Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.Elkhorn WI Attorneys | Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate Law2024-03-14T12:11:05Zhttps://www.godfreylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=492032024-03-14T12:11:05Z2024-03-14T12:11:05ZHealthcare costs
Just the process of diagnosing a brain injury can cost someone thousands of dollars. The specialized imaging tests necessary to diagnose a brain injury can have large price tags attached. The treatment that someone requires can quickly become incredibly expensive. People may need to undergo surgery to relieve the swelling on their brains. They may require rehabilitative care as they relearn certain functions. The cost of treating a brain injury over the course of someone's lifetime can range from $85,000 to millions of dollars in some cases.
Accommodations for daily life
Even with occupational therapy and other medical care, those with moderate to severe brain injuries may have lasting symptoms. They may therefore require changes to their homes or to their vehicles to make them safer and more accessible. People may need to make a vehicle accessible by wheelchair or drivable with their hands only. They may need to alter their living space as well. Those basic accommodations can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on someone's specific needs.
Lost earning capacity
What someone earns is a reflection of their physical capabilities, professional experience and acquired knowledge. Brain injuries can affect motor function, personality and memory. They can alter decision-making and otherwise diminish someone's job performance. Many people adjusting to life with a TBI have to prepare for changes in their employment. People may need to move to less demanding professions where wages are lower or cease working altogether in some cases.
People need to understand the financial consequences of a brain injury if they hope to obtain appropriate compensation given their losses. Working to estimate the financial impact of a TBI can help people better handle a personal injury claim to cover the costs that another party’s negligence has inspired.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=492012024-03-06T13:56:25Z2024-03-06T13:56:25ZIf you get injured in a car accident, you may need substantial financial compensation. Perhaps the other driver was responsible and negligently caused the accident by driving under the influence, texting and driving, breaking the speed limit or something else of this nature. They should be responsible for the costs that you face.
But what type of compensation could you even consider? You don’t want to leave anything on the table, so here are a few key examples.
Medical bills
Just being transported to a hospital can create immediate medical bills that may be hundreds or thousands of dollars. But you could also need extensive compensation for surgical procedures, overnight stays in the hospital and emergency intervention. Medical bills can quickly spiral out of control and become more than you could ever afford to pay back on your own.
Lost earnings
Additionally, a car accident likely means that you have to miss at least a certain amount of time at work. Even if it’s just a few days, you’re still losing wages. This can be very significant if you’re out of the workforce for weeks or even months.
Long-term costs
Next, consider any long-term costs that you may be facing. Maybe you need to go to physical rehabilitation, or maybe your injuries mean that you’re going to need lifelong care and assistance. Perhaps those injuries have led to a loss of earning capacity that affects the rest of your career.These are just three examples of potential compensation you can seek after a crash. If you find yourself in this position, be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=492002024-02-19T19:31:29Z2024-02-19T19:31:29ZWhat constitutes a catastrophic injury?
Defining what constitutes a catastrophic injury involves considering various factors. An injury that requires extensive and costly medical treatment can be classified as catastrophic, even if it does not result in permanent deformity or long-term damage.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
traumatic brain damage
permanent wounds or deformities
amputations
loss of hearing or vision
damage to the spinal cord
severe burns
After a catastrophic injury, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common. This turn of events can also lead to debilitating anxiety, withdrawal from social activities and noticeable personality changes or mood swings.
Many catastrophic injuries not only require emergency care but also necessitate long and difficult recovery processes. The cost of rehabilitation can be very high, and individuals with injuries that prevent them from living independently may need in-home care for the rest of their lives. These situations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
What to do after a catastrophic injury
You have the right to seek compensation if you are the victim of a catastrophic injury caused by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. In order to pursue your case, seek assistance from someone who understands personal injury law and how the law can be applied to your case uniquely.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491982024-02-05T22:37:12Z2024-02-05T22:37:12ZIt can be dangerous to drive around semi-trucks, although it is often unavoidable. These trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, weighing approximately 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This means that people in smaller vehicles are much more likely to suffer serious injuries if they get involved in an accident.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to stay safe. It’s important to consider ways in which driving around trucks may be different than driving around other passenger vehicles. Below are three tips that will help.
Beware of the blind spots
First and foremost, because of their size and design, semi-trucks have a lot of blind spots. It may be difficult to see the driver if you are on the side of the truck, directly behind it or even directly in front of the cab. Try to stay out of these blind spots, increasing your following distance or passing the truck if necessary.
Watch for wide turns
Many motorists get hit when trucks make wide turns. A truck may be turning right when a driver pulls their car up on the right-hand side of the truck, thinking that they have plenty of space. But the trailer is going to swing through that space as the truck turns, striking the car.
Keep an eye on your mirrors
Semi-trucks have long stopping distances that can be almost twice as long as passenger cars. If you’re stopped at a red light or in stalled traffic, watch your mirrors to see if a truck is coming up behind you. Many rear-end accidents happen when trucks do not stop in time.Have you been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck? If so, take the time to look into all of your options to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491962024-01-23T01:15:44Z2024-01-23T01:15:44ZMany drivers believe that setting the phone down eliminates the distraction of that device. For example, maybe they are at a red light when they get a text message. They look at the text because the car isn’t in motion, so it seems safe. When the light turns green, they put the phone down and start driving again, never suffering from distraction behind the wheel.
At least, that is what they believe. But studies show that this is not the case. The distraction from using a phone actually lasts for around 27 seconds, even after a person stops using that device. They may not be manually or visually distracted, but they are still cognitively distracted by thinking about that activity.
What does this mean for road safety?
The problem is that a person can’t just turn off the mental distraction. Maybe they were texting their boss about a big project that they have to do and they’re running behind. Even though they set the phone down, they’re still thinking about the project, the deadline, their boss’s reaction and maybe even the status of their career. As they start driving through the intersection, these distractions remain.Additionally, some people will use their phones for activities that are inherently distracting. For example, studies have also found that listening to music is a form of distraction. Many drivers will hold their phone while selecting a playlist or an album and then set the phone down while the music plays. But they could still be distracted and cause a serious crash.Have you been injured by a negligent driver who caused an accident? If so, be sure you know what legal options you have.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491952024-01-17T15:55:40Z2024-01-17T15:55:40Zdifferent types of distractions is crucial for drivers. There are three main categories: visual, manual and cognitive. Each type of distraction represents a unique way in which a driver's focus can be pulled away from the task of driving.
Taking eyes off the road
Visual distractions occur when a driver looks away from the road. This could be due to checking a GPS device, looking at a street sign or turning to talk to passengers. Even glancing away for a few seconds can be dangerous. For instance, reading a text for five seconds while driving at 55 mph is akin to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Hands off the wheel
Manual distractions involve taking hands off the steering wheel. This might happen when eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or using a smartphone. These activities might seem insignificant, but they can significantly impair the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle and respond to unexpected situations.
Mind off driving
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver's mind isn't focused on driving. This can be due to daydreaming, stress, or engaging in a deep conversation. These distractions can be less obvious but are equally hazardous. They lead to a delay in reacting to road signs, signals, and movements of other vehicles.
Short distractions, lasting just a few seconds, can result in severe consequences. The risk of a crash increases significantly when a driver's attention is diverted. Victims of these crashes should ensure they get medical care right away. They may file a compensation claim to help cover the expenses related to the crash, provided that they were not the ones at fault. The time to do this is limited by Wisconsin law, so victims should file their claims quickly after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491922024-01-08T22:41:59Z2024-01-08T22:41:59ZWhile it’s a dream for some people to buy a home and renovate it to their ideal image, it’s not the dream for everyone. Many people want a home that’s readily available for them to move into without any difficulties. However, rushing into a home purchase without making the right considerations can lead people to feel buyer’s remorse once they find out their new home is a fixer-upper.
One of the things that can help people avoid fixer-upper homes is by hiring a home inspector. Here’s what you should know:
What a home inspector looks for in homes
A home inspector is trained to find issues in homes that might lead to difficulties for homeowners after a purchase. A qualified home inspector may even help buyers get a better estimate on the value of a home and help them understand what a home needs before it’s livable. Here are a few things home inspectors look for and why they’re problematic:
Roofing: Holes or missing shingles in a roof may indicate weathering, damage and infestations.
Plumbing: Rusty pipes could indicate water damage or sewage problems.
Water damage: Mildew smells or wet spots could indicate mold, leaking and flooding.
Foundation issues: Cracks in the outer and inner walls may indicate instability and larger issues with the land.
Windows: Shattered glass, uneven frames or old windows could indicate heating issues, bug problems and weathering.
Wiring: Exposed wires or poorly made electrical repairs could indicate fire hazards and unqualified maintenance in a home.
Wall damage: Holes in the wall could indicate former or present mice, rat or bug infestations.
It’s important to consider what a home inspector discovers about a home. What they discover could reveal the true value of a home. However, it may require the help of legal guidance to know what to do next as you consider a home purchase. ]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491872023-12-27T22:00:35Z2023-12-27T22:00:35ZIf your teen learned to drive and got their license this year while the weather was relatively mild, they may be in for a shock when they try to drive in the snow and ice this winter. As a parent, you want to prepare them before they have to get on the road.
That means getting back in the passenger seat and doing some practice before they take on the Wisconsin winter roads on their own. This can help them get a feel for the conditions they’ll be facing and better prepare them to deal with drivers who aren’t as careful as they need to be.A good first step is to help your teen practice driving on ice and snow in an empty parking lot. You can use a school parking lot during winter break or on the weekend, for example.
A few important things to teach your teen about winter driving
Before they even get in the car, they need to clear the windshield of snow and ice as well as windows, headlamps and the backup camera. They may have to park and do this intermittently while they’re en route somewhere. Make sure they can find the defroster button quickly and know how to adjust the car’s temperature to defog the windows.Make sure they know what to do if they hit a patch of ice. A spinout can be frightening and highly risky. Black ice can be especially dangerous because you don’t see it. The concept of turning into a skid is counterintuitive, but that’s the recommended strategy. Make sure they know not to panic and slam on the brakes.Finally, be sure your teen knows when they should stay off the road. That means keeping an eye on the upcoming forecast and not getting behind the wheel if it’s not necessary. Further, there may be times when the safest thing to do is stop somewhere safe and wait out the worst of a storm.Teaching your teen to drive safely during Wisconsin’s harsh winters can help them avoid a crash with a driver who isn’t driving safely. Everyone needs to lower their speed and increase their following distance. Weather is rarely considered a valid excuse for causing a crash. If your teen suffers injuries in a crash caused by another driver, you likely have the right to compensation for expenses and other damages.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491852023-12-13T15:56:51Z2023-12-13T15:56:51ZThings can change quickly in an accident scene. That's why it's crucial to take photos immediately, when possible, to preserve evidence. But the pictures you take should be detailed enough to support your claim.
Below are four tips for taking pictures after an accident:
1. Take pictures of all vehicles involved
You should get photos of all vehicles involved in the accident. Make sure you get the positions of the cars before they are moved. Take the pictures from different angles.
2. Capture the damage on your car
After taking pictures of all vehicles, document the damage on your car (internally and externally). Take close-up shots of the broken windows, scratches, deployed airbags and so on.
3. Document your injuries
Take pictures of your injuries and those of anyone involved, such as your passengers. Capture any cuts, burns, bruises and so on. These pictures will be beneficial when claiming medical expenses.
4. Take photos of the surroundings
You should get the surroundings of the accident scene from different angles. Things to pay attention to include traffic lights and signs, the weather conditions and the roadway.With traffic lights and signs, you can collect evidence that proves the other driver violated a traffic law, causing the accident. Documenting the weather conditions can also provide insight into an accident’s causes. In addition, skid marks can show how fast a vehicle was traveling before the accident. Accordingly, they can serve as crucial evidence in determining fault. When you’ve been injured in a wreck or a loved one is hurt, it can be difficult to obtain fair treatment from the insurance company of the driver responsible. Legal guidance can make all the difference.]]>On Behalf of Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C.https://www.godfreylaw.com/?p=491822023-11-29T23:26:28Z2023-11-29T23:26:28ZThe aftermath of a car accident can be a whirlwind of emotions, from shock and disbelief to worry and concern. These early minutes and hours can even be so chaotic and adrenaline-fueled that you might not realize you suffered an injury.
You may think an injury you failed to notice right away is not severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, there are many reasons, including your well-being, to undergo a thorough medical review after an accident.
To detect hidden injuries
Some injuries, both severe and minor, do not present symptoms immediately. For example, it is not uncommon for days or weeks to pass before brain injury victims experience symptoms.A prompt medical assessment can reveal potentially severe injuries in time to receive early treatment. In turn, this may aid your recovery and improve your long-term prognosis.
To understand damages
Many people misunderstand what the word damages means in injury law. It describes the harm you suffered, such as the loss of your vehicle (property damage) and your injuries.The term also describes what you are entitled to receive in compensation for your losses, including your physical injuries. If you encounter this term during your claim, ensure you understand its context.
To support your claim
Unfortunately, auto insurance companies are unlikely to take it on your word alone that an accident left you injured. A doctor’s opinion in the wake of the crash serves as crucial evidence for the injury portion of your claim.Your medical records provide a detailed account of your injuries and their cause, which is essential in establishing a claim under Wisconsin law. Legal guidance can help you use this and other evidence to strengthen your claim further.]]>