving to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. Wisconsin caps non-economic damages at $750,000 in medical malpractice cases, but other catastrophic injury cases may not have the same limitations. Understanding the full scope of damages available in your personal injury case is something our injury attorney team addresses from the very first case evaluation.

Unique Considerations in Catastrophic Injury Cases

For the purposes of recovering compensation, there are some unique issues to be aware of in catastrophic injury claims. These injuries often entail substantial future costs, including the need for ongoing medical care, comprehensive rehabilitation, and a change in lifestyle. Those damages must be accounted for in any settlement or verdict. Beyond that, non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment are significant in catastrophic cases.

Wisconsin allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, though some personal injury claim deadlines can be shorter depending on the responsible party. Filing deadlines are crucial to avoid losing your claim entirely, and contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident protects your legal rights. Wisconsin’s statute of limitations is more generous than many states, but that does not mean you should wait. Evidence disappears and witness memories fade, so early action gives your legal team the best chance of building a winning case.

Catastrophic injury cases require a strong attorney who has deep knowledge of Wisconsin negligence laws and trial experience. Effective Wisconsin catastrophic injury attorneys are recognized by rating entities and are often board-certified as trial specialists, which indicates rigorous peer review and testing. Lawyers in Wisconsin must be licensed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and working with a law firm that has demonstrated experience in high-stakes catastrophic cases gives accident victims the best chance at the fair compensation they deserve.

Family Members May Need to Support their Loved One Through the Claims Process

Another key issue to keep in mind is that family members often play a role in supporting their loved ones through the claims process in catastrophic injury cases. They provide emotional support, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and, in some cases, even help to make decisions. No matter the situation that you are dealing with, our legal team can help.

The physical and emotional recovery from a catastrophic injury is a long road, and the legal aspects of a case should not add more stress to the process. Our personal injury attorneys handle the entire legal process so that injured victims and their families can focus on healing. From gathering evidence and dealing with the insurance company to negotiating settlements and presenting cases at trial, we take on every task so our clients do not have to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims in Wisconsin

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

You have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Wisconsin under the state’s statute of limitations. However, some deadlines can be shorter depending on the circumstances, such as when a government entity is involved. Missing the filing deadline can result in losing your right to any compensation, so contacting a Wisconsin personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a catastrophic accident is always the right move.

What types of accidents most commonly cause catastrophic injuries?

Catastrophic injuries most often result from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck crashes, premises liability incidents, auto collisions, workplace accidents, and nursing home abuse situations. Any accident involving serious force, a fall from height, or exposure to dangerous conditions can result in a catastrophic injury. Our personal injury law firm handles all of these case types, and we have the experience and resources to investigate any catastrophic accident thoroughly.

Can family members file a claim if their loved one is unable to?

Yes. If a catastrophic injury victim is incapacitated, family members or a legal guardian may be able to file a personal injury claim on their behalf. In cases where a loved one died from their injuries, a wrongful death claim may be available to the surviving family. Our injury attorneys help families understand their legal rights and take the appropriate legal steps during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.

What if the insurance company disputes my claim?

Insurance companies often dispute catastrophic injury claims or offer initial settlements that are far below what the case is actually worth. They know how much these cases can cost and frequently look for ways to minimize payouts or challenge insurance coverage. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced negotiators who are also fully prepared to take your case to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

Catastrophic Accident? The Wisconsin Attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler Can Help

Catastrophic accidents claims are exceptionally complex. Your family does not have to take on the big insurers alone. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are proactive, justice-focused advocates for the people and families who need help the most. Among other things, our Wisconsin catastrophic injury lawyers are prepared to: 

• Conduct a free, comprehensive review of your case; 
• Investigate the accident—obtaining the evidence to prove liability; 
• Connect you with the right medical specialists and document your injuries; 
• Handle any negotiations with the insurance companies; and
• Take your catastrophic injury claim as far as needed to get the best results.  

Our firm takes on catastrophic accident claims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, hourly bills, or other out-of-pocket fees for our clients. Instead, we only get paid when you get paid. With a proven record of successful verdicts and settlements in high-stakes cases, victims and families can rely on our Wisconsin personal injury attorney for top-tier legal representation. 

Contact Our Wisconsin Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin catastrophic injury attorneys are skilled,  compassionate, and experienced advocates for victims and families. If you or your loved one suffered a severe injury, we are here to help. Get in touch at 608-784-4370 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation review of your case. With offices in Onalaska, La Crosse, and Eau Claire, our firm takes catastrophic accident cases throughout Wisconsin and all the surrounding areas.