Personal injury law in Wisconsin provides essential rights to individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. The law ensures that victims receive adequate compensation to cover the damages they suffer, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Understanding your rights under Wisconsin personal injury law can help you make informed decisions as you pursue justice and compensation for your damages.

Right to Financial Compensation

One of the essential rights provided under Wisconsin personal injury law is the right to receive financial compensation for your damages. In other words, if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek monetary compensation, known as damages. The amount of financial compensation you can receive will depend on your damages. If you sustained severe injuries, your compensation will be higher than those with minor injuries. Wisconsin law allows you to seek financial compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)

Right to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Another right under Wisconsin personal injury law is the right to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. If someone’s negligence caused your injury, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. This lawsuit can help you recover damages for your injuries and losses. If the party responsible for your injuries is a company or government entity, you must follow specific procedures before filing a lawsuit. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand these procedures.

Right to Receive Compensation Even if You Were Partially at Fault

Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence system in personal injury cases. This means that you can still receive compensation for your damages, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Under Wisconsin law, if you were partly responsible for the accident, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if you were more than 50% at fault, you would not be eligible for any compensation.

Right to a Fair Settlement

Victims of personal injury in Wisconsin also have the right to a fair settlement. Insurance companies are mandated to engage in good faith negotiations to reach a fair and just settlement with the victims of personal injury. The insurance company must consider all damages you have suffered before offering a settlement. If the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement, you have the right to reject it and take the case to court.

Right to File a Lawsuit Within the Statute of Limitations

Finally, under Wisconsin personal injury law, you have the right to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a deadline by which you must file your personal injury lawsuit. In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your chance to file a lawsuit and recover damages.

Conclusion

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue financial compensation, file a personal injury lawsuit, receive compensation even if you were partially at fault, receive a fair settlement, and file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations. Understanding these rights can help you make informed decisions about your case and increase your chances of success. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the full extent of your rights under Wisconsin personal injury law and to build a solid case for compensation.