Losing a family member is one of the hardest things a person can go through. When that loss happens because of someone else’s negligence, the pain may be even harder to bear. You may be facing funeral costs, lost income, and a future that looks nothing like what you had planned.
It’s a lot to deal with, but you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Our Milwaukee wrongful death lawyers can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Your family may be able to recover financial compensation for what you have lost.
Shore Law has recovered more than $250 million in settlements and jury awards on behalf of our clients. Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers can help you get the answers your family needs. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us what happened.
What Is Considered a Wrongful Death in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim when a person dies due to another party‘s negligence or wrongful act. This is a civil case, separate from any criminal charges the negligent person may be facing.
The deceased person’s estate or eligible surviving family members must file the claim on behalf of the family. The settlement or award you may recover is designed to compensate the family for the financial and emotional losses caused by the death.
To qualify, a death must be directly caused by the negligent or intentional actions of another person, business, or entity. Our Milwaukee wrongful death attorneys can review the facts and tell you whether your family has a valid claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law limits who may bring a wrongful death action. In most cases, the claim is filed by the personal representative of the deceased person‘s estate on behalf of surviving family members. Some family members may also file. Typically:
- A surviving spouse may recover damages for loss of companionship and financial support.
- Children of the deceased may recover loss of parental guidance and support.
- Parents may file a claim if the deceased was a minor child.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to file, our attorneys can walk you through Wisconsin’s specific rules and help you understand your legal standing.
How Our Legal Team Can Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim
Wrongful death cases are legally complicated. Grieving families are usually not in a position to handle insurance negotiations, legal filings, and liability disputes on their own. Our attorneys manage all of that so you can focus on your family. Typically, this includes:
- Investigating the cause of death and identifying all responsible parties.
- Collecting evidence and expert testimony to support your case.
- Calculating the total damages incurred.
- Managing all communications with insurance companies.
- Ensuring your claim is filed promptly and complies with all procedural requirements under Wisconsin law.
Our wrongful death lawyers in Milwaukee work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. If we don’t win, you don’t pay our fees.
Damages Your Family May Recover
Wrongful death damages in Wisconsin are meant to compensate the family for real losses. These are not limited to funeral expenses alone. Your family may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills incurred before the death, such as emergency care and hospital stays.
- Lost wages and future income the deceased would have earned throughout their lifetime.
Wisconsin also allows recovery for loss of companionship and support. These damages recognize the emotional and relational loss the family suffers when a loved one is taken too soon.
Wisconsin’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations
In Wisconsin, you usually have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. However, if your claim is related to a motor vehicle accident, the time limit is only two years, according to Wisconsin Statute § 893.54(2m).
Missing this deadline can permanently bar your family from recovering any compensation. There are limited exceptions, but they are narrow and not guaranteed to apply to your situation.
Early in the process is when to hire a personal injury lawyer. This gives our legal team time to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build the strongest possible case before the deadline passes.
Get Help from Our Milwaukee Wrongful Death Attorneys
Losing someone you love to another person’s negligence leaves your family with tremendous grief, but there is financial pressure as well. The funeral costs you may be prepared for, and the loss of your loved one’s income, can have a big impact on your future.
When another person’s negligence causes such emotional and financial hardship, your family deserves to be heard. Our Milwaukee wrongful death attorneys can investigate what happened, identify who is responsible, and fight to recover the full compensation your family is owed.
At Shore Law, we handle the legal process so you can focus on healing. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice for your loved one and your family.
