Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

Going through the legal aftermath of an accident can be a confusing and stressful experience. As attorneys, we understand the weight of these challenges and provide the steady, sophisticated representation needed to secure your future. With a century of service as a foundation, we at Godfrey, Leibsle, Blackbourn & Howarth, S.C., have the deep-rooted experience necessary to take on insurance companies and negligent parties throughout southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Strategically located in the greater Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago metropolitan triangle, our firm has developed a strong network of relationships and an expanded footprint to meet client demands in Wisconsin and across the United States.

Below, you will find answers to frequently asked questions about personal injury law. To speak directly to a personal injury attorney about your specific questions and concerns, reach out to our firm today.

Do I need an attorney, or can I resolve this myself?

Some smaller claims may be settled without an attorney. However, you owe it to yourself to consult with a legal professional to fight for the best possible outcome. Waiting months or years to seek counsel can jeopardize your case, so the best time to hire an experienced personal injury attorney is immediately following the incident.

How much will it cost to hire an attorney?

We handle personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis. This means that our firm only receives a fee if we are successful in recovering compensation for you. If we do not secure a settlement or jury award on your behalf, then you do not owe us an attorney fee.

How much is my case worth?

Each case, whether involving a motor vehicle accident or a complex medical malpractice claim, is unique. The value of a claim is based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, liability, total medical bills, lost wages, your ability to work following the accident and whether there is permanent disability or scarring.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Wisconsin’s statute of limitations allows a very specific amount of time to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. Generally, an adult must file within three years of the date of injury. Failure to act within this time frame will result in being barred from making a legal claim, so time is of the essence. Note that the time frame for minors varies depending on specific factors.

How long will it take to resolve the claim?

The amount of time needed to resolve your case depends on your particular circumstances. Depending on the type of case and the damages, resolution may take anywhere from a few months to several years. Ultimately, the timeline comes down to the complexity of the evidence, the duration of your medical treatment and the willingness of the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.

My accident was in another county. Can your firm still represent me?

Yes. We are licensed to practice throughout the state of Wisconsin. We never back down from a complex legal challenge just because the incident occurred outside of Walworth County or in a different part of the state. We will provide the same sophisticated advocacy and personalized attention to your personal injury or motor vehicle accident claim, regardless of which Wisconsin courtroom requires our presence.

I was hurt in a car accident while I was working. Can I still file a claim?

If you are injured while performing your job due to “third-party liability” – meaning someone other than your employer or a coworker was responsible – you may file a claim against that party. If no third party is involved, your remedy is typically a workers’ compensation claim for benefits like medical treatment and disability payments.

The other driver has no insurance. What now?

When the at-fault driver is uninsured (UM) or underinsured (UIM), we then determine your options based on your own insurance policy. We can help you pursue a claim for compensation from your own insurance provider to cover your losses.

Who will pay my medical bills?

Your health insurance or the medical payment provision of your auto policy may cover initial treatment. If you are represented by our firm, we can act on your behalf to speak with health care providers and billing agencies to defer payments while your case is pending. We work to get your case settled as quickly as possible so you can resolve your medical debt.

A claims adjuster for the at-fault party’s insurance company is trying to contact me. What should I do?

If the party responsible for your injuries is insured, a claims adjuster from that party’s insurance company may try to contact you. The adjuster will want to take your statement and gather information from you. You are not obligated to provide a statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster. Their goal is often to get details that may be used against you later; you should politely decline and refer them to your lawyer.

You Deserve Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys On Your Side

At our firm, we will lead you through the complex and often overwhelming process of making a successful claim in Elkhorn or elsewhere in Wisconsin, advising you on specific ways to maximize the value of your case.

If you’re facing the overwhelming aftermath of an accident, the best time to hire an experienced personal injury attorney is now. Schedule a consultation with our legal team by completing the intake form or calling 262-422-6607.

We handle a wide range of injury cases, from distracted driving collisions and trucking accidents to wrongful death.