If you or a loved one has been injured, you know all about the stress, physical toll, emotional damage and financial difficulty an injury can cause. Accidents and injuries are unpredictable and can completely disrupt your life. Having to seek medical treatment, talk with insurance companies and deal with the pain on top of everything else in life adds insult to injury. If you or a family member has sustained injury due to another’s negligence, a personal injury attorney can help you recover financial compensation for those losses.
Contact An Eau Claire Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered an injury or been in an accident, please contact an attorney as soon as possible. There are some limitations for when you can settle your claim, start a lawsuit, or give special notice after you’ve been injured. Waiting too long to talk with an attorney to start the legal process could leave you unable to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. For more personal injury cases in Wisconsin the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to ensure every opportunity to gather evidence and build the strongest possible cases.
Whether the pain from your injury is immediate, or if the symptoms don’t appear right away, it can be hard to tell if you even have a case. At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer free, no-obligation initial consultations so there’s no cost or risk for you. Contact us in Eau Claire to set up a consultation and discuss your potential injury claim.
Injured in Eau Claire? Get Nicolet.
Why Choose Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Eau Claire Personal Injury Claim
Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers has been helping injured clients throughout Wisconsin recover compensation for their serious personal injuries since 2007. During that time, we have grown to become one of the most prominent personal injury law firms in our region, and we have law offices in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including the following recent successes:
- $1.2 million settlement for an auto accident survivor who suffered serious burns
- $1.112 million settlement for a car accident survivor
- $850,000 settlement for a drunk driving accident survivor
Our lawyers have earned consistent national recognition as among the top trial and personal injury lawyers in the country. We have also gained reputations for our tenacity and the zealous representation we provide.
We can review your Eau Claire personal injury claim for free and advise you of your options. If we decide to work together, you can trust we will do all we can to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
Types of Eau Claire Personal Injury Claims We Handle
The attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers handle a variety of Eau Claire personal injury claims, including:
- Eau Claire Car Accidents
- Eau Claire Motorcycle Accidents
- Eau Claire Trucking Accidents
- Eau Claire Drunk Driving Accidents
- Eau Claire Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Eau Claire Wrongful Death
- Eau Claire Dog Bites
- Eau Claire ATV Accidents
- Eau Claire Uber Accidents
We also handle many other types of personal injury claims as well, so don't hesitate to contact us and discuss your case at no cost.
More Information About the Types of Ways People Suffer Personal Injuries in Eau Claire
If someone else’s careless actions in Eau Claire cause an accident that results in severe injuries to you, then you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim seeking financial compensation.
Nicolet Law Office represents victims of personal injuries in Eau Claire in pursuing those claims, whether they involve motor vehicle accidents on Highway 53, or preventable falls at a Barstow Street business, or any other preventable accident that can harm someone.
Car Accidents
Distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and drivers who simply ignore the rules of the road can all put you at unreasonable risk of suffering severe injuries on the streets and highways of Eau Claire. Car accidents are a leading cause of unintentional injuries, many of which can lead to substantial, ongoing costs in your life.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even if you wear a helmet and other protective gear (as recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation), you run the risk of suffering brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and other severe injuries in an Eau Claire motorcycle wreck.
Trucking Accidents
Big trucks, because of their greater overall size, can cause more severe injuries than typical passenger vehicles. Eau Claire trucking accidents, especially those that occur on major thoroughfares like Hwy. 53 and I-94, may inflict severe injuries like dislocations, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injuries.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Despite the state’s strict anti-drunk driving laws, drunk drivers still cause accidents in Eau Claire far too often. Alcohol slows drivers’ reaction times, disrupts their motor skills, and impairs their judgment, all of which can result in deadly accidents that leave victims badly injured or worse.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Icy sidewalks are not the only spots in Eau Claire where residents risk falling and getting hurt. Commercial, residential, and public property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors and to warn others of potential dangers. A hazardous property condition, from ice to spilled liquid to loose floorboards and railings, can precipitate a fall that results in serious injuries.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Wisconsin law holds dog owners liable for injuries their dogs inflict by biting someone. All pet owners in Eau Claire can also face liability for failing to control their pets in a manner that prevents harm to others.
Injured in Eau Claire? Get Nicolet.
Drop by our office to speak with an attorney for free, or call us to schedule an appointment. We also offer video teleconferencing for clients who cannot make it to our office, or we can come to you at your home or hospital room.
Eau Claire Accident Statistics
According to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (WDMV), Eau Claire County reports six traffic fatalities each year on average. Additionally, hundreds of people suffer serious injuries from a variety of injury-causing events. Reach out to an experienced Eau Claire personal injury attorney at Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers if someone else injured you through their carelessness, recklessness, or intentional misconducts.
Source: University of Wisconsin Source: University of WisconsinCommon Eau Claire Injuries and Their Costs
With a combined 108 years of experience under their belts, the lawyers of Nicolet Law Firm have represented victims of a wide range of injuries. Some of those injuries burden their victims with a lifetime of disability, health challenges, and unplanned-for expenses.
Here are some common injuries, and costs, for which Eau Claire accident victims seek our help.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury can leave an Eau Claire victim struggling with profound cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties. The medical costs alone of addressing the varied and evolving complications of a TBI can run into millions of dollars, according to researchers. In addition, a traumatic brain injury can impair a victim’s ability to earn a living, which adds further cost to the already substantial financial toll the injury can take.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
An SCI frequently causes permanent paralysis and loss of sensation below the site of the injury on the victim’s spine. A victim will often face a life transformed by reliance on a wheelchair for mobility, by long-term health complications associated with paralysis, and by the need for significant modifications to home and workspaces to accommodate the disability.
The cost of a spinal cord injury that results in high tetraplegia can run as high as $1 million for the first year of treatment alone, and patients face an average of nearly $200,000 in medical bills for the rest of their lives according to spinal cord injury advocates. Even incomplete spinal cord injuries can cost nearly $350,000 for the first year of treatment.
Broken Hip
Slippery surfaces in Eau Claire put elderly residents, in particular, at risk of falls that result in a broken hip. For many seniors, suffering that injury can trigger a cascade of health complications that put their lives at risk.
The estimated cost of treating a hip fracture runs around $81,000. Because some patients may never fully recover from a hip fracture and its subsequent health challenges, however, a hip fracture can also necessitate the expense of long-term nursing care, which can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Burns
In addition to suffering agonizing pain, facing the risk of a deadly infection, and living with disfiguring scarring, Eau Claire burn victims may need to undergo extensive and expensive care at a specialized burn center, such as those in Madison, Milwaukee, or the Twin Cities. Burns can cost more than $200,000 to treat. Victims with severe burns may end up paying more than $1.5 million for their treatments.
Dog Bites
Treatment for dog bites can cost as much as $30,000. Dog bites can, in addition to breaking the skin, cause severe trauma to the muscle, tissue, and bone beneath. Because of the strength of a dog’s jaws, many victims suffer severe crushing damage in addition to puncture wounds. Sometimes, victims may need surgery to repair ligaments and tendons damaged by the bite. Other times, victims may need to pursue plastic surgery to help remove scarring.
Amputations
Amputation changes a victim’s life. It causes physical pain, of course. But, it also takes a heavy emotional toll by literally transforming a victim’s body and reshaping how the victim can interact with the world.
A single limb amputation can cost over $70,000. Following that initial surgery, many patients will need revision surgeries, which may reshape the stump and remove more of the limb. Each surgery may add to the cost faced by the victim. In addition, many amputees, especially those who lose a leg, choose to use prosthetic devices to increase mobility and independence.
Depending on the complexity of a prosthesis, it may cost between $5,000 and $50,000. Amputees may also need to calculate the cost of a wheelchair or crutches to aid in mobility when not using a prosthesis. Most prosthetics require regular replacements, since on average, they last only about three to five years.
What Should I Do After an Accident in Eau Claire?
If you're involved in an accident in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, well-being, and protect your legal rights. Here's what you should do after an accident:
- Check for Injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
- Move to a Safe Area: If it's safe to do so and your vehicle is obstructing traffic, try to move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- Call the Police: Regardless of the severity of the accident, it's a good idea to call the police. They will create an official report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, addresses, insurance company names, and policy numbers.
- Gather Evidence: If it's safe, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any relevant road signs or signals. This can help establish the circumstances of the accident.
- Obtain Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimony can be valuable in case there's a dispute about what happened.
- Don't Admit Fault: Avoid admitting fault, even if you believe you were responsible for the accident. Fault can be determined by insurance companies and legal authorities.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's a good idea to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim.
- Document Details: Keep a record of all relevant information, including the date and time of the accident, the location, weather conditions, and any conversations you have about the accident.
- Preserve Evidence: If you have visible injuries or damage to your vehicle, document them through photographs. Also, keep records of any medical treatments, expenses, and receipts related to the accident.
- Cooperate with Authorities: Provide truthful and accurate information to the police and your insurance company. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened.
- Notify Your Employer: If the accident occurred while you were working or using a company vehicle, notify your employer about the situation.
- Contact an Attorney: If you suffered injuries or significant property damage, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who specializes in accidents. They can help protect your rights and navigate any legal actions that might arise.
Remember that your safety and well-being should always be your top priority. Following these steps can help ensure that you handle the situation appropriately and protect your interests after an accident in Eau Claire.
How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim in Eau Claire?
Determining whether you have a valid personal injury case in Eau Claire involves considering several factors. While it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney to get a professional assessment of your situation, here are some general points to help you determine if you might have a case:
- Negligence or Wrongdoing: To have a personal injury case, you typically need to show that someone else's negligence or wrongful actions caused your injuries. Negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.
- Duty of Care: The party you believe is at fault must have owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, and property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises.
- Breach of Duty: You need to demonstrate that the party's actions or inactions breached their duty of care. For instance, a driver running a red light or a property owner neglecting to fix a hazardous condition could be considered breaches of duty.
- Causation: You must establish a direct link between the defendant's breach of duty and your injuries. In other words, their actions must have directly caused your harm.
- Damages: You need to have suffered actual damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. If you haven't suffered significant damages, it might not be worth pursuing a legal claim.
Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the legal process can be complex. Consulting with a personal injury attorney is crucial for evaluating the specifics of your case. Attorneys have the knowledge and experience to assess whether your situation meets the criteria for a valid personal injury claim.
What Types of Damages Can I Receive from an Eau Claire Personal Injury Claim?
While the specific damages for individual cases differ, the most common damages in personal injury include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering:
- Medical: People injured due to the negligence of others may recover their medical costs in a personal injury claim. This may include emergency services, ambulance fee, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation equipment and other treatment related to the injury. With injuries that have ongoing medical costs, future medical expenses will be considered along with the initial medical bills.
- Pain and suffering: Some additional losses that victims have to endure include pain, suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. These noneconomic losses are harder to determine, but any experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure that they are considered for the victim’s compensation.
You may be entitled to other forms of compensation as well, but you will need an attorney to review your case and calculate the types and amounts of compensation you need to cover your injuries and losses.
How Much is My Eau Claire Personal Injury Case Worth?
That also depends on what happened to you. In general, the value of a lawsuit depends on three factors:
- The severity of your injuries and, in turn, the cost of your medical care, the impact on your earning ability, and the overall effects of the injuries on your enjoyment of life.
- The strength of the case you have against the parties who owe you damages, measured by the amount of evidence your attorney can collect and use, and the degree of dispute that might arise over what the evidence shows.
- The funds available to pay you, which might consist of insurance carried by the at-fault party, or that party’s personal or business assets.
Hiring a skilled lawyer with a reputation for getting results puts you in the strongest possible position to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Eau Claire?
In Eau Claire, and the state of Wisconsin as a whole, there is a statute of limitations that determines the time frame within which you must file a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets a legal deadline for initiating a lawsuit after an injury has occurred. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time period, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system.
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Wisconsin is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, there can be exceptions and variations to this timeline based on the specifics of your case. For instance, if the injury was not immediately apparent or if the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations might be different. Additionally, certain types of claims might have different time limits.
Because laws can change and individual circumstances vary, it's crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Eau Claire who can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the statute of limitations for your specific situation. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you take timely and appropriate action if you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
How Much Does an Eau Claire Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
An initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is always free. In addition, we represent our personal injury clients on a contingent fee basis. That’s when we work in exchange for a percentage of the money we succeed in recovering for our client. Our client pays us nothing, in other words, unless we deliver results.
You do not owe an attorney fee unless we win your case at trial or negotiate a favorable settlement. Your attorney will make sure you understand all contingency fees and put them in writing, and they will include provisions for out-of-pocket expenses.
Nicolet Law no longer handles Disability or Bankruptcy cases.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Eau Claire Personal Injury Claim?
The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim in Eau Claire can vary widely depending on numerous factors. While some cases might be settled relatively quickly, others can take months or even years to reach a resolution. Here are some key factors that can influence the timeline of your personal injury claim:
- Severity of Injuries: Cases involving more severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and recovery time might take longer to resolve.
- Type of Case: The complexity of your case can impact how long it takes to resolve. Cases with multiple parties, disputed liability, or intricate legal issues might take more time.
- Medical Treatment and Recovery: The length of time it takes for you to fully recover or reach maximum medical improvement can affect the timeline. It's often recommended to wait until your medical condition stabilizes before pursuing a settlement to accurately assess the damages.
- Investigation: The time it takes to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess liability can influence how long the case takes to move forward.
- Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies can take time, as they may engage in back-and-forth discussions to reach an agreement.
- Legal Process: If a lawsuit is filed, the legal process involves steps like discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. This can add significant time to the case.
- Court Availability: If your case goes to court, the availability of the court and the judge's schedule can affect how long it takes to have your case heard and resolved.
- Mediation: Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps both sides negotiate and reach an agreement. It's a less formal process than a trial.
- Trial: If a settlement isn't reached, the case goes to trial. Both sides present evidence, witnesses, and arguments to a judge and/or jury.
- Verdict and Judgment: If the case goes to trial, a verdict is reached. If you win, the court will issue a judgment specifying the compensation amount.
- Appeals (if applicable): Either side may appeal the court's decision if they believe legal errors occurred during the trial.
Keep in mind that each case is unique, and it's challenging to predict an exact timeline. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney in Eau Claire can provide you with a better estimate based on the specifics of your situation. It's important to have realistic expectations and to prioritize the thoroughness of your case over rushing to a resolution. Your attorney will work to ensure your best interests are represented and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What if I'm Partially Responsible for My Injuries in Eau Claire? Can I Still Recover Damages?
Yes, you can still recover damages for your injuries in Eau Claire and throughout Wisconsin even if you are partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a "51% bar." This means that as long as your degree of fault is not greater than 50%, you can still recover damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here's how this works in practice:
- If you are found to be 0-50% at fault: You can recover damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000.
- If you are found to be 51% or more at fault: You may be barred from recovering any damages from other parties involved in the accident.
It's important to note that insurance companies and legal parties will assess fault based on evidence, witness statements, and the circumstances of the accident. If you believe you share some responsibility for the accident, it's recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and advocate for a fair assessment of fault to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve based on the principles of comparative negligence.
What Is The Process For Seeking Compensation for My Eau Claire Personal Injuries?
Here’s a general list of the steps you might go through for an injury caused by another party’s negligence:
- Get a free consultation and case evaluation from an experienced attorney
- Your lawyer will investigate the accident and its cause. They will use evidence to establish the other party's liability for your injuries
- Your attorney will also help you determine the compensation you need
- Your lawyer will file an insurance claim on your behalf and negotiate to get the highest settlement possible.
- If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies your valid claim unjustly, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit for you in civil court.
Note: Not all cases result in a lawsuit. A lot depends on the insurance company’s response to your claim. If you and your attorney find the insurance company’s offer acceptable for your situation, the claims process is over.
Call Our Experienced Eau Claire Personal Injury Lawyers Now
The award-winning trial lawyers at Nicolet Law Firm understand the strain and difficulty an unexpected injury can cause. We’re here to help. Through determined advocacy and a commitment to client service, we secure fair compensation for clients injured in a wide range of accidents and incidents in Eau Claire.
Contact us online or call our Eau Claire office at 715-226-6149 to learn how we can help you.
Injured in Eau Claire? Get Nicolet.
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Resources
Eau Claire Emergency Rooms
If you suffered serious injuries in an Eau Claire accident someone else caused, seek immediate medical treatment from one of the area's emergency rooms or urgent care centers:
- Marshfield Medical Center - Eau Claire: 2310 Craig Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital: 900 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Urgent Care: 733 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- Luther Midelfort Urgent Care: 733 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701
*Disclaimer – Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.
Eau Claire Courthouses
- Eau Claire County Circuit 1: 721 Oxford Ave # 2220, Eau Claire, WI 54703
- Federal Courthouse: 500 S Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54701
- Eau Claire District Court Administration: 4410 Golf Terrace # 150, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Neighborhoods We Serve in Eau Claire
Historic Randall Park (54703), Mt. Washington (54703), North River Fronts (54703), North Side Hill (54701), Third Ward (54701), Airport (54703), Buffington, Dells Park (54703), East Hamilton Ave. (54701), Eastside Hill (54701), Old Wells Road (54703), Otter Creek (54701), Runway Avenue (54703), Upper Westside (54703), Westridge (54703), West Riverside (54703)