Rice Lake Personal Injury Law Office
For more than a decade, Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has proudly guided our clients through legal matters centering on personal injury cases, workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability (SSD). Our attorneys have represented clients in communities throughout Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota, including Rice Lake.
With diverse backgrounds and extensive cumulative experience, our Rice Lake personal injury lawyers are prepared to provide legal guidance and representation to clients facing even the most challenging legal issues. Whether we are negotiating a settlement on their behalf after they’ve been in an auto accident, or appealing their denied disability benefits or workers’ comp benefits, clients rely on our firm for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy.
Community Involvement Will Always Be A Priority
At Nicolet Law Office, we are proud of our commitment to being community leaders across our numerous offices. From donating time to money to legal guidance, our dedication to community service will never waver.
- Feed my people: Nicolet Law Office donated $1,000 to St. Vincent de Paul of Rice Lake. They partner with Feed My People to address food security gaps for residents of Barron County.
We encourage readers to learn more about our ongoing charitable efforts. Additionally, we are currently focusing a great deal of attention on our 10th Year Giving Program.
For help with your injury case, bankruptcy issues, accident-related needs, or workers’ comp and SSD questions, please contact our Rice Lake office today by calling 715-226-6241.
Rice Lake Personal Injury FAQs
Thousands of people get hurt in various types of accidents all across the Rice Lake area, and injuries occur because of someone else’s negligence in most cases. In Rice Lake, many personal injury claims can also stem from car accidents or other motor vehicles accidents like motorcycles or trucks.
The Rice Lake area sees roughly 1,228 car collisions a year, and on average 300 of those claims typically lead to a personal injury claim. Highways near Rice Lake have a high potential of an accident due to increased traffic and distracted drivers.
Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can help our Rice Lake neighbors navigate the legal system when they file personal injury claims. If you suffered a personal injury in Rice Lake, contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation.
How Can You Prove Liability?
A common way of proving liability is by showing how the defendant was negligent. The first step is to establish the other party had a legal duty of care. For example, the driver of a car has a duty of care to their passengers and other vehicles on the road.
Next, the injured party has to prove the defendant breached the duty of care. For instance, a dog owner failed to secure their pet properly. The breach should have caused the injuries directly. The harm led to damages, such as medical expenses or property damages.
For product liability cases, “strict liability” may apply instead. The victim does not need to prove negligence to obtain compensation. In some cases, you can establish intentional conduct to prove who was at fault for the incident. The liable party committed the offense with the desired purpose or with significant certainty of the consequences. Assault and battery cases generally use intentional conduct.
Who Determines Liability?
The one who determines liability can depend on the circumstances of the case. If a Rice Lake personal injury attorney represents the injured party, they usually investigate the claim thoroughly. The firm at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers often reviews medical and police reports to get a better understanding.
Once the lawyer discovers all the possible at-fault parties, they will determine who is and is not liable. Then, they present the case to the opposing side in settlement negotiations, or before a court.
Of course, the insurance company generally holds an independent investigation. They may draw different conclusions as to who caused the accident. If no one can reach an agreement, a civil court judge or jury may give the final verdict on who was negligent. A civil court judge or jury gets involved if you and your attorney file a personal injury lawsuit.
Are There Personal Injury Damage Caps?
Wisconsin is one of the several states with laws to cap the amount of compensation a person can receive in certain kinds of claims or lawsuits. The rules normally apply to specific types of cases. Wisconsin caps non-economic damages at $750,000 for medical malpractice cases only. Non-economic damages would include lost enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
A person can recover punitive damages in all types of injury cases up to a maximum of $200,000 or twice the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater. However, victims do not get reimbursed for punitive damages very often. The plaintiff would need to show proof of extreme negligence or malicious intent from the defendant.
If My Case is Settled, How Long Until the Settlement Check Arrives?
Typically, you do not need to wait long to receive your settlement check once a case is settled. A person might get their check in a week or two. In some cases, the waiting period may last three to six weeks. The insurer may delay issuing payment until they obtain your signed release.
Once the check arrives, your attorney will create a settlement statement. The statement includes the collected amount and how much fees and court costs they subtracted. After the lawyer deducts the legal fees, you will receive your compensation.
What Is a Release?
In exchange for getting your reimbursement and additional damages, you may need to sign a release in the settlement. Sometimes called a waiver, a release is a legal document in which you give up certain legal rights. The defendant and their insurer gain protection from any further legal action. The injured party can expect their settlement check in return.
The document allows the case to resolve, and all the parties can move on. You may need to get permission from your insurance company before signing a release, especially for car accident claims. You should have a personal injury attorney to help you look over the document before signing to prevent misunderstandings.
What Are the Types of Settlement Payments?
A settlement might arrive in the form of a lump sum. A lump-sum payment means you get all the money at once. Some people choose a lump sum for liquidity and the ability to decide where to invest the money.
Another method of payment is a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you receive compensation in the form of a series of payments. Both parties will determine the timeline in which you get the money. A person might choose a structured settlement for money management reasons and to meet long-term goals.
Your settlement generally remains tax-free regardless of which form you choose, except in certain instances depending on the language of the settlement agreement and the purpose.
Speak With a Rice Lake Personal Injury Attorney Today
Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers dedicate ourselves to empowering every client. Our team not only represents individuals, but is also passionate about staying involved with our community. Each case is different and will have varying results. The attorneys at our firm commit to achieving the best outcome possible for our Rice Lake neighbors.
If you believe you have a personal injury case, reach out for a free case review. We serve multiple locations in Wisconsin, including Rice Lake. To learn more about your personal injury claim, contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers now for your free case evaluation.
Visit Our Convenient Office Location
Our Rice Lake location is easy to find at the corner of North Main Street and Humbird Street. Main Street runs north to south through town, so once you have found Main Street locating our office will happen fairly quickly. We are located on the same block as Sterling Bank, which sits just to the south of our office.
If you are coming from west of town (including northwest or southwest), U.S. Highway 53 will get you close to town, then you can take Knapp Street east until you get to Main Street. From there, turn south and stay on Main Street until you get to our office. From the northeast, take Highway 48 to Knapp Street, then turn left (east) until you get to Main Street. Head south on Main Street until you arrive at our office. From the southeast, you can come into town a variety of ways (such as Oakdale Road/East Sawyer Street), but as with the other directions, you will still head for Main Street. Once there, head north on Main street until you arrive at the corner of Main and Humbird.
Speak With a Rice Lake Personal Injury Attorney Today
For more than a decade, Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers has proudly guided our clients through legal matters centering on personal injury cases, workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability (SSD). Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers dedicate ourselves to empowering every client. Our team not only represents individuals, but is also passionate about staying involved with our community. Each case is different and will have varying results. The attorneys at our firm commit to achieving the best outcome possible for our Rice Lake neighbors.
If you believe you have a personal injury case, reach out for a free case review. We serve multiple locations in Wisconsin, including Rice Lake. To learn more about your personal injury claim, contact Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers now for your free case evaluation.
Rice Lake Office
337 North Main Street
Rice Lake, WI 54868
Phone: 715-226-6241